Once called “the most perfectly developed man in the history of the world,” Arnold Schwarzenegger (1947–) was born in the remote village of Thal, Austria, the second son of a police officer. Bodybuilder, movie star, and politician, he made his mark globally.

“Someday the world is going to know who I am—just by hearing my first name,” he said. With fierce determination, he overcame poverty and transformed his scrawny teenage body into a champion physique, winning Mr. Universe five times and Mr. Olympia seven.

Popular in Hawaii, Schwarzenegger helped establish the Mr. Hawaiian Islands contest, serving as emcee before gaining fame worldwide.

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths,” he believed. “When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”

Conan the Barbarian (1982) turned him into a film icon. His breakout role in The Terminator (1984) made cinematic history with just 65 words, including the legendary: “I’ll be back.”

A moderate Republican married to Maria Shriver of the Kennedy family, Schwarzenegger recovered from heart surgery in 1997 and continued to thrive. In 2003, he was elected governor of California, proving again: “I set out to be the best… and I am.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger continues to love being an American and serve humankind with courage and compassion. Beyond his legacy in film and politics, he champions causes that matter — from climate action to public health — using his global voice to inspire strength, responsibility, and hope.