Arnold Schwarzenegger Biography

Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger, born on July 30, 1947, is an Austrian and American bodybuilder, actor, businessman, film producer, and politician who served as the 38th governor of California from 2003 to 2011. Schwarzenegger began lifting weights at age 15 and won the Mr. Universe title at age 20. He appeared in the bodybuilding documentary Pumping Iron in 1977, which launched his transition into a film career. Schwarzenegger starred in action films including Commando, The Running Man, Predator, Total Recall, and True Lies, as well as comedies such as Twins, Kindergarten Cop, and Jingle All the Way. At the peak of his career, he was recognized for his rivalry with Sylvester Stallone. As of 2025, Schwarzenegger and insurance commissioner Steve Poizner are the last Republicans to win or hold statewide office in California, with Schwarzenegger being the last Republican to serve as governor as of 2026. Schwarzenegger began weight training in 1960 after his football coach led the team to a local gym.