Arnold Schwarzenegger

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Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger (born July 30, 1947) is an Austrian-American actor, producer, businessman, retired bodybuilder, and former politician who served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 to 2011.

Early Life

Schwarzenegger was born in Thal, Styria, Austria, and began weight training at the age of 15. He won the Mr. Universe title at age 20 and went on to win the Mr. Olympia contest seven times.

Acting Career

Schwarzenegger's breakthrough film was the sword-and-sorcery epic Conan the Barbarian in 1982. He appeared in a number of successful films, such as The Terminator, Predator, Twins, Total Recall, Kindergarten Cop, and True Lies.

Political Career

In 2003, Schwarzenegger entered the California recall election for Governor and won. He was sworn in on November 17, 2003, and served two full terms as governor, being re-elected in 2006.

Personal Life

Schwarzenegger married Maria Shriver, a niece of President John F. Kennedy, in 1986. They separated in 2011 after he admitted to having fathered a child with another woman in 1997.

Legacy

Schwarzenegger is considered among the most important figures in the history of bodybuilding, and his legacy is commemorated in the Arnold Classic annual bodybuilding competition. He has remained a prominent face in the bodybuilding sport long after his retirement, in part because of his ownership of gyms and fitness magazines.