Arnold Schwarzenegger, a name synonymous with strength and determination, celebrated his 77th birthday recently. Born on 30 July 1947 in the small town of Thal, near Graz in Austria, Schwarzenegger's journey from a modest upbringing to becoming one of the most recognized figures in the world is nothing short of extraordinary.
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The son of a local policeman, Schwarzenegger was raised in a strict yet loving household. Despite the tough post-war conditions in Austria, he was instilled with a sense of discipline and resilience that would later define his life. Even as a young boy, Schwarzenegger was different.
A strong foundation
While others were skiing or horse riding, he was lifting dumbbells, driven by a desire to feel his muscles grow stronger. His early passion for bodybuilding, though not fully understood by his father, would become the foundation of his future success.
In 1968, at the age of 20, Schwarzenegger made the bold decision to emigrate to America, with little more than a dream. His dedication to bodybuilding quickly paid off as he became a world champion and was crowned Mr Olympia multiple times.
The road to Hollywood
However, Schwarzenegger's ambitions didn’t stop there. He ventured into Hollywood, where his imposing physique and undeniable charisma made him a natural fit for action movies. Despite his limited range as an actor, Schwarzenegger's roles in movies like Conan the Barbarian and Terminator turned him into a global icon.
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Yet, beneath the muscles and the fame, Schwarzenegger remained grounded, never forgetting his humble roots in Thal. His story is a testament to the power of hard work, self-confidence and staying true to oneself, even when the world is watching. (HS/mfo)
These articles are based on a German-language blog post written by Heiko Schwarzburger, Edior in Chief of photovoltaik. Come back next time, when we dive into Arnie’s activism and his career beyond Hollywood.
