Arnold Schwarzenegger's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1964: Won two weightlifting contests

In 1964, Arnold Schwarzenegger won two weightlifting contests.

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.

1965: Won Junior Mr. Europe contest

In 1965, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Junior Mr. Europe contest, marking one of his first major bodybuilding competition victories.

1965: Won two weightlifting contests

In 1965, Arnold Schwarzenegger won two weightlifting contests.

1966: Won powerlifting contest

In 1966, Arnold Schwarzenegger won a powerlifting contest.

1967: Won Mr. Universe title

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

1967: Won Munich stone-lifting contest

In 1967, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Munich stone-lifting contest, lifting a 508 German pounds (254 kg / 560 lb) stone.

October 1968: Moved to the US

In October 1968, Arnold Schwarzenegger moved to the United States at age 21 to pursue his dreams, training at Gold's Gym in Venice, Los Angeles.

1968: Won another Mr. Universe title

In 1968, Arnold Schwarzenegger returned to London and won his next Mr. Universe title.

1968: Won powerlifting contest

In 1968, Arnold Schwarzenegger won a powerlifting contest.

1970: Won Mr. Olympia

In 1970, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Olympia competition, becoming the youngest ever Mr. Olympia at the age of 23.

1970: Captured First Mr. Olympia Title

In 1970, at the age of 23, Arnold Schwarzenegger captured his first Mr. Olympia title in New York.

1971: Continued winning streak in competitions

Arnold Schwarzenegger continued his winning streak in competitions in 1971.

1974: Continued winning streak in competitions

Arnold Schwarzenegger continued his winning streak in competitions in 1974.

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

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

1976: Significant part in the film Stay Hungry

In 1976, Arnold Schwarzenegger played a significant part in the film Stay Hungry, for which he won the Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor.

1980: Won Mr. Olympia for the seventh time

In 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger came out of retirement to compete in and win the Mr. Olympia competition for a seventh time, a victory that was highly controversial. He was training for Conan and got into shape and decided to compete last minute.

1982: Breakthrough Role in "Conan the Barbarian"

In 1982, Arnold Schwarzenegger had his breakthrough role in the sword and sorcery epic "Conan the Barbarian".

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1984: Starring in "The Terminator" and Sequel to "Conan the Barbarian"

In 1984, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the science fiction film "The Terminator" and a sequel to "Conan the Barbarian".

1985: Starring in "Commando"

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

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

In 1990, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in the films "Total Recall" and "Kindergarten Cop".

1991: Starring in "Terminator 2: Judgment Day"

In 1991, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in "Terminator 2: Judgment Day".

1993: Starred in Last Action Hero and named International Star of the Decade

In 1993, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in Last Action Hero and was named the "International Star of the Decade" by the National Association of Theatre Owners.

1994: Starring in "True Lies"

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

1996: Starring in "Jingle All the Way"

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

October 7, 2003: Election as Governor of California

On October 7, 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected Governor of California in the recall election, defeating Cruz Bustamante and others with 48.6% of the vote.

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.

November 7, 2006: Schwarzenegger wins re-election

On November 7, 2006, Arnold Schwarzenegger won re-election against Phil Angelides in the California gubernatorial election with 56% of the vote. Despite the Republican party's poor performance nationally, Schwarzenegger won by a margin of over 1 million votes.

2006: Re-elected as Governor of California

In 2006, Arnold Schwarzenegger was re-elected as governor of California, securing 55.9% of the vote to serve a full term.

2007: European Voice campaigner of the year award

In 2007, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the European Voice campaigner of the year award for his actions against climate change, including the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 and plans for an emissions trading scheme.