Arnold Schwarzenegger Biography

Arnold Schwarzenegger was born in July 1947. He was raised in a strict catholic household by his parents, who instilled in him a strong sense of ambition.

From a young age Arnie wanted to be a body builder and started to train and lift weights at 15. His ambition was to become the greatest body builder of all time.

He was even known to break into the gym and train until he would collapse from total exhaustion. His dream was finally realised when, at the age of 18, he went AWOL from the Austrian army to take part in the body building competition which was to earn him the title Mr Europa Junior.

This little move also earned him a short stint in prison. Two years, and much muscle pumping later, Arnie became the youngest ever Mr Universe.

Arnie studied marketing at the University of Munich for two years before leaving for America, at the invitation of muscle entrepreneur, Joe Weider, to study Business and Economics.

Arnie's body building success continued as he picked up the title of Mr. Olympia seven times and Mr Universe five times.

His first attempts at a movie career were under the guise of Arnold Black, starring in low-budget movies such as 'Hercules in New York'.

His first big break came in the comedy 'Stay Hungry', which led to further successes in cult-films such as the 'Conan' series and the 'Terminator' series.

Arnie has whole-heartedly embraced the American way, loving the country from the moment he arrived, believing that the USA has a much more positive outlook on life and aspirations than his home country. So much so that Arnie became a naturalised citizen in 1983.

Arnie has previously held positions within the American Government as chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports in 1990 and the weight lifting trainer for the Special Olympics weight training team.

More recently Arnie ran in the California elections for Governor and won, becoming the 38th Governor of California. Arnie now lives with his wife Maria, niece to the late President Kennedy, and their four children.