Actor`s page Arnold Schwarzenegger, 30 July 1947, Thal, Styria, Austria!

Well, you know, I'm the forever optimist.

I figured that the idea of eventually ending up in politics was not that far fetched when someone li...Show more »

I figured that the idea of eventually ending up in politics was not that far fetched when someone like (Richard) Nixon suggested it. Show less «

Gitte (Brigitte Nielsen) had a personality filled with laughter and fun mixed with a great hunger fo...Show more »

Gitte (Brigitte Nielsen) had a personality filled with laughter and fun mixed with a great hunger for attention. Show less «

I was striving to be the most muscular man, and it got me into the movies. It got me everything that...Show more »

I was striving to be the most muscular man, and it got me into the movies. It got me everything that I have. Show less «

I speak directly to the people, and I know that the people of California want to have better leaders...Show more »

I speak directly to the people, and I know that the people of California want to have better leadership. They want to have great leadership. They want to have somebody that will represent them. And it doesn't matter if you're a Democrat or a Republican, young or old. Show less «

Being governor was more complex and challenging than I had imagined. That's the problem of presentin...Show more »

Being governor was more complex and challenging than I had imagined. That's the problem of presenting yourself as the Governator. You can do miracles but not the kind that require wearing a cape and being able to fly. As governor, you're neither a solitary champion nor a star. Compared to making a movie, when you accomplish something in government, the satisfaction is so much larger and long lasting. In a movie, you are entertaining people for a few hours in a dark theatre. In government, you are affecting entire lives; generations even. Show less «

[on Maria Shriver] She brought a great foundation of knowledge and was a great partner to work with ...Show more »

[on Maria Shriver] She brought a great foundation of knowledge and was a great partner to work with because we both grew. Show less «

[responding to criticism during a televised debate] I just realized I have the perfect part for you ...Show more »

[responding to criticism during a televised debate] I just realized I have the perfect part for you in "Terminator 4." Show less «

[on the death of Michael Jackson] Michael was a pop phenomenon who never stopped pushing the envelop...Show more »

[on the death of Michael Jackson] Michael was a pop phenomenon who never stopped pushing the envelope of creativity. Though there were serious questions about his personal life, Michael was undoubtedly a great entertainer and his popularity spanned generations and the globe. Show less «

I always paid close attention to focus groups and surveys and in politics, opinion research plays an...Show more »

I always paid close attention to focus groups and surveys and in politics, opinion research plays an even bigger role. Show less «

I came to America, won Mr. Universe, and now I'm in the movies.

[on Jacqueline Kennedy] She had an amazing ability to ask questions that would make you wonder "how ...Show more »

[on Jacqueline Kennedy] She had an amazing ability to ask questions that would make you wonder "how did she know that"? She always made people feel welcome. Show less «

The key to real permanent reform is being in sync with the hearts and minds of the people. We had ra...Show more »

The key to real permanent reform is being in sync with the hearts and minds of the people. We had rattled so many cages on the left and the right with our reforms. Show less «

I belonged to the NRA because I believed in the constitutional right to bear arms.

(Richard) Nixon was very good at paying attention to you. We need more leaders like him.

[The Terminator] James Cameron did an extraordinary job creating that character and whole phenomenon...Show more »

[The Terminator] James Cameron did an extraordinary job creating that character and whole phenomenon. I never thought we would do a sequel, catchphrases like "I'll be back" or "Hasta la vista, baby" would catch on and be repeated or think that 30yrs later I would be asked to come back to a franchise like this playing The Terminator, unlike Batman or James Bond. Show less «

The writing is important, but the way you say the line and the pause you give it, the facial express...Show more »

The writing is important, but the way you say the line and the pause you give it, the facial expression - all of that is very important. Show less «

[Baghdad] The wild driving, the poverty, no money and a leadership vacuum - like California right no...Show more »

[Baghdad] The wild driving, the poverty, no money and a leadership vacuum - like California right now. Show less «

[Maria Shriver's portrait in his art collection] Among these beautiful images, Maria's was the gem.

We needed to avoid trying to win over the press and instead play to the people. I was all about lead...Show more »

We needed to avoid trying to win over the press and instead play to the people. I was all about leadership and major projects and reforms that could attract massive public support. Show less «

[being governor of California] This was the best job I ever had.

[during his campaign for California governor, about his history of "misbehavior"] Where I did make m...Show more »

[during his campaign for California governor, about his history of "misbehavior"] Where I did make mistakes, or maybe go overboard sometimes . . . I regret that. This is a different Arnold. Show less «

There are such high standards and now there are always new standards being set for action. You see t...Show more »

There are such high standards and now there are always new standards being set for action. You see that with Iron Man (2008) and with The Dark Knight (2008) and that other film this summer, um, Wanted (2008). That was an excellent movie! There was this train coming down from a bridge, falling, and they're fighting inside the train car. Jesus, that is unbelievable that you can do that. To have the imagination to write it and the talent to shoot it and make it real on the screen. It's a whole new dimension. Show less «

I've always idolized (Mikhail) Gorbachev because of the courage it took to dismantle the political s...Show more »

I've always idolized (Mikhail) Gorbachev because of the courage it took to dismantle the political system that he grew up under. For Gorbachev to have the guts to embrace change rather than further oppress his people or pick fights with the West has always amazed me. Show less «

I love shooting at night because I have a lot of energy at night and I get lots of inspiration.

[on Predator 2 (1990)] A predator in a city is a bad idea.

California politics was this big centrifuge that forced voters, policies and parties away from the c...Show more »

California politics was this big centrifuge that forced voters, policies and parties away from the center. I challenged Californians to stop yielding to the far left and the far right and return to the center. Centrist does not mean weak, or watered down or warmed over. It means well balanced and well grounded. The American people are instinctively centrist. So should be our government. America's political parties should return to the center, where the people are. The left and the right don't have a monopoly on conscience. Show less «

I do the same exercises I did 50 years ago and they still work. I eat the same food I ate 50 years a...Show more »

I do the same exercises I did 50 years ago and they still work. I eat the same food I ate 50 years ago and it still works. Show less «

I wasn't marrying her (Maria Shriver) because she came from wealth. What was Maria's was hers.

If I can see it and believe it, then I can achieve it.

[on Terminator Salvation (2009)] The last one was awful. It tried hard, not that they didn't try, th...Show more »

[on Terminator Salvation (2009)] The last one was awful. It tried hard, not that they didn't try, the acting and everything - it missed the boat. Show less «

If you wanted a girl, you had to make an effort to have a conversation, not just drool like a horny ...Show more »

If you wanted a girl, you had to make an effort to have a conversation, not just drool like a horny dog. Show less «

They're writing right now Terminator Genisys (2015). There have been some writers on it for the last...Show more »

They're writing right now Terminator Genisys (2015). There have been some writers on it for the last year-and-a-half and they could not pull it off. We have told them over and over that they are going in the wrong direction, now they've finally got rid of those writers and they've got new really quality writers. Now they're going in the right direction. I think this year the script will be finished and we will be able to go into pre-production. Show less «

Government's first duty and highest obligation is public safety.

