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. He rose to fame as a bodybuilding champion, subsequently transitioning to a successful acting career, primarily known for action films like "The Terminator". His career culminated in his election as the 38th Governor of California, serving from 2003 to 2011.

Sections (6)

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

1922: Birth of Aurelia Jadrny

In 1922, Aurelia Jadrny, who would later become Arnold Schwarzenegger's mother, was born.

1938: Gustav Schwarzenegger joins the Nazi Party

In 1938, Gustav Schwarzenegger, Arnold's father, joined the Nazi Party after the Anschluss.

1939: Gustav Schwarzenegger joins the Sturmabteilung (SA)

In 1939, Gustav Schwarzenegger, Arnold's father, joined the Sturmabteilung (SA).

1943: Gustav Schwarzenegger Discharged From War

In 1943, Gustav Schwarzenegger was discharged from World War II following a bout of malaria.

October 20, 1945: Marriage of Gustav Schwarzenegger and Aurelia Jadrny

On October 20, 1945, Gustav Schwarzenegger, aged 38, married Aurelia Jadrny, aged 23.

July 30, 1947: Birth of Arnold Schwarzenegger

On July 30, 1947, Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger was born in Thal, Austria, to Gustav Schwarzenegger and Aurelia (née Jadrny). Gustav was the local chief of police.

July 30, 1947: Arnold Schwarzenegger's birth

On July 30, 1947, Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger was born. He is an Austrian and American actor, businessman, former politician, and former professional bodybuilder, known for his roles in high-profile action films.

1960: Beginning of Weight Training

In 1960, Schwarzenegger began weight training when his football coach took his team to a local gym.

1961: Meeting Kurt Marnul and Training in Graz

In 1961, Schwarzenegger met Kurt Marnul, former Mr. Austria, who invited him to train at the gym in Graz.

1965: Army service and Junior Mr. Europe win

In 1965, Arnold Schwarzenegger served in the Austrian Army and won the Junior Mr. Europe contest during his service, even going AWOL to participate.

1965: Mandatory Military Service

In 1965, Arnold Schwarzenegger undertook his mandatory service in the Austrian Army.

1966: First plane trip to NABBA Mr. Universe competition

In 1966, Arnold Schwarzenegger made his first plane trip to attend the NABBA Mr. Universe competition in London, where he placed second.

1966: Meeting Reg Park

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

1966: Coaching by Charles Bennett

In 1966, Charles 'Wag' Bennett offered to coach Schwarzenegger after being impressed at a competition, providing him with training and a place to stay in London.

1967: Winning Mr. Universe

In 1967, Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Universe title for the first time at age 20, becoming the youngest ever Mr. Universe.

October 1968: Move to the US

In October 1968, Arnold Schwarzenegger moved to the US at age 21, speaking little English, to pursue his dream, training at Gold's Gym in Venice, Los Angeles.

1968: Involvement with Special Olympics Begins

Arnold Schwarzenegger has been involved with the Special Olympics since they were founded in 1968 by his later mother-in-law Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

1968: Arrival to the US and Republican Affiliation

In 1968, Arnold Schwarzenegger arrived in the United States and, after watching the Nixon-Humphrey presidential race and listening to Nixon speak about free enterprise, decided to become a Republican.

1968: Return to London to win Mr. Universe

In 1968, after attending business school and working at a gym in Munich, Arnold Schwarzenegger returned to London to win his next Mr. Universe title.

1969: Acting Career Begins

Arnold Schwarzenegger began his acting career with small roles in film and television starting in 1969.

1969: Met Barbara Outland

In 1969, Arnold Schwarzenegger met Barbara Outland, an English teacher, with whom he lived until 1974.

1969: First Car: Opel Kadett

In 1969, Arnold Schwarzenegger purchased his first car, an Opel Kadett, after serving in the Austrian army.

May 20, 1971: Death of Meinhard Schwarzenegger

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

1971: San Fernando Earthquake

In 1971, The San Fernando earthquake lead to increased demand for services from Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu's bricklaying business.

