Arnold Schwarzenegger

With an almost unpronounceable surname and a thick Austrian accent, it was unlikely that a brash, quick-talking bodybuilder from a small European village would become one of Hollywood's biggest stars, marry into the prestigious Kennedy family, amass a fortune through shrewd investments, and eventually serve as the Governor of California. Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger was born on July 30, 1947, in the town of Thal, Styria, Austria, to Aurelia Schwarzenegger (born Jadrny) and Gustav Schwarzenegger, the local police chief. From a young age, he showed a strong interest in physical fitness and bodybuilding, competing in several minor contests in Europe. His career took off when he emigrated to the United States in 1968 at the age of 21. At the time, bodybuilding was still considered an oddball sport, but entrepreneurs Ben Weider and Joe Weider were working to elevate its status. Schwarzenegger became the ideal figurehead for the movement, known as the "Austrian Oak." Over the next decade, beginning in 1970, he dominated the sport, winning five Mr. Universe titles and seven Mr. Olympia titles. His success brought bodybuilding into the mainstream, increasing gym memberships worldwide and helping the Weider business empire expand globally. Schwarzenegger's ambitions extended beyond bodybuilding, and he made his screen debut as "Arnold Strong" in the low-budget film Hercules in New York (1970). He later appeared in Stay Hungry (1976), for which he won a Golden Globe for Best Acting Debut in a Motion Picture. The documentary Pumping Iron (1977), which covered the 1975 Mr. Olympia contest in South Africa, became a key sports documentary of the 20th century. He also appeared in The Villain (1979) and The Jayne Mansfield Story (1980). Schwarzenegger's breakthrough film role came with Conan the Barbarian (1982), based on Robert E. Howard's stories and directed by John Milius. The film was a worldwide success, followed by the sequel Conan the Destroyer (1984). His next major role was in The Terminator (1984), directed by James Cameron. The science fiction action film, made on a modest budget, became a massive hit and launched one of the most profitable film franchises in history. The line "I'll be back" became a global pop culture phenomenon. Schwarzenegger's subsequent films, including Commando (1985), Raw Deal (1986), Predator (1987), The Running Man (1987), and Red Heat (1988), were all box office successes. The comedy Twins (1988), co-starring Danny DeVito, introduced a more humorous side of Schwarzenegger. Total Recall (1990) and Kindergarten Cop (1990) were also solid performers. He returned to work with James Cameron on Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), which had a budget of $100 million and featured groundbreaking special effects. The film was considered the peak of Schwarzenegger's film career, and he was voted "International Star of the Decade" by the National Association of Theatre Owners. His next film, Last Action Hero (1993), was a critical and commercial disappointment. He later co-starred in the action film True Lies (1994), directed by James Cameron, which was a surprise hit.