Arnold Schwarzenegger Biography
Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger was born on July 30, 1947, in Thal, Austria. He dominated competitive bodybuilding through the late 1960s and 1970s, winning Mr. Olympia seven times. His breakthrough role in The Terminator (1984) launched one of the most profitable action movie careers in history. In 2003, he was elected Governor of California, serving two terms. He remains active in entertainment, business, and environmental advocacy.
Personal Life
Who are Arnold Schwarzenegger's parents?
Gustav Schwarzenegger, Aurelia Schwarzenegger
Did Arnold Schwarzenegger have siblings?
Yes — Meinhard Schwarzenegger (deceased).
Was Arnold Schwarzenegger married?
Arnold Schwarzenegger was married once, to Maria Shriver.
Did Arnold Schwarzenegger have children?
Arnold Schwarzenegger had 5 children: Katherine Schwarzenegger (born 1989), Christina Schwarzenegger (born 1991), Patrick Schwarzenegger (born 1993), Christopher Schwarzenegger (born 1997), Joseph Baena (born 1997, with Mildred Baena).
What religion was Arnold Schwarzenegger?
Arnold Schwarzenegger was Catholic.
What was Arnold Schwarzenegger's ethnicity?
Arnold Schwarzenegger was of Austrian heritage.
Career Highlights
Movies
- Conan the Barbarian (1982)
- The Terminator (1984)
- Commando (1985)
- Predator (1987)
- The Running Man (1987)
- Total Recall (1990)
- Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)
- True Lies (1994)
- Batman & Robin (1997)
- The 6th Day (2000)
- Terminator 3 (2003)
- The Expendables (2010)
- Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)
TV Shows
- The New Celebrity Apprentice (2017)
- FUBAR (2023–present)
Awards
- 7× Mr. Olympia (1970–1975, 1980)
- Mr. Universe (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970)
- Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
- Golden Globe — New Star of the Year, Stay Hungry (1977)
Facts About Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Won Mr. Olympia 7 times and is considered the greatest bodybuilder in history
- Became a US citizen in 1983 and was elected Governor of California in 2003 — serving two terms until 2011
- The Terminator (1984) was made for just $6.4 million and grossed $78 million, making him an overnight star
- Speaks with a heavy Austrian accent that Hollywood producers told him would end his career — it became his signature
- Has had multiple open-heart surgeries due to a congenital heart defect
Arnold Schwarzenegger Quotes
"I'll be back."
"The worst thing I can be is the same as everybody else. I hate that."
Legacy
Arnold Schwarzenegger is perhaps the most unlikely success story in American history — an Austrian farm boy who became the greatest bodybuilder alive, then one of the biggest movie stars in the world, then the Governor of the most populous US state. His quote 'I'll be back' has entered the permanent lexicon of pop culture.
Sources
Last verified: 2026-06-15