I was born in Austria in 1947 I grew up in the small village of Graz, Austria. My father pushed me into doing sports. At 15 I began doing weightlifting and by 20 I had won the Mr. Universe title. I went on to win 13 world body building records. I became a U.S citizen in 1983 and I currently reside in Los Angeles with my wife Maria Shriver and my three children, Katherine, Christina and Patrick.I have produced body building competitions in Columbus, Ohio for over two decades. Alongside that I have coined the Annual Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic, which has been around since 1989. I also produced the Fitness EXPO in 1993, the Ms. Fitness World Competition in 1994, and the Arnold Martial Arts Festival in 1996. I served on the Presidents council of physical fitness and sports under President George Bush. I have written numerous books on the topics of health and fitness.I have served in the Governers council of physical fitness in the state of California and have been the international weight traininer for the Special Olympics since 1979. Over the years I have taken a stand against youth drug abuse, I started mini olympics designed to help kids say 'no' to drugs and yes to a healthy and fit life style. I feel that fitness is a safe and effective alternative to drug abuse. I am chairman of the Inner-City Games Foundation, this program covers 10 city's and is continuing to grow.I am an actor. Some of my blockbuster saction hits include, 'True Lies', 'Eraser', and 'Total Recall.' I also in the film 'Collateral Damage' in 2001 and in 'T3.'
