Schwarzenegger, Arnold (1947–)

Arnold Schwarzenegger successfully transformed himself from an internationally acclaimed bodybuilder into an internationally recognized action-movie hero and then in 2003 into the governor of California. His ability to use the muscle man image in crafting political images garnered him respect, particularly when the transference proved successful, but also criticism, when the movie star persona acted as a shield to challenges about his life and public policies.

Born in 1947 near Graz, Austria, he immigrated to the United States shortly after becoming the youngest man to win the Mr. Universe title at age 20. After struggling, he says, to both learn English and gain entrance into Hollywood, Schwarzenegger earned a Golden Globe Award for best newcomer in the film Stay Hungry (1976). He continued in bodybuilding competition, ...