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, politician, and former bodybuilder. He gained fame as a bodybuilding champion before transitioning to a successful acting career, starring in iconic action films. He served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011, demonstrating his ability to transition from entertainment to politics. Schwarzenegger's career exemplifies his diverse talents and ambition, spanning athletics, entertainment, and public service.
1922: Aurelia Jadrny Born
In 1922, Aurelia Jadrny, Arnold Schwarzenegger's mother, was born.
1938: Anschluss and Gustav Joins Nazi Party
In 1938, after the Anschluss, Gustav Schwarzenegger, Arnold's father, joined the Nazi Party.
1939: Gustav Joins Sturmabteilung
In 1939, Gustav Schwarzenegger, Arnold's father, joined the Sturmabteilung (SA).
1942: Gustav Wounded at Leningrad
In the summer of 1942, Gustav Schwarzenegger was wounded at Leningrad and later contracted malaria.
February 1944: Gustav discharged from Heer
In February 1944, Gustav Schwarzenegger, Arnold's father, was discharged from the Heer after being wounded and contracting malaria during World War II.
October 20, 1945: Gustav and Aurelia's Marriage
On October 20, 1945, Gustav Schwarzenegger married Aurelia Jadrny. Gustav was 38, and Aurelia was 23.
July 30, 1947: Arnold Schwarzenegger Born
On July 30, 1947, Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger was born in Austria. He is known as an Austrian and American actor, businessman, politician, and former professional bodybuilder.
1960: Started Weight Training
In 1960, Arnold Schwarzenegger started weight training when his football coach took his team to a local gym.
1961: Met Kurt Marnul
In 1961, Arnold Schwarzenegger met former Mr. Austria Kurt Marnul, who invited him to train at the gym in Graz.
1965: Served in Austrian Army
In 1965, Arnold Schwarzenegger served in the Austrian Army to fulfill the one year of service required at the time. He also won the Junior Mr. Europe contest during his service.
1965: Austrian Army Service
In 1965, Arnold Schwarzenegger served in the Austrian Army, operating an M47 Patton tank during his mandatory service.
1966: First Plane Trip and Mr. Universe Competition
In 1966, Arnold Schwarzenegger made his first plane trip, attending the NABBA Mr. Universe competition in London, where he placed second.
1966: Met Reg Park
In 1966, Arnold Schwarzenegger met Reg Park, who became his friend and mentor, at Bennett's home.
1966: Coached by Charles Bennett
In 1966, Charles "Wag" Bennett offered to coach Arnold Schwarzenegger and invited him to stay in his home in London.
October 1968: Moved to the US
In October 1968, Arnold Schwarzenegger moved to the US to pursue his bodybuilding dreams.
1968: Arrival in the United States
In 1968, Arnold Schwarzenegger arrived in the United States with "empty pockets but full of dreams". He watched the Nixon–Humphrey presidential race on TV and decided he was a Republican after hearing Nixon speak.
1968: Special Olympics Involvement
In 1968, Arnold Schwarzenegger became involved with the Special Olympics, founded by his later mother-in-law Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
1968: Won Mr. Universe and Attended Business School
In 1968, Arnold Schwarzenegger won his next Mr. Universe title in London and attended business school in Munich, working and training at Rolf Putziger's gym.
1968: Started a bricklaying business
In 1968, Schwarzenegger and fellow bodybuilder Franco Columbu started a bricklaying business.
1969: First Car Opel Kadett
In 1969, after serving in the Austrian army, Arnold Schwarzenegger purchased his first car, an Opel Kadett.
May 20, 1971: Brother Meinhard's Death
On May 20, 1971, Arnold Schwarzenegger's brother, Meinhard, died in a car crash.
December 13, 1972: Father Gustav's Death
On December 13, 1972, Arnold Schwarzenegger's father, Gustav, died of a stroke.
1973: Gold's Gym Logo Design
In 1973, Ric Drasin, a weight training partner of Arnold Schwarzenegger, designed the original Gold's Gym logo.
1974: Weight Training with Ric Drasin
From 1970 to 1974, Arnold Schwarzenegger's weight training partners included Ric Drasin, who designed the original Gold's Gym logo in 1973.
1975: Won Mr. Olympia and announced his retirement
In 1975, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Olympia competition for the sixth consecutive time and then announced his retirement from professional bodybuilding. His training was filmed for the bodybuilding documentary called Pumping Iron.
1975: Smoking marijuana after winning Mr. Olympia
In 1975, Schwarzenegger is shown smoking a marijuana joint after winning Mr. Olympia in the documentary film Pumping Iron.