December 13, 1972: Death of Gustav Schwarzenegger

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

1973: Design of Gold's Gym logo

From 1970 to 1974, Ric Drasin, one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's weight training partners and a professional wrestler, designed the original Gold's Gym logo in 1973.

1974: Weight training

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

1974: Ended relationship with Barbara Outland

In 1974, Arnold Schwarzenegger ended his relationship with Barbara Outland.

1975: Won Mr. Olympia for the sixth consecutive time and announced retirement

In 1975, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Olympia title for the sixth consecutive time, beating Franco Columbu, after which he announced his retirement from professional bodybuilding.

July 1977: Met Sue Moray

In July 1977, Arnold Schwarzenegger met Sue Moray, a hairdresser's assistant, on Venice Beach and started a relationship with her.

August 1977: Met Maria Shriver

In August 1977, Arnold Schwarzenegger met television journalist Maria Shriver at the Robert F. Kennedy Tennis Tournament.

1977: Acknowledged using performance-enhancing anabolic steroids

In 1977, Arnold Schwarzenegger acknowledged using performance-enhancing anabolic steroids while they were legal, stating they helped him maintain muscle size while dieting for contests.

1977: Publication of "Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder" and appearance in "Pumping Iron"

In 1977, Arnold Schwarzenegger published his autobiography, "Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder", and appeared in the bodybuilding documentary "Pumping Iron", which helped launch his film career.

1977: Autobiography "Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder" success and posed for "After Dark" magazine

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's comments about Barbara Outland

In his 1977 memoir, Arnold Schwarzenegger said of Barbara Outland, "Basically it came down to this: she was a well-balanced woman who wanted an ordinary, solid life, and I was not a well-balanced man, and hated the very idea of ordinary life."

August 1978: Sue Moray issued an ultimatum

In August 1978, Sue Moray, Arnold Schwarzenegger's lover, issued an ultimatum, leading to the end of their open relationship as Schwarzenegger continued his relationship with Maria Shriver.

1979: Enrolled in 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: Graduated 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.

September 17, 1983: Naturalized U.S. Citizen

On September 17, 1983, Arnold Schwarzenegger became a naturalized U.S. citizen while retaining his Austrian citizenship after requesting permission from Austrian authorities.

1983: Became a U.S. Citizen

In 1983, Arnold Schwarzenegger became a citizen of the United States.

1983: Received United States citizenship

In 1983, Arnold Schwarzenegger officially received his United States citizenship.

1985: Starring in "Commando"

In 1985, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the action film "Commando".

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April 26, 1986: Married Maria Shriver

On April 26, 1986, Arnold Schwarzenegger married Maria Shriver in Hyannis, Massachusetts.

1986: Marriage to Maria Shriver

In 1986, Arnold Schwarzenegger married Maria Shriver, a niece of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

1988: Accompanying George H. W. Bush at Campaign Rally

In 1988, Arnold Schwarzenegger accompanied then-Vice President George H. W. Bush at a campaign rally, gaining wider public notice as a Republican.

1988: Height Questioned

In 1988, both the Daily Mail and Time Out magazine mentioned that Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared noticeably shorter than his official height.

1989: Katherine Schwarzenegger was born

In 1989, Katherine Schwarzenegger, the first child of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, was born.

1990: Introduction of "Free to Choose" Episode

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

1990: Starring in "Total Recall" and "Kindergarten Cop"

In 1990, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the action film "Total Recall" and the comedy film "Kindergarten Cop".

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1990: Appointment as Chairman of President's Council

In 1990, Arnold Schwarzenegger's first political appointment was as chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, nominated by President Bush.

1991: Christina Schwarzenegger was born

In 1991, Christina Schwarzenegger, the second child of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, was born.

1991: Acquisition of M47 Patton Tank and Harley-Davidson Fat Boy

In 1991/1992, while serving as Chairman of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, Arnold Schwarzenegger obtained his Austrian Army M47 Patton tank (331) and also rode a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy.

1992: Opened Schatzi On Main restaurant

In 1992, Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife opened a restaurant in Santa Monica called Schatzi On Main.