America can be powerful only if you have a strong military.

I would never exchange my life with anybody else's.

You're not supposed to laugh on the (film) set.

What are the odds for an Austrian farm boy to come to America and become the greatest bodybuilding c...Show more »

What are the odds for an Austrian farm boy to come to America and become the greatest bodybuilding champion of all time, to get in the movie business, marry a Kennedy, and then get elected governor of the biggest state in the United States? Show less «

Every director wants to pee on the script and make his mark.

A Special Achievement Oscar is how the Motion Picture Academy honors an accomplishment for which the...Show more »

A Special Achievement Oscar is how the Motion Picture Academy honors an accomplishment for which there is no set category. Show less «

[Talking about his Conan the Barbarian (1982) director]: John Milius used to call himself the dog tr...Show more »

[Talking about his Conan the Barbarian (1982) director]: John Milius used to call himself the dog trainer. Guess who were the dogs? Show less «

When you're spending more money than you're taking in, you cut spending. Simple.

[on The Running Man (1987)] It was totally screwed up by hiring a first-time director and not giving...Show more »

[on The Running Man (1987)] It was totally screwed up by hiring a first-time director and not giving him time to prepare. Show less «

[He was being asked how long it takes to put on the prosthetics for Terminator Genisys (2015)] I thi...Show more »

[He was being asked how long it takes to put on the prosthetics for Terminator Genisys (2015)] I think it was two and a half hours. But it's not every day. It depends which stage we're in the story. So this is getting now towards the end. It gets more and more severe. Show less «

Take care of your body and your mind. Focusing on the body was no problem for me. I realized that th...Show more »

Take care of your body and your mind. Focusing on the body was no problem for me. I realized that the mind is a muscle and we should train it too. If world leaders have time to work out, so do you. Show less «

I told Warren if he mentions Prop. 13 one more time, he has to do 500 push-ups.

I'm proud to say I found a way to cram 36 hours of work into a single day.

To restore the trust of the people, we must reform the way the government operates.

[his singing ability] I'm no Frank Sinatra. The only time I sing in real life is at the end of a par...Show more »

[his singing ability] I'm no Frank Sinatra. The only time I sing in real life is at the end of a party when I want the guests to leave. Show less «

Spend no more than the state is taking in.

Winning narrowly didn't make me feel good; I wanted my dominance to be clear.

Planet Hollywood opened in Moscow, Sydney, Helsinki, London, San Antonio Texas (drawing 100,000 spec...Show more »

Planet Hollywood opened in Moscow, Sydney, Helsinki, London, San Antonio Texas (drawing 100,000 spectators) and Paris. Planet Hollywood was like The Beatles. Show less «

[on Oprah Winfrey] She was talented and aggressive, and you could tell she believed in herself.

My friend James Cameron and I made three films together - True Lies (1994), The Terminator (1984) an...Show more »

My friend James Cameron and I made three films together - True Lies (1994), The Terminator (1984) and Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991). Of course, that was during his early, low-budget, art-house period. Show less «

A green global economy is desirable, necessary, and within reach.

[on Terminator Salvation (2009)] I wasn't sure who the Terminator was. I don't know if there is one ...Show more »

[on Terminator Salvation (2009)] I wasn't sure who the Terminator was. I don't know if there is one or if he's the star or the hero. These are the things that determine the success and how strong the movie will be. Show less «

[on the opening scene] You have one idea and then sit down and cook up the rest.

When you feel good about someone and you know specifically why, it's not difficult at all to speak f...Show more »

When you feel good about someone and you know specifically why, it's not difficult at all to speak from the heart. Show less «

Fitness is important for all Americans, not just athletes. A lot of schools have great athletic prog...Show more »

Fitness is important for all Americans, not just athletes. A lot of schools have great athletic programs but not great fitness programs. Show less «

Its hard for any governor to make the changes that were needed. I loved it when people say that some...Show more »

Its hard for any governor to make the changes that were needed. I loved it when people say that something can't be done. That's when I really get motivated; I like to prove them wrong. And I liked the idea of working on something bigger than me. Show less «

[on Grace Jones] An interesting non-actor; talented and entertaining, she could not do anything low-...Show more »

[on Grace Jones] An interesting non-actor; talented and entertaining, she could not do anything low-key. Show less «

I saw a woman wearing a sweatshirt with 'Guess' on it. I said, Thyroid problem?

Independent producers are the saviours in Hollywood because they'll take risks that the big studios ...Show more »

Independent producers are the saviours in Hollywood because they'll take risks that the big studios won't. Show less «

[on his illegitimate son] Politically, I didn't feel it was anybody's business because I hadn't camp...Show more »

[on his illegitimate son] Politically, I didn't feel it was anybody's business because I hadn't campaigned on family values. If I was going to talk about bad behavior, I wanted to do it on my own timetable. Show less «

[Gorbachev dismantling the USSR] I'm amazed by the courage it took to not go for immediate gratifica...Show more »

[Gorbachev dismantling the USSR] I'm amazed by the courage it took to not go for immediate gratification but to look for the best direction for the country in the long run. To me Gorbachev is a hero, at the same level as Nelson Mandela, who overcame the anger and despair of 27 years in prison. When given the power to shake the world, both of them chose to build rather than destroy. Show less «

Action movies are always more of an ordeal than a pleasure to make.

(2012) The power of influence is one of the most unique powers that you can have. It's not the power...Show more »

(2012) The power of influence is one of the most unique powers that you can have. It's not the power of controlling people. It's developing a certain skill of communicating what you want to accomplish so that people will follow you. Show less «

[on Maria Shriver] If I hadn't been her style and she hadn't been mine, we never would have ended up...Show more »

[on Maria Shriver] If I hadn't been her style and she hadn't been mine, we never would have ended up together. Maria meshed with everything that I was, what I stood for, and what I was doing. I got addicted to her. Maria was such a forceful personality that she would just run over guys. She wanted to be unique and different. Show less «

There is no contradiction in being both a Republican and an environmentalist

[after being pelted with an egg at a political rally] This guy owes me bacon now . . . you can't hav...Show more »

[after being pelted with an egg at a political rally] This guy owes me bacon now . . . you can't have egg without bacon. Show less «

The great leaders always talk about things that are much bigger than themselves. They say working fo...Show more »

The great leaders always talk about things that are much bigger than themselves. They say working for a cause that will outlive us is what brings meaning and joy. The more I'm able to accomplish in the world, the more I agree. Show less «

I prefer being way out there, shocking people. Rebelliousness is part of what drove me from Austria....Show more »

I prefer being way out there, shocking people. Rebelliousness is part of what drove me from Austria. Being outrageous is a way to succeed. No one could put me in a mold. Being different was right up my alley. Show less «

[Interview in "Starlog" magazine in 1991, explaining his reluctance to do sequels to most of his suc...Show more »

[Interview in "Starlog" magazine in 1991, explaining his reluctance to do sequels to most of his successful films from the '80s] There's so little time to do all the things I want to do that I can't see any reason to get bogged down in sequels. Show less «

Sometimes its hard to explain to your toddler what you do at the office.

