Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Arnold Schwarzenegger
How Arnold Schwarzenegger built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American actor, businessman, former politician, and bodybuilder. Rising to fame as a bodybuilding champion, he transitioned into a successful acting career, starring in numerous action films. He later entered politics and served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011. His career spans multiple domains, solidifying his status as a cultural icon.
1960: Begins Weight Training
In 1960, Arnold Schwarzenegger began weight training when his soccer coach took his team to a local gym.
1961: Meets Kurt Marnul, invited to train at gym
In 1961, Arnold Schwarzenegger met former Mr. Austria Kurt Marnul, who invited him to train at the gym in Graz.
1963: First Professional Competition
In 1963, Arnold Schwarzenegger participated in his first professional competition.
1964: Wins Weightlifting Contests
In 1964, Arnold Schwarzenegger won two weightlifting contests.
1965: Serves in Austrian Army, wins Junior Mr. Europe
In 1965, Arnold Schwarzenegger served in the Austrian Army and won the Junior Mr. Europe contest.
1965: Junior Mr. Europe Win
In 1965, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Junior Mr. Europe contest.
1965: Wins Additional Weightlifting Contests
In 1965, Arnold Schwarzenegger won two weightlifting contests.
1966: Attends NABBA Mr. Universe competition
In 1966, Arnold Schwarzenegger made his first plane trip to London, attending the NABBA Mr. Universe competition, where he placed second.
1966: Meets Reg Park
In 1966, Arnold Schwarzenegger met his childhood idol, Reg Park, who became his friend and mentor, at Bennett's home.
1966: Wins Powerlifting Contests
In 1966, Arnold Schwarzenegger won two powerlifting contests.
1966: Coached by Charles "Wag" Bennett
In 1966, Charles "Wag" Bennett offered to coach Arnold Schwarzenegger, providing him with a place to stay in London and helping him improve his physique and English.
1967: Wins Mr. Universe Title
In 1967, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Universe title for the first time, becoming the youngest ever at age 20.
1967: Munich Stone-Lifting Contest Win
In 1967, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Munich stone-lifting contest by lifting a 508 German pounds (254 kg / 560 lb) stone.
October 1968: Moves to the United States
In October 1968, Arnold Schwarzenegger moved to the United States at age 21, speaking little English, to pursue his bodybuilding dream.
1968: Started bricklaying business
In 1968, Arnold Schwarzenegger and fellow bodybuilder Franco Columbu started a bricklaying business.
1968: Returns to London to win Mr. Universe title
In 1968, Arnold Schwarzenegger returned to London to win his next Mr. Universe title.
1968: Wins Powerlifting Contests
In 1968, Arnold Schwarzenegger won two powerlifting contests.
1968: Arrival in the United States
In 1968, Schwarzenegger arrived in the United States with "empty pockets but full of dreams". He watched the Nixon-Humphrey presidential race on TV and decided to become a Republican after hearing Nixon speak about free enterprise and limited government.
1969: Acting Career Begins
In 1969, Arnold Schwarzenegger began his acting career, primarily taking on small roles in film and television.
1969: First Mr. Olympia Attempt
In 1969, Arnold Schwarzenegger first attempted to win Mr. Olympia but lost to Sergio Oliva.
1970: Starring Role in Hercules in New York
In 1970, Arnold Schwarzenegger played the title role in Hercules in New York, credited as "Arnold Strong." His accent was dubbed after production.
1970: Mr. Olympia Win
In 1970, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Olympia competition, becoming the youngest ever Mr. Olympia at 23 years old.
1970: Wins First Mr. Olympia Title
In 1970, at age 23, Arnold Schwarzenegger captured his first Mr. Olympia title in New York.
1971: Winning Streak in Competitions
Arnold Schwarzenegger continued his winning streak in the 1971 competitions.
1971: Increased demand following San Fernando earthquake
In 1971, the business flourished thanks to the pair's marketing savvy and an increased demand following the San Fernando earthquake.
1972: Vitamin Sales Tour
In 1972, Arnold Schwarzenegger toured different countries selling vitamins, including Helsinki, Finland, where he presented vitamin pills at the Stockmann shopping center.
1973: Appearance in The Long Goodbye
In 1973, Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared in "The Long Goodbye" as hired muscle for a mobster.
