Childhood and Education Journey of Arnold Schwarzenegger in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Arnold Schwarzenegger. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

July 30, 1947: Arnold Schwarzenegger Born in Thal, Styria

On July 30, 1947, Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger was born in Thal, Styria, Austria, the second son of Gustav Schwarzenegger and Aurelia Jadrny.

July 30, 1947: Arnold Schwarzenegger's Birth

On July 30, 1947, Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger was born in Austria. He later became an actor, businessman, politician, and professional bodybuilder.

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.

1966: Meets Reg Park

In 1966, Arnold Schwarzenegger met his childhood idol, Reg Park, who became his friend and mentor, at Bennett's home.

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: 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.

1968: Death penalty abolished in Austria

In 1968, the death penalty in Austria had been abolished.

1969: Met Barbara Outland

In 1969, Arnold Schwarzenegger met Barbara Outland, an English teacher, a few months after his arrival in the U.S. Their first date was watching the first Apollo Moon landing on television.

May 20, 1971: Death of Meinhard Schwarzenegger

On May 20, 1971, Arnold Schwarzenegger's brother, Meinhard, died in a car crash.

December 13, 1972: Death of Gustav Schwarzenegger

On December 13, 1972, Arnold Schwarzenegger's father, Gustav, died of a stroke.

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: Ric Drasin designs Gold's Gym logo

In 1973, Ric Drasin designed the original Gold's Gym logo.

1974: Weight training with Ric Drasin

From 1970 to 1974, one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's weight training partners was Ric Drasin.

1974: Relationship with Barbara Outland ended

In 1974, Arnold Schwarzenegger's relationship with Barbara Outland, with whom he had been living since 1969, ended. Schwarzenegger said she wanted an ordinary life, while he hated the very idea of an ordinary life.

1975: Smoking marijuana after winning Mr. Olympia

In 1975, Arnold Schwarzenegger is shown smoking a marijuana joint after winning Mr. Olympia in the documentary film Pumping Iron.

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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.

July 1977: Met Sue Moray

In July 1977, Arnold Schwarzenegger met Sue Moray, a Beverly Hills hairdresser's assistant, on Venice Beach. According to Moray, the couple had an open relationship.

August 1977: Met Maria Shriver

In August 1977, Arnold Schwarzenegger met television journalist Maria Shriver, niece of President John F. Kennedy, at the Robert F. Kennedy Tennis Tournament. He went on to have a relationship with both Shriver and Sue Moray.

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".

1977: Schwarzenegger discussed relationship with Outland

In 1977, Schwarzenegger said of Barbara Outland in his memoir that she was a well-balanced woman who wanted an ordinary, solid life, and he was not a well-balanced man and hated the very idea of ordinary life.

1977: Oui interview

In 1977, an interview in the adult magazine Oui gained attention, in which Schwarzenegger discussed using substances such as marijuana.

August 1978: Ended relationship with Sue Moray

In August 1978, Sue Moray, who knew of Arnold Schwarzenegger's relationship with Maria Shriver, issued an ultimatum, leading to the end of Schwarzenegger's relationship with Moray. He continued his relationship with Shriver.

1979: Enrolled in the University of Wisconsin–Superior

In 1979, Arnold Schwarzenegger enrolled in the University of Wisconsin–Superior as a distance education student, completing most of his coursework by correspondence.

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.

September 17, 1983: Became a naturalized U.S. citizen

On September 17, 1983, Arnold Schwarzenegger became a naturalized U.S. citizen. He requested and was granted the right to keep his Austrian citizenship before becoming a U.S. citizen.

1983: United States Citizenship

In 1983, Arnold Schwarzenegger received his United States citizenship.

1983: Became a U.S. Citizen

In 1983, Schwarzenegger became a naturalized U.S. citizen.

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.

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April 26, 1986: Married Maria Shriver

On April 26, 1986, Arnold Schwarzenegger married Maria Shriver in Hyannis, Massachusetts. They had four children together: Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher.

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.

1990: Introduction of "Free to Choose" Series

In 1990, Schwarzenegger introduced the first episode of the Milton Friedman hosted PBS series "Free to Choose".

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1991: Lee Haney breaks Mr. Olympia record

In 1991, Lee Haney won his eighth consecutive Mr. Olympia title, breaking Arnold Schwarzenegger's previous record.

1993: Red Cross Ambassador

Between 1993 and 1994, Schwarzenegger served as a Red Cross ambassador, recording public service announcements to encourage blood donation.

1994: Red Cross Ambassador

Between 1993 and 1994, Schwarzenegger served as a Red Cross ambassador, recording public service announcements to encourage blood donation.

June 1997: Purchased a Gulfstream jet

In June 1997, Arnold Schwarzenegger spent $38 million on a private Gulfstream jet.

1997: Underwent heart valve replacement

In 1997, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, underwent a Ross procedure for a replacement heart valve made from his own pulmonary valve, which itself was replaced with a cadaveric pulmonic valve.