I'd always felt we lacked real men in movies.

[on Jack Nicholson, 'Warren Beatty', and Roman Polanski] They all had such enormous passion for thei...Show more »

[on Jack Nicholson, 'Warren Beatty', and Roman Polanski] They all had such enormous passion for their profession. Show less «

I believe in sprinting through to the finish line.

I can promise you that when I go to Sacramento, I will pump up Sacramento.

When I had a good director, my movies went through the roof because I was directed well. If I had a ...Show more »

When I had a good director, my movies went through the roof because I was directed well. If I had a director who was confused with no compelling vision for the movie, it would fizzle. I didn't make The Terminator the success that it was; it was James Cameron's vision that made the movie great. Show less «

As long as I live, I will never forget that day 21 years ago when I raised my hand and took the oath...Show more »

As long as I live, I will never forget that day 21 years ago when I raised my hand and took the oath of citizenship. Do you know how proud I was? I was so proud that I walked around with an American flag around my shoulders all day long. Show less «

I was really annoyed by the way that powerful studio executives kowtowed to the members of the ratin...Show more »

I was really annoyed by the way that powerful studio executives kowtowed to the members of the ratings board. Show less «

Teddy Roosevelt is still a hero among environmentalists for his conservationist policies.

[his personal motto] Take one dollar and turn it into two.

[on Sylvester Stallone in The Expendables (2010)] It is a great inspiration for people to see someon...Show more »

[on Sylvester Stallone in The Expendables (2010)] It is a great inspiration for people to see someone at his age still at the top of his game -- acting, writing, directing, doing his own stunts and fight scenes -- I mean, what an amazing talent. And for him to still be so athletic and be able to rip off his shirt and have a six-pack is just unbelievable. Show less «

I took pride in my financial independence.

Have at least ten good laughs a day.

Whatever she [Maria Shriver] wanted to do, I would help her get there.

At the top of the ladder, there was always room for one more. The more people who stay on the bottom...Show more »

At the top of the ladder, there was always room for one more. The more people who stay on the bottom, the more crowded it becomes. Show less «

[on the Gulfstream III jet] The perfect vehicle for visiting the States.

Never bullshit.

Is firefighting a macho enough profession for an action hero? The real life heroism at Ground Zero l...Show more »

Is firefighting a macho enough profession for an action hero? The real life heroism at Ground Zero laid that question to rest. Show less «

It's painful to have just endorsed things that you now have no money for. I felt like a schmuck back...Show more »

It's painful to have just endorsed things that you now have no money for. I felt like a schmuck backing out on commitments I wanted to make but could no longer afford. The consequences of cuts are not just dollars, but people. We're all getting screwed. I was forced to make unpopular decisions that nobody, least of all me, was happy about. Show less «

I was a self-made man.

If my life was a movie, no one would believe it.

The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides the champion fr...Show more »

The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides the champion from someone else who is not a champion. That's what most people lack, having the guts to go on and just say they'll go through the pain no matter what happens. Show less «

Fitness is fun. I felt very strongly that I had to carry to all 50 states the message that fitness w...Show more »

Fitness is fun. I felt very strongly that I had to carry to all 50 states the message that fitness was a national priority. Show less «

I made my fair share of mistakes.

God is the one who made the science possible.

[his first thought about The Terminator (1984)] Strange name.

I am a patriotic American. I saw Ronald Reagan and George Bush take an economy that looked like Pee-...Show more »

I am a patriotic American. I saw Ronald Reagan and George Bush take an economy that looked like Pee-wee Herman and make it look like Superman. Show less «

Unlike regular politicians, I had nothing to lose.

[the storm drain chase in Terminator 2] That's a fantastic scene.

I've always felt appreciative of the armed forces because I've benefited from the American dream, an...Show more »

I've always felt appreciative of the armed forces because I've benefited from the American dream, and their courage and determination is what safeguards it. Show less «

Cubans are geniuses. They have the best climate, they have the best soil, and they have the traditio...Show more »

Cubans are geniuses. They have the best climate, they have the best soil, and they have the tradition: generations of people who are passionate about rolling cigars and who are always looking for ways to make the cigars ever more perfect. When you look at a cigar and it has those thick veins in it, it's either a cheaper cigar or someone wasn't paying attention. As with everything, it's important to have a great-looking label. Cuban cigars truly are as good as people say. You can sniff out the fakes ones within seconds. Show less «

[on being governor] He can bring a vision to the state; you get blamed for everything and you get cr...Show more »

[on being governor] He can bring a vision to the state; you get blamed for everything and you get credit for everything. It's high risk, high reward. I felt tremendous loyalty and pride about California. I wanted America to stay the bastion of free enterprise and protect it from following Europe in the direction of bureaucracy and stagnation. You make a big mistake to lock in programs that require you to keep spending at boom-time levels. Show less «

If I accomplished and solidified my position in the bodybuilding world, from then on, I would be on ...Show more »

If I accomplished and solidified my position in the bodybuilding world, from then on, I would be on a roll. Nobody would stop me. Show less «

I was Conan, and millions of dollars were being spent to make me shine. For the first time, I felt l...Show more »

I was Conan, and millions of dollars were being spent to make me shine. For the first time, I felt like the star. Show less «

[About more sequels to The Terminator (1984)] I don't necessarily want to leave the magic of the Ter...Show more »

[About more sequels to The Terminator (1984)] I don't necessarily want to leave the magic of the Terminator movies behind, and who says we have to? According to what we know about the future, there were hundreds of Terminators built. The story of the Terminator could go on forever. Show less «

I took more abuse in Predator (1987) than I did in Conan the Barbarian (1982). I fell down that wate...Show more »

I took more abuse in Predator (1987) than I did in Conan the Barbarian (1982). I fell down that waterfall [40 feet] and swam in this ice-cold water for days and for weeks was covered in mud. It was freezing in the Mexican jungle. They had these heat lamps on all the time, but they were no good. If you stayed in front of the lamps, the mud dried. Then, you had to take it off and put new mud on again. It was a no-win situation. The location was tough. Never on flat ground. Always on a hill. We stood all day long on a hill, one leg down, one leg up. It was terrible. Show less «

People should make up their own mind about what they think of me.