1974: Winning Streak in Competitions
Arnold Schwarzenegger continued his winning streak in the 1974 competitions.
1975: Mr. Olympia Win and Retirement Announcement
In 1975, after filming his training for the documentary "Pumping Iron," Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Olympia title for the sixth consecutive time. Following the competition, he announced his retirement from professional bodybuilding.
1976: Golden Globe Award for Stay Hungry
In 1976, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor for his role in the film Stay Hungry.
1977: Pumping Iron Release and TV Appearances
In 1977, Arnold Schwarzenegger gained attention with the release of "Pumping Iron", and made guest appearances in "The San Pedro Beach Bums" and "The Streets of San Francisco".
1977: Publication of "Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder" and release of "Pumping Iron"
In 1977, Arnold Schwarzenegger published his autobiography, "Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder". Also, in 1977, he appeared in the bodybuilding documentary "Pumping Iron", which propelled him towards a film career.
1977: Autobiography Success and Posing for "After Dark"
In 1977, Arnold Schwarzenegger's autobiography and weight-training guide, "Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder", achieved significant success. Also in 1977, he posed for the gay magazine "After Dark".
1979: Appearance in The Villain
In 1979, Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared with Kirk Douglas and Ann-Margret in the comedy "The Villain".
May 1980: Graduation from University of Wisconsin–Superior
In May 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger formally graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Superior, earning his bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing after completing most of his coursework by correspondence.
1980: Mr. Olympia Comeback and Victory
In 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger came out of retirement and won the Mr. Olympia contest for the seventh time after training for his role in Conan. This victory was controversial, with critics citing his lack of muscle mass and subpar conditioning.
1980: Starred in a Jayne Mansfield Biopic
In 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in a biographical film about Jayne Mansfield, playing Mansfield's husband, Mickey Hargitay.
1982: Breakthrough Role in Conan the Barbarian
In 1982, Arnold Schwarzenegger had his breakthrough role in the sword and sorcery epic "Conan the Barbarian", which became a box-office success.
1983: United States Citizenship
In 1983, Arnold Schwarzenegger received his United States citizenship.
1983: Carnival in Rio
In 1983, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the promotional video Carnival in Rio.
1984: The Terminator and Conan the Destroyer
In 1984, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in "The Terminator" as the eponymous character, marking a signature role in his career. Also in 1984, he starred in "Conan the Destroyer", a sequel to "Conan the Barbarian".
1984: Starring in The Terminator and Conan the Destroyer Sequel
In 1984, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the science fiction film "The Terminator". Also in 1984, the sequel of Conan the Barbarian, "Conan the Destroyer" was released.
1985: Starring in Commando
In 1985, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the action film "Commando".
1985: Red Sonja Release
In 1985, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the sword and sorcery film, Red Sonja.
1985: Appearance in "Stop the Madness" Anti-Drug Video
In 1985, Schwarzenegger appeared in "Stop the Madness", an anti-drug music video sponsored by the Reagan administration.
1986: Raw Deal Release
In 1986, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in Raw Deal.
1987: Releases of The Running Man and Predator
In 1987, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in both "The Running Man" and "Predator", adding to his successful action film roles.
1988: Red Heat Release
In 1988, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the action film "Red Heat".
1988: Starring in Twins
In 1988, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the comedy film "Twins".
1988: Public Notice as a Republican
In 1988, Schwarzenegger first came to wide public notice as a Republican, accompanying then-Vice President George H. W. Bush at a campaign rally.
1989: Started Arnold's Sports Festival
In 1989, Arnold Schwarzenegger started Arnold's Sports Festival, a sports and fitness festival held annually in Columbus, Ohio. The festival hosts thousands of international health and fitness professionals and has expanded into a three-day expo.
1990: Total Recall and Kindergarten Cop Release
In 1990, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in "Total Recall", based on a Philip K. Dick short story, and "Kindergarten Cop", reuniting him with director Ivan Reitman. He also directed an episode of the TV series Tales from the Crypt.
1990: Starring in Total Recall and Kindergarten Cop
In 1990, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the films "Total Recall" and "Kindergarten Cop".
1990: Introduction of "Free to Choose" Series
In 1990, Schwarzenegger introduced the first episode of the Milton Friedman hosted PBS series "Free to Choose".
