When it comes to bigger than life personalities, none can compare to Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The Austrian-born American actor, politician, and former professional bodybuilder is a household name for many across the globe. It’s not just his impressive physique that has made him a star — it’s his never-ending determination, ambition, and passion for success that have truly propelled him forward in life.
From playing iconic roles in films like The Terminator and Total Recall to his contributions as Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger continues to be an inspiring figure of success. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of his greatest career highlights and what we can learn from them.
Biography of Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the most iconic figures in Hollywood history. Born in 1947 near Graz, Austria, he took up bodybuilding as a young man and went on to win multiple Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia titles. In the late 1970s, Schwarzenegger decided to pursue an acting career and quickly became one of the world’s most popular action stars.
From 1982-2003, Schwarzenegger starred in films such as Conan the Barbarian, The Terminator films, Total Recall, True Lies and other action hits. He then went on to become Governor of California from 2003-2011 and continued making films throughout his tenure.
Today, Schwarzenegger remains active in both film and politics—and is widely recognized for his philanthropic work. His list of accolades is impressive—from seven Golden Globe nominations to a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame—and he even made cameo appearances in South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut and The Simpsons Movie.
Early Career Achievements
Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the world’s most famous action stars, but his career accomplishments extend far beyond the big screen. Before he gained international fame as an actor, Schwarzenegger had already made a name for himself as a bodybuilder and as a successful entrepreneur.
In 1969, Schwarzenegger won the title of “Mr. Universe” at the age of 23, becoming the youngest person ever to take home this international accolade and cementing himself as one of the top bodybuilders in the world. He parlayed this success into a career in fitness, launching his own magazine and exercise equipment empire.
Schwarzenegger also dove into real estate, building a portfolio that included some of Los Angeles’ most sought-after properties. He even founded what some people call the “ Arnold Classic”—an annual international bodybuilding competition that continues to be held even today.
By 1972, Schwarzenegger was already a well-known name in both bodybuilding and business circles; it was only natural that he began to turn his attention to entertainment after he retired from competing in 1975.
His Rise to Fame in Hollywood
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s iconic career in Hollywood began with starring roles in numerous action films throughout the 80s and 90s. His most memorable roles include the Terminator series, Conan the Barbarian and Total Recall.
In addition to his acting career, Arnold Schwarzenegger is a prolific producer of film and television. He’s produced content under his own production company, Oak Productions, and has also served as executive producer on several motion pictures.
What truly sets Arnold Schwarzenegger apart from other Hollywood actors is his charitable work. He’s a lifelong advocate for physical fitness and health education, having published several books on physical fitness, nutrition and lifestyle management throughout his career. In addition to his work with physical fitness, he’s an outspoken supporter of environmentalism, having established hundreds of thousand of dollars worth of scholarships for environmental students across the globe.
By combining acting with producing, physical fitness advocacy and environmentalism, Arnold Schwarzenegger has created a lasting legacy for generations to come.
His Political Career and Achievements
Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is renowned not only for his success in bodybuilding and Hollywood, but also for his storied political career. During his two terms as governor of California, Schwarzenegger worked hard to bring about positive change to the state.
Balancing the Budget
Under Schwarzenegger’s leadership, the state of California managed to balance its budget for the first time in many years. He led initiatives to both reduce government spending and increase revenue from sources other than taxes.
Reforming Education
Schwarzenegger also pushed for greater investment in education, and worked on reforming the system with measures such as increased teacher pay and a smaller student-to-teacher ratio. He passed legislation to reduce class size and make textbooks more affordable.
Fighting Climate Change
Another key initiative during Schwarzenegger’s tenure was introducing legislation to fight climate change. His Global Warming Solutions Act was designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by making buildings more energy efficient and investing in renewable energy sources.
Philanthropy and Business Ventures
The Governator has always been a fan favorite, but off-screen, he has given back to the public. Arnold has committed himself to several charitable causes throughout his lifetime, including supporting Special Olympics programs and helping push for legislation that supports at-risk children in California.
He has also extended his influence into business ventures and investments. He co-owns the restaurant franchise ‘Planet Hollywood’, and is also a partner in several other businesses such as ‘Schwarzenegger & Co.’ and ‘The Arnold Group’. Arnold’s commitment to giving back extends even further, with investments in the sports nutrition industry, real estate and sports teams.
He also owns an ‘Arnold Ventures’ venture capital fund which helps support numerous nonprofit organizations that focus on environmental conservation, promoting education reform, human rights and more. Arnold is not only dedicating his time as a celebrity but also his money to ensure that future generations have a better world to live in.
After Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the most successful people in Hollywood history, and his career highlights will surely remain a part of popular culture for generations to come.
Films
The ‘Austrian Oak’ first made an impact on the big screen back in the ’70s and ’80s with action classics such as ‘Conan The Barbarian’, and ‘The Terminator’. Fast-forward a few decades, and he continues to star in movies such as ‘Escape Plan’ and ‘Terminator: Genisys’.
Governorship
Many will remember him for his tenure as Governor of California from 2003 to 2011. During this time, Schwarzenegger helped pass several new laws that helped address the state’s fiscal issues and reduce the budget deficit.
Philanthropy
Another important legacy of Schwarzenegger is his philanthropic works. He has worked closely with charities such as After-School All-Stars, which provides children with after-school programs and activities aimed at developing their character through physical activity, education and mentorship. He also founded the R20 Regions of Climate Action in 2010, which serves as a platform for regional government leaders to collaborate on climate change initiatives.
By staying true to himself, remaining humble and using his platform to help others, Arnold Schwarzenegger has cemented an incredible legacy that has earned him admiration all over the world.
After over four decades in the public eye, Arnold Schwarzenegger has built an impressive career, with a variety of highs and lows. From his iconic films to his political career, Schwarzenegger has remained a household name and has managed to turn his fame into a powerful platform for positive change.