There are a thousand keys to success.

[after his father had a stroke] It was painful and upsetting to see a man who had been so smart and ...Show more »

[after his father had a stroke] It was painful and upsetting to see a man who had been so smart and so strong lose his coordination and his ability to think. He died not long after. Show less «

It's simple, if it jiggles, it's fat.

I pride myself on being able to juggle many tasks. I got a college education while bodybuilding, mar...Show more »

I pride myself on being able to juggle many tasks. I got a college education while bodybuilding, married Maria (Shriver) in the middle of filming Predator, and made Kindergarten Cop and Terminator 2 while launching Planet Hollywood. Show less «

I love the Hong Kong style of action movies, but that only looks good for small guys. The reason why...Show more »

I love the Hong Kong style of action movies, but that only looks good for small guys. The reason why the whole style was developed over there was because those guys were very puny guys - they're not powerful-looking guys, they're also not powerful guys. There's no weightlifting champion coming out of Hong Kong - maybe in the bantam division or the lightweight division or something like that, but normally you don't have really strong men coming out of there . . . they had to learn a technique that small people can do that are as effective as the big guy's strength. So that's where the martial arts came from. Show less «

You can use outrageous humour to settle a score.

People need to be insured so when you have an accident out there, or when something catastrophic hap...Show more »

People need to be insured so when you have an accident out there, or when something catastrophic happens to you, that you're covered and there's not someone else has to pay for you. That is as simple as that. Show less «

I have come to feel great affection for the peoples of the world, because they have always been so w...Show more »

I have come to feel great affection for the peoples of the world, because they have always been so welcoming to me, whether as a bodybuilder, a movie star, a private citizen, or as governor of the great state of California. Show less «

[University of Southern California] It prides itself on being neither conservative nor liberal but o...Show more »

[University of Southern California] It prides itself on being neither conservative nor liberal but open minded. It operates by promoting discussion to draw the best ideas from the brightest minds across the political spectrum. Show less «

[on his late friend and role model, body builder Reg Park]: Reg was a dear friend, an extraordinary ...Show more »

[on his late friend and role model, body builder Reg Park]: Reg was a dear friend, an extraordinary mentor and a personal hero. Other than my parents, there may be no single person who had more to do with me becoming the person I am today than Reg. He was like a second father to me. It was Reg who impressed upon me how hard I would have to work if I wanted to achieve my dreams. I'll always remember him making me do calf-raises with 1,000 pounds at 5 o'clock in the morning. Show less «

When the federal government meddles in markets, the states pay the price.

[on bodybuilding competitions] You can't just pose on stage like a robot and then walk off; people w...Show more »

[on bodybuilding competitions] You can't just pose on stage like a robot and then walk off; people will never get to know your personality. Show less «

Change takes big balls.

Big-time celebrities don't like flying commercial.

I always saw myself as a citizen of the world.

[why he wanted to become governor of California] I'm tired of this acting stuff. I need a new challe...Show more »

[why he wanted to become governor of California] I'm tired of this acting stuff. I need a new challenge. Show less «

Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hard...Show more »

Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength. Show less «

[on Conan the Barbarian (1982)] I'd never done a love scene on camera and found it really strange.

I kept quiet about politics whenever I visited Austria. I never wanted to be perceived as some wise ...Show more »

I kept quiet about politics whenever I visited Austria. I never wanted to be perceived as some wise guy coming back and telling people what to do. Show less «

[on Warren Beatty] There are some people who are close to him that say he is just starving for atten...Show more »

[on Warren Beatty] There are some people who are close to him that say he is just starving for attention, and that's the way he gets attention. Other people said, "Look, he's not working and he just feels like he should maybe get involved in politics". Instead, I just think that maybe he is jealous that I did jump in. I find it silly, because I respect his work. Show less «

Help others and give something back. I guarantee you will discover that while public service improve...Show more »

Help others and give something back. I guarantee you will discover that while public service improves the lives and the world around you, its greatest reward is the enrichment and new meaning it will bring your own life. Show less «

I'll be back.

No-one expects you to blow people up in a comedy.

(2012) It was one of my early goals to be a millionaire. In the beginning, I wanted to have a gold R...Show more »

(2012) It was one of my early goals to be a millionaire. In the beginning, I wanted to have a gold Rolex, a Rolls-Royce, a cheetah - just stupid things that you think of when you're a kid. Then time goes by. The Rolls-Royce thing went out the window, because when you get to the level where you can afford one, all of a sudden you say, "It's a little bit over the top." A cheetah? I think in California they got rid of the law that says you can have wild animals. Having a cheetah is a stupid idea. Show less «

I associate glasses with intellectuals.

When you promote a movie, you want to win over everybody. If you give political speeches, you are bo...Show more »

When you promote a movie, you want to win over everybody. If you give political speeches, you are bound to turn off somebody. Show less «

[on James Cameron] A control freak, he has eyes in the back of his head. He knows the name of everyo...Show more »

[on James Cameron] A control freak, he has eyes in the back of his head. He knows the name of everyone on the set and no screwup gets past him; if you screw up he'll make a scene publicly and embarrass you. Show less «

Bodybuilders who are blind to themselves or deaf to others usually fall behind.

I am a big believer in education, because when I grew up in Austria - when I grew up in Austria I ha...Show more »

I am a big believer in education, because when I grew up in Austria - when I grew up in Austria I had a great education. I had great teachers. Show less «

In the mind of the public, the star is responsible for a movie's success.

Elected officials usually hate ballot initiatives because they reduce their power and make the state...Show more »

Elected officials usually hate ballot initiatives because they reduce their power and make the state harder to govern. Show less «

In politics everybody knows everything. You're totally exposed.

