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 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

1964: Won two weightlifting contests

In 1964, Arnold Schwarzenegger won two weightlifting contests.

1965: Won Junior Mr. Europe contest

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

1965: Won two weightlifting contests

In 1965, Arnold Schwarzenegger won two weightlifting contests.

1966: Won two powerlifting contests

In 1966, Arnold Schwarzenegger won two powerlifting contests.

1967: Won the Munich stone-lifting contest

In 1967, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Munich stone-lifting contest, where he lifted a 508 German pounds stone.

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.

1968: Won two powerlifting contests

In 1968, Arnold Schwarzenegger won two powerlifting contests.

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.

1970: Won Mr. Olympia at age 23

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

1971: Continued winning streak in competitions

In 1971, Arnold Schwarzenegger continued his winning streak in bodybuilding competitions.

1974: Continued winning streak in competitions

In 1974, Arnold Schwarzenegger continued his winning streak in bodybuilding competitions.

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.

1975: Competed in and won Mr. Olympia while filming Pumping Iron

In 1975, after being persuaded by filmmakers George Butler and Robert Fiore, Arnold Schwarzenegger competed in and won the Mr. Olympia contest, during the filming of the bodybuilding documentary called "Pumping Iron".

1976: Starred in Stay Hungry and won Golden Globe

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

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1980: Won Mr. Olympia for a seventh time and retired from competition

In 1980, Arnold Schwarzenegger came out of retirement to compete in and win the Mr. Olympia contest for a seventh time, after which he officially retired from competition. This victory was highly controversial.

1982: Breakthrough film Conan the Barbarian

In 1982, Arnold Schwarzenegger's breakthrough film, "Conan the Barbarian", was released and became a box-office hit.

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1991: Starred in Terminator 2: Judgment Day

In 1991, Arnold Schwarzenegger reprised his role in "Terminator 2: Judgment Day", which became the highest-grossing film of the year.

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1993: Named International Star of the Decade 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 it did not perform well at the box office.

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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.

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 as governor of California against Phil Angelides, despite a challenging political climate for the Republican party nationally. Schwarzenegger secured 56.0% of the vote, surpassing Angelides by over 1 million votes.

2007: European Voice Campaigner of the Year

In 2007, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the European Voice campaigner of the year award for his actions against climate change, specifically citing the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006.

April 20, 2009: Opened SAE World Congress

On April 20, 2009, Arnold Schwarzenegger was invited to open the 2009 SAE World Congress in Detroit in recognition of his contribution to the US motor industry.