1998: Death of Aurelia Schwarzenegger

In 1998, Arnold Schwarzenegger's mother, Aurelia (née Jadrny) passed away.

1999: Libel Judgment and Settlement

In 1999, Arnold Schwarzenegger sued Willi Heepe, a German doctor, for predicting his early death based on steroid use, and won a libel judgment. Also in 1999, he sued and settled with Globe, a U.S. tabloid, for similar predictions.

1999: Considering Running for Office

In late 1999, Schwarzenegger stated he had considered running for office but questioned leaving his career in show business.

2000: Remembers Steve Reeves after his death

When Steve Reeves died in 2000, Arnold Schwarzenegger fondly remembered him, stating that Reeves' accomplishments inspired him and showed him what was possible.

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.

2001: Schwarzenegger Discusses Early Life Plans

During a speech in 2001, Arnold Schwarzenegger talked about his early life plans and how his father wanted him to be a police officer while his mother wanted him to attend trade school.

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".

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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.

2003: Watching "Free to Choose"

In 2003, while preparing to play a game of mixed doubles, Schwarzenegger watched Milton Friedman's "Free to Choose" and recognized Friedman from his economics degree. Schwarzenegger states that Friedman's ideas expressed, validated and explained everything he ever thought or experienced about the economy.

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2003: Equal Opportunity to Govern Amendment

The Equal Opportunity to Govern Amendment in 2003 was widely accredited as the "Amend for Arnold" bill, which would have added an amendment to the U.S. Constitution allowing his run.

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: Schwarzenegger Describes Childhood Abuse

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

2004: Saved a drowning man in Hawaii

In 2004, Arnold Schwarzenegger saved a drowning man while on vacation in Hawaii by swimming out and bringing him back to shore.

2004: "Amend for Arnold" campaign

In 2004, the "Amend for Arnold" campaign was launched, featuring a website and TV advertising promotion.

2005: Vetoes Same-Sex Marriage Bill

In 2005, as Governor of California, Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have legalized same-sex marriage in California.

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.

July 3, 2006: Obtained motorcycle license

On July 3, 2006, Arnold Schwarzenegger obtained his motorcycle license.

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.

2006: Barbara Outland Baker published memoir

In 2006, Barbara Outland Baker published her memoir, "Arnold and Me: In the Shadow of the Austrian Oak," which included a foreword by Schwarzenegger. The book details their turbulent and passionate love life.

2006: Vetoes Single-Payer Health Care Bill

In 2006, as Governor of California, Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have implemented a single-payer health care system in California.

October 2007: GQ Magazine interview

In an interview with GQ magazine in October 2007, Schwarzenegger said, "[Marijuana] is not a drug. It's a leaf. My drug was pumping iron, trust me." His spokesperson later said the comment was meant to be a joke.

2007: Vetoes Same-Sex Marriage Bill

In 2007, as Governor of California, Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have legalized same-sex marriage in California.

2008: Baena filed for divorce

In 2008, Mildred Patricia "Patty" Baena, who had separated from her husband, Rogelio, a few months after the birth of her son with Arnold Schwarzenegger, filed for divorce.

2008: Vetoes Single-Payer Health Care Bill

In 2008, as Governor of California, Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have implemented a single-payer health care system in California.

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.

2010: Bought house for Baena and son

In 2010, Arnold Schwarzenegger bought a new four-bedroom house with a pool in Bakersfield, California, for Mildred Patricia "Patty" Baena and their son, Joseph.

January 2011: Mildred Baena retired

Mildred Patricia "Patty" Baena, who had been employed by the Schwarzenegger family for 20 years and with whom Arnold had fathered a son, Joseph, retired in January 2011.

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.

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: Personal Training at Arnold Classic

During the 2011 Arnold Classic, Arnold Schwarzenegger mentioned that he was still working out a half an hour with weights every day.

2011: Watching "Free to Choose"

In 2011, while preparing to play a game of mixed doubles, Schwarzenegger watched Milton Friedman's "Free to Choose" and recognized Friedman from his economics degree. Schwarzenegger states that Friedman's ideas expressed, validated and explained everything he ever thought or experienced about the economy.

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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.

August 2016: Filming Interrupted by Bank Robbery

In August 2016, the filming of Schwarzenegger's action-comedy "Killing Gunther" was temporarily interrupted by bank robbers near the filming location in Surrey, British Columbia.

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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.

2020: Surgery for a new aortic valve

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

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.

February 2022: Plant-Based Diet

In February 2022, Arnold Schwarzenegger stated that he has been about 80% plant-based for the past five years, citing benefits for overall health and the environment, influenced by James Cameron.

June 2022: Jury ruled Shriver entitled to half of post-divorce savings

In June 2022, a jury ruled that Maria Shriver was entitled to half of Arnold Schwarzenegger's post-divorce savings that he earned from 1986 to 2011, including a pension.