When people come to me with a movie concept or a script, I always ask "What is the poster? What is t...Show more »

When people come to me with a movie concept or a script, I always ask "What is the poster? What is the image? What are we trying to sell here?" Show less «

[on a return to movies when his term as Governor of California ends] I have no idea. So it depends i...Show more »

[on a return to movies when his term as Governor of California ends] I have no idea. So it depends if someone comes with a great script or a great idea...you know, would I still have the patience to sit on the set and to do a movie for three months or six months? All of those things, I don't know, but I did have a meeting with James Cameron, we talked about some very important things. Show less «

After coming to California, I posed in the heights above Malibu. Bodybuilders like this spot because...Show more »

After coming to California, I posed in the heights above Malibu. Bodybuilders like this spot because the ridges in the distance seem little and your muscles look bigger than the mountains. Show less «

I wanted to promote bodybuilding, both so that more people would take part and to benefit my career....Show more »

I wanted to promote bodybuilding, both so that more people would take part and to benefit my career. If I wanted to promote bodybuilding to a new audience, I'd have to find my own way. Show less «

[California] It is the place in the world where everyone wants to go. It was wrapped in problems, bu...Show more »

[California] It is the place in the world where everyone wants to go. It was wrapped in problems, but it was also heaven. Show less «

Start wide, expand further, and never look back.

Meeting comedians helped me to understand comedy. I really liked being around people who are funny.

The meaning of life is not simply to exist, to survive, but to move ahead, to go up, to achieve, to ...Show more »

The meaning of life is not simply to exist, to survive, but to move ahead, to go up, to achieve, to conquer. Show less «

Its embarrassing to fail at the box office.

If I heard an idea or saw a script that was exceptionally good and triggered something in me, I want...Show more »

If I heard an idea or saw a script that was exceptionally good and triggered something in me, I wanted to make that movie. Show less «

[on Paul Verhoeven and Total Recall (1990)] So many things he said were brilliant. He had a masterfu...Show more »

[on Paul Verhoeven and Total Recall (1990)] So many things he said were brilliant. He had a masterful vision. He had enthusiasm, and did a great job. I was proud my interest and passion helped to bring about the movie. But the experience also proves how important marketing is - how important it is to tell the people what this is about; really blow up their skirt and make them say, "I have to go see this movie." Show less «

[on Maria Shriver] She was the ideal woman for me.

If you get muscles, you can go to the beach and pick up girls.

I loved the idea of new challenges, along with new dangers of failure.

America is my true home.

Most people are not comfortable with guns.

I was not the least bit intimidated by the thought of a campaign. It was like every other major deci...Show more »

I was not the least bit intimidated by the thought of a campaign. It was like every other major decision I'd faced. I thought about winning. I knew it would happen. I was locked in automatic pilot. Show less «

It's time to stop thinking of the Republican Party as an exclusive club where your ideological card ...Show more »

It's time to stop thinking of the Republican Party as an exclusive club where your ideological card is checked at the door, and start thinking about how we can attract more solution-based leaders like Nathan Fletcher and Anthony Adams. Show less «

[on his infidelity] It was one of those stupid things that I promised myself never to do. A lot of p...Show more »

[on his infidelity] It was one of those stupid things that I promised myself never to do. A lot of people, no matter how successful or unsuccessful in life, make stupid choices involving sex. Show less «

You can't have people just like your movie, you need them to be passionate. Word of mouth is what ma...Show more »

You can't have people just like your movie, you need them to be passionate. Word of mouth is what makes movies big, because while you can put in millions to promote the movie on the first weekend, you can't afford to do that every week. Show less «

I wanted to know what it really took to run for office, given that I wasn't a typical candidate.

[on his Governor's salary] I didn't take a penny of my salary during my terms. After all, it was pet...Show more »

[on his Governor's salary] I didn't take a penny of my salary during my terms. After all, it was petty cash compared to what you make in the movies. Show less «

I'm 6'2". I've heard rumors that I'm really much shorter in real life like 5'6" or something like th...Show more »

I'm 6'2". I've heard rumors that I'm really much shorter in real life like 5'6" or something like that - which is ridiculous. I can assureyou this is not the case. People look up to me, and not just because I do a lot of work in the community. I mean, most people really look up to me. Show less «

As every spouse knows, you have to pick the right moment to bring up a loaded subject.

[California] The seventh largest economy in the world.

We are a forward-looking people, and we must have a forward-looking government.

[on marriage] I might not have done it if I'd known everything I'd have to go through.

Our elected leaders will either act decisively, or we will act in their place.

There is no place, no country, more compassionate more generous more accepting and more welcoming th...Show more »

There is no place, no country, more compassionate more generous more accepting and more welcoming than the United States of America. Show less «

[on if he feels protective of The Terminator franchise] Oh, no, we had very open discussions. After ...Show more »

[on if he feels protective of The Terminator franchise] Oh, no, we had very open discussions. After I got the first script, I had a lot of questions. Some of the things didn't make sense. They were tweaked; they didn't make sense to other people either. So it was fine-tuned. It was a process. There was a period of I think a few months. There were very talented people who went off and - and the great thing is that everyone was in sync. It wasn't like I was going off in one direction and David Ellison was thinking differently and then Alan was thinking differently. There was none of that. I think this is a very unique project because I think everyone is very protective - not just because of the art's sake, but I think also because of the business' sake. The studio sees this as, "If we do well here, we can go with another few. We can entertain people. We can make money. We've done a good job bringing back the franchise." So everyone is in sync with that. That's why everyone is working around the clock here to make this a great movie. Show less «

The more I read up on California, the more it was like bad news piled on top of bad news. We can't c...Show more »

The more I read up on California, the more it was like bad news piled on top of bad news. We can't continue this way. We need change. Show less «

[on restaurants] In Hollywood, the actor never pays.

To test yourself and grow, you have to operate without a safety net. Forget Plan B. If there is no P...Show more »

To test yourself and grow, you have to operate without a safety net. Forget Plan B. If there is no Plan B, then Plan A has to work. Show less «

Don't overthink. If you think all the time, the mind cannot relax. Part of us needs to go through li...Show more »

Don't overthink. If you think all the time, the mind cannot relax. Part of us needs to go through life instinctively. Turning off your mind is an art. Knowledge is extremely important for making decisions. The more knowledge you have, the more you're free to rely on your instincts. The more you know, the more you hesitate. When you are not confident of your decision-making process, it will slow you down. Overthinking is why people can't sleep at night: it cripples you. Show less «

[on his children] The drama of the presidential election interested them more than my job.

I'm not perfect.

