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. He gained fame through bodybuilding before transitioning to a successful acting career, particularly in action films like 'Terminator' and 'Predator'. He served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011, demonstrating his ability to cross over from entertainment to politics.

Sections (6)

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

1965: Served in the Austrian Army and Won Junior Mr. Europe

In 1965, Arnold Schwarzenegger served in the Austrian Army, fulfilling his mandatory one-year service. During this time, he won the Junior Mr. Europe contest and spent a week in military prison for going AWOL to participate in the competition.

1969: Lost Mr. Olympia contest to Sergio Oliva

In 1969, Arnold Schwarzenegger lost his first attempt at the Mr. Olympia competition to three-time champion Sergio Oliva.

May 20, 1971: Death of Meinhard Schwarzenegger

On May 20, 1971, Arnold Schwarzenegger's brother, Meinhard, died in a car crash. Arnold did not attend the funeral.

December 13, 1972: Death of Gustav Schwarzenegger

On December 13, 1972, Arnold Schwarzenegger's father, Gustav, died of a stroke. Arnold's absence from the funeral and the reasons for it have been subject to conflicting accounts.

1988: Height Discrepancies

In 1988, the Daily Mail and Time Out magazine noted that Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared noticeably shorter than his claimed height, adding to the ongoing debate about his true height.

1999: Height Claim in Men's Health

In 1999, Men's Health magazine reported Arnold Schwarzenegger's height as 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m), contributing to the ongoing discussion and questioning of his officially stated height.

December 9, 2001: Motorcycle crash

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 misconduct arise

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

November 2004: Schwarzenegger opposes Proposition 66

In November 2004, Governor Schwarzenegger played a significant role in opposing Proposition 66, an amendment of the Californian Three Strikes Law. Schwarzenegger launched an intense campaign against Proposition 66, stating that it would release 26,000 dangerous criminals and rapists.

2004: Schwarzenegger responds to misconduct allegations

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

2004: Schwarzenegger Discusses Childhood Abuse

In a 2004 interview with Fortune, Arnold Schwarzenegger described suffering what "would now be called child abuse" at the hands of his father, including being hit with belts and having his hair pulled.

November 2005: Defeat of Ballot Measures in Special Election

In November 2005, Arnold Schwarzenegger faced a setback when four ballot measures he sponsored were defeated in a special election.

2005: Call to revoke Schwarzenegger's Austrian citizenship

In 2005, Peter Pilz advocated for the Austrian Parliament to revoke Arnold Schwarzenegger's Austrian citizenship due to his decision not to intervene in the executions of Donald Beardslee and Stanley Williams.

January 8, 2006: Motorcycle accident with son Patrick

On January 8, 2006, Arnold Schwarzenegger, while riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle in Los Angeles with his son Patrick in the sidecar, was involved in a collision with a car. He sustained an injury to his lip requiring 15 stitches.

August 2006: Settlement of libel lawsuit with Anna Richardson

In August 2006, Anna Richardson settled a libel lawsuit against Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sean Walsh, and Sheryl Main regarding allegations of sexual misconduct.

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.

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 in the incident.

September 2012: Commutation of Núñez's sentence deemed an abuse of discretion

In September 2012, Sacramento County superior court judge Lloyd Connelly stated that Schwarzenegger's commutation of Esteban Núñez's sentence was an abuse of discretion, though within his executive powers as governor.

March 29, 2018: Underwent emergency open-heart surgery

On March 29, 2018, Arnold Schwarzenegger underwent emergency open-heart surgery for replacement of his replacement pulmonic valve.

May 18, 2019: Attacked in South Africa

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

2020: Underwent surgery for new aortic valve

In 2020, 23 years after his first surgery, Arnold Schwarzenegger underwent a surgery for a new aortic valve.

January 21, 2022: Involved in multi-vehicle collision

On January 21, 2022, Arnold Schwarzenegger was involved in a multi-vehicle collision in Los Angeles while driving a black GMC Yukon SUV. The driver of the other vehicle, a red Toyota Prius, was transported to the hospital with head injuries. Schwarzenegger was uninjured.