1992: First Civilian Humvee Purchase

In 1992, Arnold Schwarzenegger became the first civilian in the U.S. to purchase a Humvee and subsequently lobbied AM General to produce a street-legal civilian version, the Hummer H1, also purchasing the first two sold.

1992: Acquired Hummers

In 1992, Schwarzenegger acquired Hummers so large they were classified as large trucks and exempt from U.S. fuel economy regulations.

1993: End of Term as Chairman of President's Council

Arnold Schwarzenegger served as chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports from 1990 to 1993.

1993: Patrick Schwarzenegger was born

In 1993, Patrick Schwarzenegger, the third child of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, was born.

1994: Starring in "True Lies"

In 1994, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the action film "True Lies".

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.

1996: Starring in "Jingle All the Way"

In 1996, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the comedy film "Jingle All the Way".

June 1997: Schwarzenegger bought a private 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: Heart valve replacement surgery

In 1997, Arnold Schwarzenegger opted for a replacement heart valve made from his own pulmonary valve, which itself was replaced with a cadaveric pulmonic valve, in a Ross procedure.

1997: Christopher Schwarzenegger was born

In 1997, Christopher Schwarzenegger, the fourth child of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, was born.

1998: Publication of "The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding"

In 1998, Arnold Schwarzenegger published "The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding", adding to his collection of written works about bodybuilding.

1998: Sold Schatzi On Main restaurant

In 1998, Arnold Schwarzenegger sold his restaurant Schatzi On Main.

1998: Death of Aurelia Schwarzenegger

In 1998, Aurelia Schwarzenegger, Arnold Schwarzenegger's mother, passed away.

1999: Sued Willi Heepe and settled with Globe tabloid

In 1999, Arnold Schwarzenegger sued Willi Heepe, a German doctor, for libel and collected US$10,000. In 1999, he also sued and settled with Globe, a U.S. tabloid, for similar predictions about his health.

1999: Men's Health Magazine Height Claim

In 1999, Men's Health magazine stated Arnold Schwarzenegger's height was 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m), adding to the ongoing discussion about his actual height.

1999: Consideration of Running for Office

In late 1999, Arnold Schwarzenegger considered the possibility of running for office, but said he was in the middle of his show business career.

2000: Remembering Steve Reeves after his death

When Steve Reeves died in 2000, Schwarzenegger fondly remembered him, acknowledging Reeves' influence on his 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: Schwarzenegger discusses childhood plan

During a speech in 2001, Arnold Schwarzenegger shared that his plan formed when he was 14 years old, diverging from his parents' aspirations for him.

2002: Founded Los Angeles After-School All-Stars Branch

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.

August 6, 2003: Announcement of Candidacy for Governor

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".

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September 24, 2003: Participation in Gubernatorial Debate

On September 24, 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger participated in only one debate with other recall replacement candidates during his campaign for Governor of California.

October 7, 2003: Election as Governor of California

On October 7, 2003, the recall election resulted in Governor Gray Davis being removed from office and Arnold Schwarzenegger being elected Governor of California, defeating Cruz Bustamante and others.

2003: Election as Governor of California

Critics argue that after being elected Governor of California in 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger strayed from much of Milton Friedman's economic ways of thinking.

2003: Press Attention on Gustav's Background

During the 2003 California gubernatorial recall election, Gustav Schwarzenegger's background received wide press attention.

2003: Supported the Invasion of Iraq

In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger supported the invasion of Iraq.

2003: Schwarzenegger becomes governor of California

In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected as the 38th governor of California in a special recall election, replacing Gray Davis. He received 48.6 percent of the vote.

2003: Estimated net worth

In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger's net worth was conservatively estimated at $100 million to $200 million.

October 2004: Delivery of First H2H

In October 2004, California took delivery of the first H2H (Hydrogen Hummer) as part of Schwarzenegger's initiative to build hydrogen refueling plants.

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 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.

