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, and former politician and bodybuilder. He is famed for his action film roles, achieving global recognition in movies like 'The Terminator.' Transitioning from entertainment, he served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011, demonstrating a career shift into the political arena after his bodybuilding and acting successes.

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 the Mr. Olympia title but lost to Sergio Oliva, who was a three-time champion at the time.

May 20, 1971: Death of Meinhard Schwarzenegger

On May 20, 1971, Arnold Schwarzenegger's brother, Meinhard, died in a car crash. Schwarzenegger 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. There are conflicting accounts regarding Arnold's absence from the funeral.

1993: International Star of the Decade Award 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 but did not perform well at the box office.

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2000: The 6th Day Release

In 2000, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the action film "The 6th Day", which failed to do well at the box office.

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December 9, 2001: Broke ribs in motorcycle crash

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

2002: Collateral Damage Release

In 2002, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the action film "Collateral Damage", which failed to do well at the box office.

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2003: Allegations of misconduct surface

During his initial campaign for governor in 2003, allegations of sexual and personal misconduct were raised against Arnold Schwarzenegger.

2004: Schwarzenegger responds to allegations of misconduct

In 2004, Arnold Schwarzenegger responded to allegations of sexual misconduct that surfaced during his campaign for governor in 2003, admitting he had "behaved badly sometimes" and apologized.

2004: Schwarzenegger Discusses Childhood Abuse

In an interview with Fortune in 2004, Arnold Schwarzenegger discussed experiencing what he described as child abuse at the hands of his father, including physical punishments.

November 2005: Defeat of Ballot Measures in Special Election

In November 2005, the four ballot measures sponsored by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger were defeated in a special election. Schwarzenegger accepted responsibility for the defeats.

2005: Attempt to revoke Schwarzenegger's Austrian citizenship

In 2005, Peter Pilz attempted 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 in Los Angeles

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, while his son and the other driver were unharmed.

December 23, 2006: Broke right 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 hospital

On December 30, 2006, Arnold Schwarzenegger was released from St. Johns Hospital and Health Center after undergoing an operation for his broken femur.

June 19, 2009: Private jet made 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.

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 to fans. He suffered no injuries and declined to press charges against the attacker.

January 21, 2022: Involved in multi-vehicle collision

On January 21, 2022, Arnold Schwarzenegger was involved in a multi-vehicle collision while driving a black GMC Yukon SUV in Los Angeles. He was uninjured, but the driver of the other vehicle, a Toyota Prius, was hospitalized.

2023: Schwarzenegger Revisits Misconduct Allegations

In 2023, while promoting his new documentary on Netflix called Arnold, Arnold Schwarzenegger revisited the issue of sexual and personal misconduct allegations during his initial campaign for governor in 2003. Schwarzenegger stated that he was "totally wrong".