Be hungry for success, hungry to make your mark, hungry to be seen and to be heard and to have an ef...Show more »

Be hungry for success, hungry to make your mark, hungry to be seen and to be heard and to have an effect. And as you move up and become successful, make sure also to be hungry for helping others. Don't rest on your laurels. Too many former athletes spend their lives talking about how great they were 20 years ago. So many accomplished people just coast. They wish they could still be somebody and not just talk about the past. There is much more to life than being the greatest at one thing. We learn so much when we're successful, so why not use what you've learned, use your connections and do more with them? If you have a talent or skill that makes you happy, use it to improve your neighborhood. And if you feel a desire to do more, then go all out. You'll have plenty of time to rest when you're in the grave. Live a risky and spicy life and like Eleanor Roosevelt said, "every day do something that scares you." We should all stay hungry! Show less «

on [Planet Hollywood] I'd love to do it again, only to have it managed better. Whoopi (Goldberg), Br...Show more »

on [Planet Hollywood] I'd love to do it again, only to have it managed better. Whoopi (Goldberg), Bruce (Willis), Sly (Stallone) and all the other big-name participants would tell you that Planet Hollywood was fun. With the huge parties, openings, premieres, we met people all over the world and had the time of our lives. Show less «

My own dreams fortunately came true in this great state. I became Mr. Universe; I became a successfu...Show more »

My own dreams fortunately came true in this great state. I became Mr. Universe; I became a successful businessman. And even though some people say I still speak with a slight accent, I have reached the top of the acting profession. Show less «

Normally an action star keeps to himself on the set.

As a kid - as a kid I saw socialist - the socialist country that Austria became after the Soviets le...Show more »

As a kid - as a kid I saw socialist - the socialist country that Austria became after the Soviets left. Now don't misunderstand me: I love Austria and I love the Austrian people. But I always knew that America was the place for me. In school, when the teacher would talk about America, I would daydream about coming here. I would daydream about living here. I would sit there and watch for hours American movies, transfixed by my heroes, like John Wayne. Everything about America seemed so big to me, so open, so possible. Show less «

You start reading scripts and visualizing the scene and how to direct it, how to choreograph the stu...Show more »

You start reading scripts and visualizing the scene and how to direct it, how to choreograph the stunt, and then you get into it and then you look forward to doing it. Show less «

I know a lot of athletes and models are written off as just bodies. I never felt used for my body.

The statistics in the wake of a disaster are always tragic.

[on the death of Tony Curtis] Tony Curtis was a Hollywood icon, a great performer and artist and dev...Show more »

[on the death of Tony Curtis] Tony Curtis was a Hollywood icon, a great performer and artist and devoted family man. I saw his extraordinary talent and ability to inspire generations of Americans firsthand on the set of Christmas in Connecticut (1992)' and will always remember our times together. Show less «

[his first thought when he met James Cameron] A skinny, intense guy.

[on Pope John Paul II balancing his duties with an exercise regime] If that guy can do it, I've got ...Show more »

[on Pope John Paul II balancing his duties with an exercise regime] If that guy can do it, I've got to get up even earlier! Show less «

Budget negotiations are no different than grueling five hour weight lifting sessions in the gym. The...Show more »

Budget negotiations are no different than grueling five hour weight lifting sessions in the gym. The joy of working out is that with each painful rep you get a step closer to achieving your goal. I was deeply frustrated with party leaders and the press for not making plain the budget history. Show less «

The biggest problem that we have is that California is being run now by special interests. All of th...Show more »

The biggest problem that we have is that California is being run now by special interests. All of the politicians are not anymore making the moves for the people, but for special interests and we have to stop that. Show less «

When you grow up in a harsh environment, you never forget how to withstand physical punishment, even...Show more »

When you grow up in a harsh environment, you never forget how to withstand physical punishment, even long after the hard times end. Show less «

When somebody sets the bar so low, you can't go wrong.

Impossible was a word I loved to ignore when I was governor. The only way to make the possible possi...Show more »

Impossible was a word I loved to ignore when I was governor. The only way to make the possible possible is to try the impossible. If you fail, so what? That's what everybody expects. But if you succeed, you make the world a much better place. Show less «

She (Maria Shriver) is a very good writer, with an unbelievable vocabulary and grace with words.

I always like to be called up for a speech without any prior notice.

[on Conan the Barbarian (1982)] A Star Wars (1977) set on Earth.

[on journalists] They see everything from the outside.

California will not wait for our federal government to take strong action on global warming. We won'...Show more »

California will not wait for our federal government to take strong action on global warming. We won't wait for the federal government. We will move forward because we know it's the right thing to do. We will lead on this issue and we will get other western states involved. I think there's not great leadership from the federal government when it comes to protecting the environment. Show less «

I saw myself as a businessman first.

The makeup trailer is the place on the set where everyone talks. If anybody's worried about anything...Show more »

The makeup trailer is the place on the set where everyone talks. If anybody's worried about anything, that's where you see it. It's the mother of all beauty salons. The makeup trailer is all about a soothing atmosphere, because you're getting ready for a scene. Show less «

I would rather be Governor of California than own Austria.

[during Conan the Destroyer (1984)] I'm finally getting paid a million dollars for a movie, but now ...Show more »

[during Conan the Destroyer (1984)] I'm finally getting paid a million dollars for a movie, but now Sylvester Stallone's making 3 million, I feel like I'm standing still. Show less «

I was amazed to see how negative most of the people in Hollywood remained toward Reagan during his p...Show more »

I was amazed to see how negative most of the people in Hollywood remained toward Reagan during his presidency. He represented the values that had brought me to America. The US was the greatest country with the best opportunities and now that it was my home, I wanted to keep it that way and make it even better. After the turmoil and gloom of the 1970s, Americans voted for Reagan because he reminded them of their strength. Show less «

Actresses have more problems than the average housewife.

[on Ronald Reagan] He was wonderful at painting ideas in ways that everyone could understand.

[on Muhammad Ali] I always admired him because he was a champion, had a great personality, and he wa...Show more »

[on Muhammad Ali] I always admired him because he was a champion, had a great personality, and he was generous and always thoughtful toward others. If all athletes could be like him, the world would be better off. Show less «

I'd never seen a director fine-tune a movie as methodically as Ivan Reitman.

Stallone and I were the leading forces in the genre. We created work for up and coming action stars ...Show more »

Stallone and I were the leading forces in the genre. We created work for up and coming action stars like Chuck Norris, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren and Bruce Willis. Clint Eastwood began to show more muscle as a result. The body was key. The era had arrived where muscular men were viewed as attractive. Looking physically heroic had become the aesthetic. Show less «

Making a career decision had always been an incredible high. Making a career decision as a husband a...Show more »

Making a career decision had always been an incredible high. Making a career decision as a husband and a father was a whole different deal. Show less «

With Batman and Terminator, those big movies, there's a certain expectation and if you don't live up...Show more »

With Batman and Terminator, those big movies, there's a certain expectation and if you don't live up to it, if the movie is not a 10, then the business will be soft. If Terminator Salvation (2009) is pushing it forward, it will be breaking records all the time. If director McG has the T4 and the kind of shots that has the audience thinking, 'Now how did he do that?' -- then it is 'Terminator' and you can blow everyone away and every record at the box office. Show less «

[in a 1987 interview] I have to give the audiences what they enjoy seeing while I try to bring in a ...Show more »

[in a 1987 interview] I have to give the audiences what they enjoy seeing while I try to bring in a little something new, with different movies, different time periods and all those things. But what's important is to entertain the people -- everything else means nothing. Show less «

95% of the time you never know if a movie will be a huge success or that it will even be a sequel.