2004: Speech at the Republican National Convention

In 2004, at the Republican National Convention, Arnold Schwarzenegger gave a speech explaining that he was a Republican because the Democrats of the 1960s sounded too much like Austrian socialists.

2004: Schwarzenegger discusses childhood abuse

In 2004, in an interview with Fortune, Schwarzenegger discussed the child abuse he suffered at the hands of his father.

November 2005: Defeat of Ballot Measures in Special Election

In November 2005, a special election called by Arnold Schwarzenegger resulted in the defeat of four ballot measures he sponsored.

2005: Veto of Same-Sex Marriage Bill

In 2005, as governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed bills that would have legalized same-sex marriage in California.

January 8, 2006: Motorcycle accident in Los Angeles

On January 8, 2006, while riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle with his son Patrick, Arnold Schwarzenegger was involved in an accident in Los Angeles, sustaining a lip injury that required 15 stitches; 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 his 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 St. Johns Hospital

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

2006: Net worth estimated based on tax returns

Based on tax returns filed in 2006, Arnold Schwarzenegger's net worth was estimated at approximately $400 million, and even as high as $800 million.

2006: Re-election as Governor

In 2006, Arnold Schwarzenegger was re-elected as governor of California with an increased vote share of 55.9 percent to serve a full term.

2006: Barbara Outland published her memoir

In 2006, Barbara Outland Baker published her memoir, Arnold and Me: In the Shadow of the Austrian Oak, with Arnold Schwarzenegger's contribution of a foreword.

2006: Veto of Single-Payer Healthcare Bill

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

2007: Spokesperson for Special Olympics in Shanghai

In 2007, Arnold Schwarzenegger was the official spokesperson for the Special Olympics held in Shanghai, China.

2007: Veto of Same-Sex Marriage Bill

In 2007, as governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed bills that would have legalized same-sex marriage in California.

2008: Baena filed for divorce

In 2008, Mildred Patricia "Patty" Baena filed for divorce from her husband, Rogelio, a few months after Joseph's birth.

2008: Veto of Single-Payer Healthcare Bill

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

June 19, 2009: Emergency landing of private jet

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.

February 12, 2010: Vancouver Olympic Torch Relay

On February 12, 2010, Arnold Schwarzenegger participated in the Vancouver Olympic Torch relay, handing off the flame to Sebastian Coe.

May 2010: Núñez Sentenced

In May 2010, Esteban Núñez, son of Fabian Núñez, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 16 years in prison for the death of Luis Santos. This event involved a close political ally of then-Governor Schwarzenegger.

2010: Schwarzenegger bought house for Baena and son

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

2010: Conversion to Non-Fossil Power Sources

In 2010, Arnold Schwarzenegger owned one regular Hummer and three running on non-fossil power sources: one for hydrogen, one for vegetable oil, and one for biodiesel.

January 2011: Mildred Patricia "Patty" Baena retired

In January 2011, Mildred Patricia "Patty" Baena, Arnold Schwarzenegger's household employee, retired after working for the family for 20 years.

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 Schwarzenegger fathered a son

On May 16, 2011, the Los Angeles Times revealed that Arnold Schwarzenegger had fathered a son, Joseph, over 14 years earlier with Mildred Patricia "Patty" Baena, an employee in their household.

2011: End of Governorship

Critics argue that Arnold Schwarzenegger strayed from much of Milton Friedman's economic ways of thinking during his tenure as Governor of California from 2003 through 2011.

2011: Supported Military Intervention in Libya

In 2011, Arnold Schwarzenegger also expressed support for the military intervention in Libya.

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: Term limit reached

In 2011, Arnold Schwarzenegger reached his term limit as governor and returned to acting.

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 because "he was the first".

2011: Support for Israel 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 mentioned signing a bill to divest California pension funds from companies doing business with Iran.

2011: Personal training during the Arnold Classic

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

October 2012: Release of "Total Recall"

In October 2012, Arnold Schwarzenegger's autobiography, "Total Recall", was released, featuring a chapter dedicated to his extramarital affair and focusing on his successes as a bodybuilder, actor, and Governor of California.