1990: Chairman of President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports
In 1990, Schwarzenegger was appointed as chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports by President Bush, who dubbed him "Conan the Republican".
1990: Target emissions levels
The emissions need to be reduced to 1990s levels by 2020
1991: Purchased Rights to Pumping Iron
In 1991, Arnold Schwarzenegger purchased the rights to the film, its outtakes, and associated still photography of 'Pumping Iron'.
1991: Terminator 2: Judgment Day Release
In 1991, Arnold Schwarzenegger reprised his role in Terminator 2: Judgment Day, which became the highest-grossing film of the year.
1991: Starring in Terminator 2: Judgment Day
In 1991, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in "Terminator 2: Judgment Day".
1991: Lee Haney breaks Mr. Olympia record
In 1991, Lee Haney won his eighth consecutive Mr. Olympia title, breaking Arnold Schwarzenegger's previous record.
1992: Opened Schatzi On Main Restaurant
In 1992, Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife opened a restaurant in Santa Monica called Schatzi On Main. Schatzi means "little treasure", and colloquially "honey" or "darling" in German.
1992: Directs Christmas in Connecticut
In 1992, Arnold Schwarzenegger directed the telemovie "Christmas in Connecticut".
1993: Red Cross Ambassador
Between 1993 and 1994, Schwarzenegger served as a Red Cross ambassador, recording public service announcements to encourage blood donation.
1993: Named International Star of the Decade and Last Action Hero Release
In 1993, Arnold Schwarzenegger was named the "International Star of the Decade" by the National Association of Theatre Owners. His film "Last Action Hero" was released the same year but did not perform well at the box office.
1993: End of Term as Chairman
In 1993, Schwarzenegger completed his term as chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
1994: Red Cross Ambassador
Between 1993 and 1994, Schwarzenegger served as a Red Cross ambassador, recording public service announcements to encourage blood donation.
1994: Starring in True Lies
In 1994, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the action film "True Lies".
1994: True Lies Release
In 1994, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the spy film "True Lies", reuniting with director James Cameron.
1996: Releases Eraser and Jingle All the Way
In 1996, Arnold Schwarzenegger released Eraser and the Christmas comedy Jingle All The Way.
1996: Starring in Jingle All the Way
In 1996, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the comedy film "Jingle All the Way".
1997: Batman & Robin Release
In 1997, Arnold Schwarzenegger played Mr. Freeze in Batman & Robin, his final film before taking time off due to a back injury.
1998: Sold Schatzi On Main restaurant
In 1998, Arnold Schwarzenegger sold his restaurant, Schatzi On Main, which he had opened with his wife in Santa Monica in 1992.
1999: End of Days Release
In 1999, Arnold Schwarzenegger returned to film with the supernatural thriller End of Days.
2000: The 6th Day Release
In 2000, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the action film The 6th Day, which did not perform well at the box office.
2000: Severing ties with Planet Hollywood
In early 2000, Arnold Schwarzenegger severed his financial ties with the Planet Hollywood chain of international theme restaurants, stating that the restaurant did not achieve the success he had hoped for and that he wanted to focus on new US global business ventures and his acting career. He had invested in the chain along with Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore.
2002: Collateral Damage Release
In 2002, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in Collateral Damage, another film that failed to do well at the box office.
2002: Terminator Statue Proposal
In 2002, Forum Stadtpark proposed building a 25-meter-tall Terminator statue in Graz as a tribute to Schwarzenegger, but Schwarzenegger suggested the funds be used for social projects and the Special Olympics instead.
August 6, 2003: Announces Candidacy for Governor of California
On August 6, 2003, Schwarzenegger announced his candidacy in the 2003 California recall election for Governor of California on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno".
September 24, 2003: Participates in Gubernatorial Debate
On September 24, 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger participated in one debate with other recall replacement candidates in the California gubernatorial election.
October 7, 2003: Elected Governor of California
On October 7, 2003, the recall election resulted in Gray Davis being removed from office, and Schwarzenegger was elected Governor of California with 48.6% of the vote, defeating Cruz Bustamante and others.
2003: Starring in Terminator sequels
From 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in "Terminator" sequels.
2003: Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines Release
In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger reprised his role in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, which earned over $150 million domestically.
2003: Elected Governor of California
In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected governor of California in a special recall election.