1977: Acknowledged Steroid Use
In 1977, Arnold Schwarzenegger acknowledged using performance-enhancing anabolic steroids while they were legal, saying "steroids were helpful to me in maintaining muscle size while on a strict diet in preparation for a contest. I did not use them for muscle growth, but rather for muscle maintenance when cutting up."
1977: Autobiography Published and Posed for Gay Magazine
In 1977, Arnold Schwarzenegger's autobiography and weight-training guide, "Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder", was a huge success, and he also posed for the gay magazine "After Dark".
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 the University of Wisconsin–Superior
In May 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger formally graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Superior and earned his bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing.
1980: Came out of retirement to compete in Mr. Olympia and won
In 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger came out of retirement to compete in Mr. Olympia. Training for his role in Conan got him into good shape, so he decided he wanted to win the Mr. Olympia contest one last time, winning with only seven weeks of preparation. He officially retired from competition afterwards.
September 17, 1983: Naturalized U.S. Citizen
On September 17, 1983, Schwarzenegger became a naturalized U.S. citizen, after requesting to keep his Austrian citizenship.
1983: Received United States Citizenship
In 1983, Arnold Schwarzenegger received his United States citizenship.
1983: Schwarzenegger becomes a U.S. citizen
In 1983, Schwarzenegger became a naturalized U.S. citizen, requesting to retain his Austrian citizenship due to Austria's restrictions on dual citizenship.
1986: Marriage to Maria Shriver
In 1986, Arnold Schwarzenegger married Maria Shriver, the niece of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy.
1988: Height Questioned by Media
In 1988, the Daily Mail and Time Out magazine raised questions regarding Arnold Schwarzenegger's height, suggesting he appeared noticeably shorter than his claimed height.
1991: Harley-Davidson Fat Boy
In 1991, Arnold Schwarzenegger rode a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy.
1992: First Civilian Humvee Purchase
In 1992, Arnold Schwarzenegger became the first civilian in the U.S. to purchase a Humvee and lobbied AM General to produce a street-legal civilian version, also purchasing the first two Hummer H1s.
1992: Hummer Fuel Regulations
In 1992, the Hummers Arnold Schwarzenegger bought are so large that they are classified as large trucks, and U.S. fuel economy regulations do not apply to them.
1995: Founded Inner City Games Foundation
In 1995, Arnold Schwarzenegger founded the Inner City Games Foundation (ICG), which provides cultural, educational, and community enrichment programming to youth.
June 1997: Spent $38 million on a private Gulfstream jet
In June 1997, Arnold Schwarzenegger spent $38 million on a private Gulfstream jet.
1997: Fathered a child with housemaid
In 1997, Arnold Schwarzenegger fathered a child with their housemaid.
1997: Underwent heart valve replacement surgery
In 1997, Arnold Schwarzenegger opted for a replacement heart valve made from his own pulmonary valve in a Ross procedure because he was born with a bicuspid aortic valve.
1998: Death of Aurelia Schwarzenegger
In 1998, Aurelia Schwarzenegger, Arnold Schwarzenegger's mother, passed away.
1999: Sued Willi Heepe and settled with Globe
In 1999, Arnold Schwarzenegger sued Willi Heepe, a German doctor, for publicly predicting his early death based on steroid use and later heart problems. He collected a US$10,000 libel judgment. Schwarzenegger also sued and settled with Globe, a U.S. tabloid, which had made similar predictions.
1999: Men's Health Magazine Height Claim
In 1999, Men's Health magazine reported Arnold Schwarzenegger's height as 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m), contributing to the ongoing discussion about his actual height.
2000: Remembering Steve Reeves
In 2000, upon the death of Steve Reeves, Arnold Schwarzenegger fondly remembered him, acknowledging his influence on his own dreams and achievements.
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.
2001: Speech about Early Life
During a speech in 2001, Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke about his early life and his father's and mother's aspirations for him.
2002: Founded Los Angeles Branch of After-School All-Stars
In 2002, Arnold Schwarzenegger founded the Los Angeles branch of After-School All-Stars (ASAS), an after-school program provider focused on health, fitness, and nutrition.
2002: Most Famous US Immigrant
In 2002, LA Weekly called Arnold Schwarzenegger "the most famous US immigrant".
August 6, 2003: Announcement of Candidacy
On August 6, 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his candidacy in the 2003 California recall election for Governor of California on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
September 24, 2003: Participation in Gubernatorial Debate
On September 24, 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger participated in one debate with other recall replacement candidates during the California recall election.
2003: Support for Invasion of Iraq
In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger supported the invasion of Iraq.
2003: Net worth estimated at $100 million to $200 million
In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger's net worth was conservatively estimated to be between $100 million and $200 million.
2003: Critics state Friedman ways of thinking was strayed from
Numerous critics state that Schwarzenegger strayed from much of Friedman's economic ways of thinking in 2003, especially upon being elected Governor of California.