2012: Founded Schwarzenegger Institute

In 2012, Arnold Schwarzenegger helped to found the Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy at the USC Price School of Public Policy, focusing on post-partisanship and finding solutions to public policy challenges.

January 2014: Schwarzenegger discusses mistakes

In January 2014, when asked what he was least proud of, Arnold Schwarzenegger replied, "I'm least proud of the mistakes I made that caused my family pain and split us up."

2014: Supported Euromaidan Protests

In 2014, Arnold Schwarzenegger released a video message in support of the Euromaidan protests against Ukraine's pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych.

2014: Purchase of Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse

In 2014, Arnold Schwarzenegger was in the news for buying a rare Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse.

2015: Climate Change Advocacy

At a 2015 security conference, Arnold Schwarzenegger called climate change the issue of our time, urging politicians to stop treating it as a political issue.

2015: Lenin Bust Explanation

In 2015, Arnold Schwarzenegger said he kept the Lenin bust to "show losers".

2015: Filmed in Bugatti

In 2015, Arnold Schwarzenegger was spotted and filmed in his silver Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse with bright aluminum forged wheels and dark brown leather interior.

August 2016: Filming Interrupted by Bank Robbers

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

2016: "Less Meat, Less Heat" Campaign

In 2016, Arnold Schwarzenegger collaborated on a campaign by WildAid, starring in the PSA, "Less Meat, Less Heat," that encourages people to eat less meat as a means of combating climate change.

2016: Endorsement and Non-Vote for Republican Candidate

In 2016, Arnold Schwarzenegger endorsed John Kasich for the Republican presidential primaries but announced in October that 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: Acquisition of 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.

2018: Executive Producer of "The Game Changers"

In 2018, Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared in and was one of 12 executive producers for the documentary "The Game Changers", which explores the rise of plant-based diets in professional sports.

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May 18, 2019: Attacked in South Africa

On May 18, 2019, while visiting South Africa, Arnold Schwarzenegger was attacked and dropkicked from behind while signing autographs; he was unharmed and declined to press charges against the attacker.

October 2019: Admiration for Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool

In October 2019, Arnold Schwarzenegger expressed his admiration of Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool.

2020: Underwent surgery for a new aortic valve

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

March 2021: Comments on Recall Election

In late March 2021, Arnold Schwarzenegger was interviewed about the upcoming recall election in California. He said that "it's pretty much the same atmosphere today as it was then," and when he was asked about Newsom's claim of this being a "Republican recall" he responded that "this recall effort is sparked by ordinary folks," and that this was not a power grab by Republicans.

August 2021: COVID-19 Public Service Announcement

In August 2021, Arnold Schwarzenegger urged Americans to wear masks and practice social distancing, saying "There is a virus here. It kills people and the only way we prevent it is: get vaccinated, wear masks, do social distancing, washing your hands all the time, and not just to think about, 'Well my freedom is being kind of disturbed here.' No, screw your freedom."

2021: Finalized divorce from Maria Shriver

In 2021, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver finalized their divorce, ten years after separating.

2021: Divorce Finalized

In 2021, Arnold Schwarzenegger's divorce from Maria Shriver was finalized.

January 21, 2022: 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 hospitalized with head injuries, while Schwarzenegger was uninjured.

February 2022: Plant-Based Diet

In February 2022, Arnold Schwarzenegger mentioned that he has been about 80% plant-based for the past five years, stating it's better for his overall health and the environment, as influenced by James Cameron.

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 earned from 1986 to 2011, including a pension.

2022: Condemned Russian Invasion of Ukraine

In 2022, Arnold Schwarzenegger released a video message condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

2023: Release of "Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life"

In 2023, Arnold Schwarzenegger released his second book titled "Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life", which features life advice and again touches on his life experiences.

January 17, 2024: Detainment by German Authorities

On January 17, 2024, Arnold Schwarzenegger was detained by German authorities in Munich after failing to declare a watch manufactured by Audemars Piguet to customs agents. He was released after pre-paying potential taxes, and the watch was later auctioned for charity.