Arnold Schwarzenegger
Emigrated from Austria after bodybuilding titles; earned his first million in real estate before acting.
Arnold Schwarzenegger was born in 1947 in Thal, Austria. Arnold Schwarzenegger's background is described as Austrian; post-war rural upbringing. Growing up, the family was working class — modest rural household; police-chief father. Emigrated from Austria after bodybuilding titles; earned his first million in real estate before acting.
- Born
- 1947 · Thal, Austria
- Roots
- Austrian; post-war rural upbringing
- Family
- Working class
- Modest rural household; police-chief father.
- Education
- Correspondence business courses; later a degree from U. of Wisconsin–Superior
- Started with
- A barbell
- Training from 15 at a Graz gym; landed in America in 1968 with little beyond contest prize money.
- Affiliations & societies
- Bohemian GroveReported
- Named in press reports as a guest at the Bohemian Club's summer encampment.
- Information only — claims like these are often unverifiable and may be wrong.
The pathway
- 1962 · age 15Starts training
Begins weight training at a gym in Graz.
- 1967 · age 20Mr. Universe
Youngest winner of the title at the time.
- 1968 · age 21Emigrates to the US
Moves to Los Angeles speaking little English.
- 1974 · age 27First million from real estate$1M
Runs a bricklaying business, then buys apartment buildings; reaches a seven-figure net worth before his film career.
- 1975 · age 28Sixth Mr. Olympia title
Wins six consecutive titles, then steps back from competition.
- 1982 · age 35Conan the Barbarian
First commercially successful lead role.
- 1984 · age 37The Terminator
- 2003 · age 56Governor of California
Elected in the recall election.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Arnold Schwarzenegger from?
Arnold Schwarzenegger was born in 1947 in Thal, Austria. Their background is described as Austrian; post-war rural upbringing.
When was Arnold Schwarzenegger born?
Arnold Schwarzenegger was born in 1947, in Thal, Austria.
What is Arnold Schwarzenegger's background or ethnicity?
Arnold Schwarzenegger's roots are described as Austrian; post-war rural upbringing. These are broad categories drawn from public sources, not statements about how the person identifies.
Where did Arnold Schwarzenegger go to school?
Arnold Schwarzenegger's education: Correspondence business courses; later a degree from U. of Wisconsin–Superior.
What was Arnold Schwarzenegger's family background growing up?
At birth the family was working class. Modest rural household; police-chief father.
How did Arnold Schwarzenegger get started?
Arnold Schwarzenegger started with a barbell. Training from 15 at a Graz gym; landed in America in 1968 with little beyond contest prize money.
Sources
Compiled from these references and contemporaneous press reporting. Figures are approximate; verify before relying on them.