2003: Estimated net worth
In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger's net worth was conservatively estimated to be between $100 million and $200 million.
2004: Speech at the Republican National Convention
At the 2004 Republican National Convention, Schwarzenegger gave a speech explaining that he became a Republican because the Democrats of the 1960s sounded too much like Austrian socialists.
2004: Appearance in "Around the World in 80 Days" Remake
In 2004, Arnold Schwarzenegger made an appearance in the remake of "Around the World in 80 Days".
2005: Appearance in "The Kid & I"
In 2005, Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared as himself in the film "The Kid & I". He also voiced Baron von Steuben in the "Valley Forge" episode of "Liberty's Kids".
2005: Resignation as Executive Editor and Criticism
In 2005, Arnold Schwarzenegger relinquished the executive editor role of Muscle & Fitness and Flex after criticisms arose regarding a conflict of interest due to the governor's office making decisions about dietary supplements.
2005: Issued Executive Order
In 2005, Schwarzenegger issued an executive order calling to reduce greenhouse gases to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.
September 27, 2006: Signed Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006
On September 27, 2006, Schwarzenegger signed the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, creating the nation's first cap on greenhouse gas emissions and setting new regulations on emissions for utilities, refineries, and manufacturing plants.
October 17, 2006: Executive order allowing California to work with the Northeast's Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative signed
On October 17, 2006, Schwarzenegger signed an executive order allowing California to work with the Northeast's Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, planning to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Schwarzenegger also adapted one of his Hummers to run on hydrogen and another to run on biofuels and installed solar panels to heat his home.
November 7, 2006: Won re-election as Governor of California
On November 7, 2006, Schwarzenegger won re-election against Democrat Phil Angelides as Governor of California with 56.0% of the vote.
2006: Filed tax returns
Based on tax returns Arnold Schwarzenegger filed in 2006, his net worth was estimated to be approximately $400 million, and even as high as $800 million, at the time of his separation from his wife, Maria Shriver, in 2011.
2006: California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006
Being Austrian and thus European, he was able to win the 2007 European Voice campaigner of the year award for taking action against climate change with the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 and plans to introduce an emissions trading scheme with other US states and possibly with the EU.
2006: Re-elected as Governor of California
In 2006, Arnold Schwarzenegger was re-elected as the governor of California.
2007: European Voice campaigner of the year award
Being Austrian and thus European, he was able to win the 2007 European Voice campaigner of the year award for taking action against climate change with the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 and plans to introduce an emissions trading scheme with other US states and possibly with the EU.
2009: Plan took effect
In 2009, the plan to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by issuing a limited amount of carbon credits to each power plant in participating states took effect.
2010: Cameo in "The Expendables"
In 2010, Schwarzenegger made a cameo appearance in Sylvester Stallone's film, "The Expendables".
January 2011: Script Readings After Leaving Office
In January 2011, shortly after leaving office in California, Arnold Schwarzenegger announced he was reviewing scripts for future films, including "With Wings as Eagles," a World War II drama written by Randall Wallace.
March 6, 2011: Consideration for Movie Sequels and Comic Book Character
On March 6, 2011, at the Arnold Seminar of the Arnold Classic, Schwarzenegger revealed that he was being considered for sequels to "The Terminator", remakes of "Predator" and "The Running Man", and that he was "packaging" a comic book character named the Governator, co-developed with Stan Lee, for a comic book and animated series.
May 20, 2011: Film Projects Halted
On May 20, 2011, Schwarzenegger's entertainment counsel announced that all film projects currently in development were being halted as Schwarzenegger focused on personal matters.
July 11, 2011: Considering a Comeback Film
On July 11, 2011, it was announced that Schwarzenegger was considering a comeback film, despite legal problems related to his divorce.
2011: Estimated net worth after separation from wife
After separating from his wife, Maria Shriver, in 2011, Arnold Schwarzenegger's net worth was estimated to be approximately $400 million, and even as high as $800 million, based on tax returns he filed in 2006.
2011: Term Limit Reached, Returns to Acting
In 2011, Arnold Schwarzenegger reached his term limit as governor of California and returned to acting.
2012: Stars in "The Expendables 2"
In 2012, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in "The Expendables 2" as Trench Mauser.