2004: Republican National Convention Speech
At the 2004 Republican National Convention, Arnold Schwarzenegger gave a speech explaining his Republican affiliation due to the Democrats' resemblance to Austrian socialists.
2004: Abuse Discussion
In 2004, Arnold Schwarzenegger discussed in an interview with Fortune the abuse he suffered as a child.
2004: Saved a drowning man
In 2004, Arnold Schwarzenegger saved a drowning man while on vacation in Hawaii by swimming out and bringing him back to shore.
2004: Visit to Israel
In 2004, Arnold Schwarzenegger visited Israel to break ground on the Simon Wiesenthal Center's Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem, lay a wreath at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial, and meet with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and President Moshe Katsav.
January 8, 2006: Motorcycle accident
On January 8, 2006, while riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle in Los Angeles, Arnold Schwarzenegger and his son Patrick collided with a car. Schwarzenegger sustained an injury to his lip requiring 15 stitches.
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 hospital
On December 30, 2006, Arnold Schwarzenegger was released from St. Johns Hospital and Health Center after undergoing an operation to repair his broken femur.
2006: Tax returns filed
Based on tax returns filed in 2006, Arnold Schwarzenegger's net worth was estimated to be between $400 and $800 million.
2007: Special Olympics Spokesperson
In 2007, Arnold Schwarzenegger was the official spokesperson for the Special Olympics held in Shanghai, China.
June 19, 2009: 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.
February 12, 2010: Vancouver Olympic Torch Relay Participation
On February 12, 2010, Arnold Schwarzenegger participated in the Vancouver Olympic Torch relay, handing off the flame to Sebastian Coe.
2010: Hummer Fleet
In 2010, Arnold Schwarzenegger owned one regular Hummer and three running on non-fossil power sources, including hydrogen, vegetable oil, and biodiesel.
May 9, 2011: Ended relationship with Maria Shriver
On May 9, 2011, Maria Shriver ended her 25-year marriage to Arnold Schwarzenegger by moving out of their Brentwood mansion.
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: Separation from Maria Shriver
In 2011, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver separated after he admitted to having fathered a child with their housemaid.
2011: Support for Military Intervention in Libya
In 2011, Arnold Schwarzenegger expressed support for the military intervention in Libya.
2011: Removal of Marxist Busts
In 2011, Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed that his wife requested the removal of his collection of Marxist busts, but he kept the one of Vladimir Lenin.
2011: Support for Israel Expressed at Independence Day Celebration
In 2011, at the Independence Day celebration hosted by the Israeli Consulate General in Los Angeles, Arnold Schwarzenegger expressed his love for Israel and recalled signing a bill to divest California pension funds from companies doing business with Iran.
2011: Still Training
In 2011, during the Arnold Classic, Arnold Schwarzenegger mentioned that he was still working out for half an hour with weights every day.
2011: Critics state Friedman ways of thinking was strayed from
Numerous critics state that Schwarzenegger strayed from much of Friedman's economic ways of thinking in 2011, especially upon being elected Governor of California.
October 2012: Total Recall Autobiography Release
In October 2012, Arnold Schwarzenegger released his autobiography, "Total Recall", which includes a chapter titled "The Secret" dedicated to his extramarital affair, alongside his successes in bodybuilding, acting, and politics.
2012: Founded Schwarzenegger Institute
In 2012, Arnold Schwarzenegger helped found the Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy at the USC Price School of Public Policy, aiming to advance post-partisanship and find solutions to public policy challenges.
2014: Support for Euromaidan Protests
In 2014, Arnold Schwarzenegger released a video message in support of the Euromaidan protests against Ukraine's pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych.
2015: Climate Change Comments at Security Conference
At a 2015 security conference, Arnold Schwarzenegger called climate change the issue of our time and urged politicians to stop treating it as a political issue.
2015: Kept Lenin bust to "show losers"
In 2015, Arnold Schwarzenegger said he kept the Lenin bust to "show losers".
2016: "Less Meat, Less Heat" Collaboration
In 2016, Arnold Schwarzenegger collaborated on a WildAid campaign, starring in the PSA "Less Meat, Less Heat," encouraging people to eat less meat to combat climate change.
2016: Endorsement and Non-Vote
In 2016, Arnold Schwarzenegger endorsed John Kasich for the Republican presidential primaries but announced he would not vote for Donald Trump in the United States presidential election, marking the first time he did not vote for the Republican candidate since becoming a citizen.
2017: All-Electric Mercedes G-Class
In 2017, Arnold Schwarzenegger acquired a Mercedes G-Class modified for all-electric drive.
