Challenges in the Life of Arnold Schwarzenegger in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Arnold Schwarzenegger faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

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.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1969: First Mr. Olympia Attempt

In 1969, Arnold Schwarzenegger first attempted to win Mr. Olympia but lost to Sergio Oliva.

December 9, 2001: Motorcycle crash in Los Angeles

On December 9, 2001, Arnold Schwarzenegger broke six ribs and was hospitalized for four days after a motorcycle crash in Los Angeles.

2003: Allegations of sexual and personal misconduct

In 2003, during his initial campaign for governor, allegations of sexual and personal misconduct were raised against Schwarzenegger.

2004: Schwarzenegger Describes Childhood Abuse

In 2004, Arnold Schwarzenegger described suffering child abuse at the hands of his father in an interview with Fortune.

2004: Schwarzenegger responds to allegations

In 2004, Schwarzenegger responded to the allegations, admitting he "behaved badly sometimes" and apologized, but also stated that "a lot of [what] you see in the stories is not true".

January 8, 2006: Motorcycle accident in Los Angeles

On January 8, 2006, Arnold Schwarzenegger sustained an injury to his lip requiring 15 stitches after a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles with his son Patrick in the sidecar. Another driver backed into the street he was riding on, causing a low-speed collision. Neither his son nor the other driver were injured.

August 2006: Settlement of libel lawsuit

In August 2006, British television personality Anna Richardson settled a libel lawsuit against Schwarzenegger, his aide, and his publicist.

December 23, 2006: Broke femur while skiing

On December 23, 2006, Arnold Schwarzenegger tripped over his ski pole and broke his right femur while skiing in Sun Valley, Idaho, with his family.

December 30, 2006: Released from the hospital after surgery

On December 30, 2006, Arnold Schwarzenegger was released from St. Johns Hospital and Health Center after undergoing a 90-minute operation on December 26 to repair his broken femur. Cables and screws were used to wire the broken bone back together.

June 19, 2009: Private jet made an emergency landing

On June 19, 2009, Arnold Schwarzenegger's private jet made an emergency landing at Van Nuys Airport after the pilot reported smoke coming from the cockpit. No one was harmed.

May 9, 2011: Shriver and Schwarzenegger ended their relationship

On May 9, 2011, Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger ended their 25-year marriage, with Shriver moving out of their Brentwood mansion.

May 16, 2011: Los Angeles Times revealed son with Mildred Baena

On May 16, 2011, the Los Angeles Times revealed that Arnold Schwarzenegger had fathered a son, Joseph, with Mildred Patricia "Patty" Baena, a household employee, more than 14 years earlier. Schwarzenegger admitted to his wife about the event after she had confronted him with the information.

January 2014: Expressed regret for family pain

In January 2014, when asked what he was least proud of, Arnold Schwarzenegger replied that he was least proud of the mistakes he made that caused his family pain and split them up.

March 29, 2018: Emergency open-heart surgery

On March 29, 2018, Arnold Schwarzenegger underwent emergency open-heart surgery for the replacement of his replacement pulmonic valve. He described his recovery process as frustrating and challenging.

May 18, 2019: Attacked in South Africa

On May 18, 2019, while visiting South Africa, Arnold Schwarzenegger was attacked and dropkicked from behind by an unknown person while giving autographs to fans at a local school. He suffered no injuries and declined to press charges.

2021: Divorce from Maria Shriver finalized

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver finalized their divorce in 2021, ten years after separating. They had separated in 2011.

2023: Revisited the allegations

In 2023, Schwarzenegger revisited the issue while promoting his new three-part biographical documentary on Netflix called Arnold and stated that he was "totally wrong".

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