Get to the chopper? Eh, how about we get to a birthday cake instead? After all, Arnold Schwarzenegger is celebrating his 69th birthday today.
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Back in July 1947, Arnold was born to parents Gustav and Aurelia in Thal, Styria. Their younger son, Arnold has spoken openly of the rocky childhood he had under his father’s strict and often abusive rule. Though he formed a good relationship with his mother later on in life, the actor cut ties from his older brother and father up until their deaths.
The Austrian immigrant, however, went on to live an exciting life as his work with bodybuilding and acting has made him one of the world’s most recognizable stars. Arnold began weight training when he was only 15-years-old, and he went on to win titles such as Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia. To this day, Arnold remains the figurehead of bodybuilding and acts as one of the sport’s most famous icons.
It was Arnold’s work in bodybuilding which eventually brought him into acting as he was cast in Conan the Barbarian in 1982. His toned physique helped him clench the role, and Arnold’s role in the film then helped him grab the leading role in James Cameron’s The Terminator. The sci-fi series has become one of the most iconic thriller franchises of all-time, and the actor reprised his role in the film for several sequels.
Arnold has also been cast in numerous other films such as Predator, Total Recall, Kindergarten Cop, and True Lies. But, most recently, the actor garnered major publicity when he was elected as the Governor of California. Arnold held the office between 2003 and 2011, fulfilling two terms.
Happy birthday, Arnold!