2017: Condemnation of White Supremacists
In 2017, Arnold Schwarzenegger condemned white supremacists carrying Nazi and Confederate flags, calling their heroes "losers".
March 29, 2018: 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. He suffered no injuries and declined to press charges.
October 2019: Admiration of Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool
In October 2019, Arnold Schwarzenegger expressed his admiration of Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool.
2020: Surgery for new aortic valve
In 2020, 23 years after his first surgery, Arnold Schwarzenegger underwent surgery for a new aortic valve.
March 2021: Comments on Recall Election
In late March 2021, Arnold Schwarzenegger was interviewed by Politico about the upcoming recall election in California and said that "it's pretty much the same atmosphere today as it was then," and that "this recall effort is sparked by ordinary folks," and that this was not a power grab by Republicans.
August 2021: COVID-19 Comments
In August 2021, Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke out about COVID-19, urging Americans to wear masks, practice social distancing, and get vaccinated, stating: "No, screw your freedom."
2021: Finalized divorce from Maria Shriver
In 2021, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver finalized their divorce, ten years after their separation.
2021: Condemnation of Capitol Attack
In 2021, following the January 6 United States Capitol attack, Arnold Schwarzenegger posted a video address likening the insurrection to Nazi Germany's Kristallnacht and condemning President Donald Trump as "a failed leader" who "will go down in history as the worst president ever."
2021: Divorce Finalized
In 2021, the divorce between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver was finalized.
January 21, 2022: 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. His vehicle collided with a red Toyota Prius, and the driver of the Prius was hospitalized with head injuries, while Schwarzenegger was uninjured.
February 2022: Schwarzenegger Discusses Plant-Based Diet
In February 2022, Arnold Schwarzenegger stated that he had been following a diet that is about 80% plant-based for the past five years, noting it is better for his overall health.
June 2022: Jury ruled Maria Shriver entitled to savings
In June 2022, a jury ruled that Maria Shriver was entitled to half of Arnold Schwarzenegger's post-divorce savings from 1986 to 2011, including his pension.
2022: Condemnation of Russian Invasion of Ukraine
In 2022, Arnold Schwarzenegger released a video message condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
2023: Received Honorary Degree from Stockton University
In 2023, Arnold Schwarzenegger received an honorary degree from Stockton University.
2023: Release of "Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life"
In 2023, Arnold Schwarzenegger released his second book, "Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life," featuring life advice and reflections on his life experiences.
2023: Support for Palestinian Rights
In a 2023 interview, Arnold Schwarzenegger stated that Palestinians "have the right to live and the right to have their own country, their own state."
January 17, 2024: Detained by German Authorities
On January 17, 2024, Arnold Schwarzenegger was detained by German authorities after failing to declare an Audemars Piguet watch to customs agents upon arriving in Munich. He was released after pre-paying potential taxes, and the watch was later auctioned off at a dinner in Kitzbühel to raise funds for the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative.
October 30, 2024: Endorsed Kamala Harris for president
On October 30, 2024, Arnold Schwarzenegger endorsed Kamala Harris for president.
2024: Estimated to be a billionaire
In 2024, Forbes estimated that Arnold Schwarzenegger was a billionaire.
2025: Schwarzenegger's Diet Mostly Plant-Based
In 2025, Schwarzenegger said that he eats mostly plants, and that while he occasionally consumes smaller amounts of animal products, following a mostly plant-based diet is better for his health.
Mentioned in this timeline
Donald John Trump is an American politician media personality and...
LeBron James nicknamed King James is an American professional basketball...
Instagram is a photo and video-sharing social networking service owned...
Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe the second largest...
John F Kennedy JFK was the th U S President...
Liverpool is a port city and metropolitan borough located in...
Trending
12 minutes ago Lindsey Graham's Iran rhetoric draws MAGA ire and removal calls after Kharg Island suggestion.
13 minutes ago UCLA Bruins face Oklahoma State Cowgirls in NCAA Tournament Round of 32.
13 minutes ago Sultanes vs. Giants: Live Spring Training Game and Cardona's Injury Impact
13 minutes ago Lauren and Sienna Betts Shine, UCLA Advances in NCAA Tournament with Strong Performance
1 hour ago Cameron Diaz embraces curved furniture trend and debuts bold hair transformation.
11 months ago Roki Sasaki's Dodgers Debut: Analyzing His First Four Starts and Future Goals.
Popular
Cesar Chavez was a prominent American labor leader and civil...
Sir David Attenborough is a highly influential British broadcaster biologist...
Kelsey Grammer is a celebrated American actor best known for...
Joseph Clay Kent is an American politician and former military...
Paula White-Cain is a prominent American televangelist and key figure...
Benjamin Bibi Netanyahu is an Israeli politician and diplomat currently...