March 2013: Returns as Executive Editor of Muscle & Fitness and Flex
In March 2013, American Media Inc. announced that Arnold Schwarzenegger had accepted their renewed offer to be executive editor of the magazines Muscle & Fitness and Flex.
2013: Leading Role in "The Last Stand" and Co-starring Role in "Escape Plan"
In 2013, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in "The Last Stand", his first leading role in 10 years, and "Escape Plan", his first co-starring role alongside Sylvester Stallone.
March 2014: Stars in "Sabotage"
In March 2014, Schwarzenegger starred in "Sabotage".
August 2014: Returns in "The Expendables 3"
In August 2014, Schwarzenegger returned as Trench Mauser in "The Expendables 3".
September 2015: Replaces Donald Trump on "The New Celebrity Apprentice"
In September 2015, Schwarzenegger replaced Donald Trump as the host of "The New Celebrity Apprentice".
2015: Stars in "Terminator Genisys"
In 2015, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the fifth Terminator film, "Terminator Genisys".
2016: Hosts "The New Celebrity Apprentice"
During the 2016-2017 TV season, Schwarzenegger hosted "The New Celebrity Apprentice", using his famous quotes "you're terminated" and "get to the choppa" when firing contestants.
January 2017: Instagram Response to Donald Trump
In January 2017, Arnold Schwarzenegger responded to Donald Trump's remarks via Instagram, suggesting they switch jobs.
March 2017: Leaves "The New Celebrity Apprentice"
In March 2017, following repeated criticisms from Donald Trump, Schwarzenegger announced he would not return for another season on "The New Celebrity Apprentice".
April 2017: "Conan the Conqueror" Project Dropped
In April 2017, producer Chris Morgan stated that Universal had dropped the project "Conan the Conqueror", though there was a possibility of a TV show.
September 2017: Release of "Killing Gunther"
In September 2017, the film "Killing Gunther", which had its filming interrupted in August 2016, was released.
February 6, 2018: Amazon Studios Announces "Outrider" Series
On February 6, 2018, Amazon Studios announced they were developing a new series, "Outrider", with Schwarzenegger starring and executive producing. However, the series was never completed.
2018: Partnered with LeBron James to establish Ladder
In 2018, Arnold Schwarzenegger partnered with basketball player LeBron James to establish Ladder, a company that developed nutritional supplements to help athletes with severe cramps.
November 1, 2019: Release of "Terminator: Dark Fate"
On November 1, 2019, Schwarzenegger returned to the Terminator franchise with "Terminator: Dark Fate", produced by James Cameron.
2019: Starring in Terminator sequels
In 2019, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in "Terminator" sequels.
2020: Emissions Reduction Target
By 2020 the plan is to reduce California's emissions by 25 percent to 1990s levels.
2020: Sold Ladder to Openfit
In 2020, Arnold Schwarzenegger and LeBron James sold Ladder, their nutritional supplement company, to Openfit for an undisclosed amount, after reporting more than $4 million in sales for that year.
2021: Stars in "Superhero Kindergarten"
In 2021, Arnold Schwarzenegger headlined the animated streaming series "Superhero Kindergarten" on Kartoon Channel, voicing the lead character Captain Fantastic, created by Stan Lee, Andy Heyward, and himself. He also made a cameo in the FXX adult animated sitcom "Little Demon" during an episode.
2023: Leading Role in "FUBAR" on Netflix
In 2023, Arnold Schwarzenegger played a leading role in the television series "FUBAR", an action comedy on Netflix. The series received mixed reviews but had a successful launch.
2023: Netflix Docuseries "Arnold" Released
In 2023, Schwarzenegger starred in a Netflix docuseries based on his own life titled "Arnold", covering his bodybuilding, acting, and political career.
2024: Voice Acting in "Secret Level"
In 2024, Arnold Schwarzenegger voice acted as King Aelstrom in the "New World: The Once And Future King" episode of the anthology series "Secret Level" on Amazon Prime, a parody of his Conan character.
2024: Forbes estimated Schwarzenegger was a billionaire
In 2024, Forbes estimated that Arnold Schwarzenegger had become a billionaire.
2025: "FUBAR" Canceled After Two Seasons
The Netflix action comedy series "FUBAR", in which Arnold Schwarzenegger played the leading role, was canceled in 2025 after two seasons.
2050: Greenhouse gas levels target
The plan is to reduce greenhouse gases to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.
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