I'm a big believer in hard work, grinding it out, and not stopping until it's done.

If you let ego show through, you're put in your place.

What had made my career fun for more than 30 years was sharing it with Maria (Shriver). We'd done ev...Show more »

What had made my career fun for more than 30 years was sharing it with Maria (Shriver). We'd done everything together and now there was no one to come home to. Show less «

Most bodybuilders don't have very interesting insights or routines.

I considered the US my permanent home.

Sometimes when you look at a deal, you see less danger and you're too willing to take the plunge. Th...Show more »

Sometimes when you look at a deal, you see less danger and you're too willing to take the plunge. The more risky things are, the more upside there is. Show less «

[personal motto] Presentation, presentation, presentation.

If you don't get killed, you win.

Something that seems impossible at the start can be achieved.

Love stories are built around people's idiosyncrasies.

I find joy in the gym because every rep and every set gets me one step closer to my goal.

In politics, when disputes arise and camps form, you have to grasp what's happening and move very qu...Show more »

In politics, when disputes arise and camps form, you have to grasp what's happening and move very quickly. Show less «

No matter what you do in life, selling is part of it.

[on his fight scenes with the female T-X in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)] How many time...Show more »

[on his fight scenes with the female T-X in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003)] How many times do you get away with this - to take a woman, grab her upside down and bury her face in a toilet bowl? The thing is you can do it, because, in the end, I didn't do it to a woman - she's a machine. We could get away with it without being crucified by who knows what group. Show less «

I just use my muscles as a conversation piece, like someone walking a cheetah down 42nd Street.

"There were various stepping-stones in my career. One of them was Conan the Barbarian (1982), becaus...Show more »

"There were various stepping-stones in my career. One of them was Conan the Barbarian (1982), because it was the first time I did a film with that kind of budget and I had the title role. The next big stepping-stone was The Terminator (1984). With "The Terminator", I think people became aware of the fact that I didn't really have to take my shirt off or run around and expose my muscles in order to sell tickets. After I did "The Terminator" and we had seen it be more successful than the Conan films, people then sent me a variety of different kinds of scripts - all in the action-adventure genre, but they were not muscle movies or Viking movies or pirate movies or anything like that. Show less «

Trying to reform health care had almost destroyed Bill Clinton's presidency. I'd always thought it w...Show more »

Trying to reform health care had almost destroyed Bill Clinton's presidency. I'd always thought it was a disgrace that the greatest country in the world didn't provide a health care system for all of its people, as many European countries do. Our health care reform became America's, and California led the way. Show less «

I think that gay marriage should be between a man and a woman.

You can scream at me, call me for a shoot at midnight, keep me waiting for hours - as long as what e...Show more »

You can scream at me, call me for a shoot at midnight, keep me waiting for hours - as long as what ends up on the screen is perfect. Show less «

I wanted big investments that were interesting, creative and different. Conservative bets didn't int...Show more »

I wanted big investments that were interesting, creative and different. Conservative bets didn't interest me. I was proud to pay taxes on the money I earned. I could tolerate big risks in exchange for big returns, but I'm always open to new ideas. Show less «

It's always easy to be smart in hindsight.

You have to remember something: Everybody pities the weak; jealousy you have to earn.

The worst thing I can be is the same as everybody else. I hate that.

I went from being the Terminator to being the governator.

[on Conan the Barbarian] There was no stunt double because it would have been difficult to find some...Show more »

[on Conan the Barbarian] There was no stunt double because it would have been difficult to find someone with a body like mine. Show less «

I was born in Europe... and I've traveled all over the world. I can tell you that there is no place,...Show more »

I was born in Europe... and I've traveled all over the world. I can tell you that there is no place, no country, that is more compassionate, more generous, more accepting, and more welcoming than the United States of America. Show less «

Nights without sleep don't mean you can't perform at a high level the next day and days without food...Show more »

Nights without sleep don't mean you can't perform at a high level the next day and days without food don't mean you'll starve. Show less «

What's fascinating is, people in Washington would rather spend time in Hollywood, and people in Holl...Show more »

What's fascinating is, people in Washington would rather spend time in Hollywood, and people in Hollywood would rather spend time in Washington. Show less «

I love being on the road and meeting people. That's what I do best.

I never like business relationships that are purely work.

After being the fitness czar, running for Governor of California felt like deja vu.

Gray Davis can run a dirty campaign better than anyone, but he can't run a state.

[on Maria Shriver] She had a tendency to blow things up into high drama, even things that weren't li...Show more »

[on Maria Shriver] She had a tendency to blow things up into high drama, even things that weren't life and death, whereas I would play everything down. I'm a person who does not like to talk about things over and over. I make quick decisions, I don't ask opinions, and I don't think over the same things. I want to move on. She's an outward processor, while I keep things bottled up. Show less «

Nobody in Hollywood wins all the time. At some point, you're bound to get a beating.

I'm so happy I've been a part of some of the biggest and best action sequences.

[on bodybuilding] It needed fresh blood.

When I stepped up to the podium, I was overwhelmed to realize I was standing where John F. Kennedy, ...Show more »

When I stepped up to the podium, I was overwhelmed to realize I was standing where John F. Kennedy, Nelson Mandela and Mikhail Gorbachev had all addressed the UN before me. Show less «

I'd assumed that a recall would be just like a normal election.

My character and his stolen Harley were a perfect combo of cyborg and machine in Terminator 2: Judgm...Show more »

My character and his stolen Harley were a perfect combo of cyborg and machine in Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991). Show less «

(John) Milius always pushed the envelope. Conan (the Barbarian) has stunts that have since been outl...Show more »

(John) Milius always pushed the envelope. Conan (the Barbarian) has stunts that have since been outlawed from movies. The bloodshed in Conan seems tame by today's standards. At the time, the film introduced a whole new dimension of violence on screen. Actors had five quarts of blood strapped to their chests, the same amount in the human body. Whenever it was spilled, Milius shot it against a light background to get the full carnage. Show less «

Every one of the killings in Conan (the Barbarian) was well shot and extraordinary.

[on visiting Venice, California] This place is insane. You never have to smoke a joint. You just go ...Show more »

[on visiting Venice, California] This place is insane. You never have to smoke a joint. You just go on a bicycle ride in the morning, inhale, and you live off everyone else. Show less «

[About being taken seriously] I don't care. The important thing to me is that I'm doing work that pe...Show more »

[About being taken seriously] I don't care. The important thing to me is that I'm doing work that people enjoy out there, that the movie makes good money, that the studio makes the money back, and that I'm having a great time at what I'm doing. I don't even consider myself serious. So how do I expect people to take me serious? I think this whole Hollywood thing has to be taken much looser . . . it's just entertainment. Show less «

I think more like a businessman than like a typical actor.

