Arnold Schwarzenegger

Austrian-born actor and politician began his career as a body-builder, ultimately winning several titles for his strength and magnificently sculpted body, including "Mr. World," "Mr. Universe," (five times) and "Mr. Olympia (seven times)." As a shy boy, afraid of his father, he turned to lifting weights. He moved to the U.S. in 1968 where, for a "day job," he started a bricklaying business, also laying the foundation for the career that eventually brought him fame and fortune. In 1970 he appeared in a low-budget film, "Hercules Goes to New York." The film was not notable, and that year, he was further depressed by the accidental death of his brother. Arnold began taking business classes at various California colleges in 1972. After meeting photographer George Butler, he became the subject of Butlers book "Pumping Iron," released in 1974. The book surprisingly became a bestseller and was turned into a documentary film of the same name in 1977. His biography, "Arnold: The Education of a Body Builder," was published in 1977. His periodic appearances in film turned into a lucrative movie career in the 80s with winning titles of "Conan the Barbarian," 1982, "The Terminator," 1984, "Predator," 1987 and "Total Recall," 1990. Arnold displayed a surprising flair for comedy with his roles in "Twins," 1988 and "Junior," 1994, along with the mega hit "True Lies." In addition to his acting career, he is an entrepreneur and owns shopping malls, gymnasia, and restaurants. An outspoken Republican, Schwarzenegger worked for his chosen political party and was rewarded with an appointment as head of the Presidents Council on Physical Fitness. On April 26, 1986 in Hyannis, MA, Schwarzenegger married Maria Shriver, a media personality and the daughter of Eunice Kennedy (sister of the late Democratic President, John F. Kennedy) and Sargent Shriver. By 2000, Maria and Arnold had four children, two daughters and two sons. The couple has to all appearances a strong marriage and devoted family, despite differences in their political views and the price they pay for their celebrity status. In early 1995, a paternity suit was filed by Debra Wrenn, who claimed Arnold fathered her 12-year-old daughter; the lawsuit was an unsuccessful scam. On May 1, 1997 the couple was driving their silver Mercedes-Benz to drop off their son, Patrick, at pre-school. Two paparazzi chased down the car, and blocked it, in order to take pictures of Schwarzenegger and his wife. In blocking the vehicle, the photographers committed the crime of false imprisonment; both were convicted on February 2, 1998. Arnold elected to have heart surgery in Los Angeles, CA on April 16, 1997 to replace a heart valve. Schwarzenegger had not been sick, but he knew that the aortic valve would have to be taken care of to avoid future problems. On August 2, 1999, his beloved mother, with whom he shared a birthday (his mom was born on July 30, 1922), died of a stroke. His father had died of a coronary 25 years before, in 1974. Arnold became a citizen of the United States in 1983. With his interest in politics, the media has often explored the possibility of his running for the California gubernatorial spot. He has been quoted as saying, "I would rather be Governor of California than own Austria." On August 6, 2003, with a flair for showmanship, he announced his candidacy for the position on the late-night TV show, "Tonight" by joking that it was the toughest decision he’d made since he had opted to get a Read less