I am here to spend. I love to spend Hollywood's money! (June 1993).

(2012) I would always write down my New Year's resolutions and mark them off the way I mark off sets...Show more »

(2012) I would always write down my New Year's resolutions and mark them off the way I mark off sets and reps... On New Year's Eve, you can just blabber out: I want to lose twenty pounds and I'm gonna read more. But what does that mean? There's too many variables there. If you're really serious about it, then write down when you're gonna lose the twenty pounds by. Is it March 1? Is it June 1? Make a commitment. Show less «

Many movie deals are made under pressure, and if you freeze, you lose.

In bodybuilding I was king of the mountain, but in everyday LA I was just another immigrant struggli...Show more »

In bodybuilding I was king of the mountain, but in everyday LA I was just another immigrant struggling to learn English and make a life. I was glad to be away living my own life. Show less «

1991 was golden for me.

I didn't leave bodybuilding until I felt that I had gone as far as I could go. It will be the same w...Show more »

I didn't leave bodybuilding until I felt that I had gone as far as I could go. It will be the same with my film career. When I feel the time is right, I will then consider public service. I feel that the highest honor comes from serving people and your country. Show less «

The more you promote yourself as the ultimate action hero, the more people form a larger than life p...Show more »

The more you promote yourself as the ultimate action hero, the more people form a larger than life perception of you. Show less «

Well, I think because a lot of people don't know why I'm a Republican, I came first of all from a so...Show more »

Well, I think because a lot of people don't know why I'm a Republican, I came first of all from a socialistic country which is Austria and when I came over here in 1968 with the presidential elections coming up in November, I came over in October, I heard a lot of the press conferences from both of the candidates, [Hubert H. Humphrey] and [Richard Nixon], and Humphrey was talking about more government is the solution, protectionism, and everything he said about government involvement sounded to me more like Austrian socialism. Then when I heard Nixon talk about it, he said open up the borders, the consumers should be represented there ultimately and strengthen the military and get the government off our backs. I said to myself, "What is this guy's party affiliation?" I didn't know anything at that point. So I asked my friend, "What is Nixon?" He's a Republican. And I said, "I am a Republican". That's how I became a Republican." Show less «

[his first impression of Paul Verhoeven on Total Recall (1990)] A skinny, intense-looking Dutch guy.

I know California is supposed to be a place where dreams come true, but my life has gone way beyond ...Show more »

I know California is supposed to be a place where dreams come true, but my life has gone way beyond the dream. My dream was to come to America, become the greatest bodybuilder of all time and do what Reg Park had done by going into Hercules movies. And if that worked out, I was going to build a gym business and then live happily ever after. Then all of a sudden I shot right by my dream. I stopped doing the strong man stuff, did the Terminator movies and became the highest-paid actor in Hollywood. I got $30 million for Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003), you know. Show less «

[his father] A lot of sons would have been crippled by his demands, but instead the discipline rubbe...Show more »

[his father] A lot of sons would have been crippled by his demands, but instead the discipline rubbed off on me. I turned it into drive. Show less «

I wasn't interested in symbols. I was interested in action.

I never left the house without $1000 in cash and a no-limit credit card.

I like to always wander in like a puppy.

[on Total Recall (1990)] For me, it connected with the sense I had sometimes that my life was too go...Show more »

[on Total Recall (1990)] For me, it connected with the sense I had sometimes that my life was too good to be true. Show less «

As you know, I'm an immigrant. I came over here as an immigrant, and what gave me the opportunities,...Show more »

As you know, I'm an immigrant. I came over here as an immigrant, and what gave me the opportunities, what made me to be here today, is the open arms of Americans. I have been received. I have been adopted by America. Show less «

I'm not really the crying type.

I came to Hollywood and within a decade I was one of the biggest action stars of all time.

For me, talking convincingly about the future was easy: all I had to do was point to what we'd achie...Show more »

For me, talking convincingly about the future was easy: all I had to do was point to what we'd achieved since I came into office. Show less «

When I see a great performer, I always start to dream. Maybe its the Leo in me, the perpetual perfor...Show more »

When I see a great performer, I always start to dream. Maybe its the Leo in me, the perpetual performer who always wants to be the center of attention. Show less «

Writing out my goals became second nature, and so did the conviction that there are no shortcuts. It...Show more »

Writing out my goals became second nature, and so did the conviction that there are no shortcuts. It took hundreds and even thousands of repetitions for me to learn to hit a great three-quarter back pose, deliver a punchline, dance the tango in True Lies (1994), paint a beautiful birthday card, and say "I'll be back" just the right way. Show less «

Never follow the crowd. Go where it's empty. It's easier to stand out when you aim straight for the ...Show more »

Never follow the crowd. Go where it's empty. It's easier to stand out when you aim straight for the top. Show less «

When you feel embarrassed, you assume the whole world is focused on your failure.

[winning the title of Mr Universe] It is my lifetime realized. I am very happy to be Mr Universe. I ...Show more »

[winning the title of Mr Universe] It is my lifetime realized. I am very happy to be Mr Universe. I say it again, it sounds so good. I am very happy to be Mr Universe. My thanks to everyone in England who have helped me. They have been very kind to me. Thank you all. Show less «

America wouldn't be the land of the free if it wasn't the home of the brave. When you see the work t...Show more »

America wouldn't be the land of the free if it wasn't the home of the brave. When you see the work they do and the risks they take, you realize what we owe our military. Show less «

I came to America because it's the greatest place in the world, and I'm going to do everything I can...Show more »

I came to America because it's the greatest place in the world, and I'm going to do everything I can to keep it the greatest place. Show less «

Big cats have always fascinated me.

Six years of ups and downs forged me as a governor. I had more forward momentum than ever before. I ...Show more »

Six years of ups and downs forged me as a governor. I had more forward momentum than ever before. I felt more like a hungry eagle rather than a lame duck. Show less «

A few months ago, I got rear-ended by this guy. He took off, and I chased him. I will admit I drove ...Show more »

A few months ago, I got rear-ended by this guy. He took off, and I chased him. I will admit I drove at a slightly excessive speed. I cut him off, and two guys jumped out of the car looking tough. But when they saw me, they just said, 'Oh shit! The Terminator!' They were nice, and gave me their information. Show less «

[on his eighties rivalry with Sylvester Stallone] We had a competition. And here's a perfect example...Show more »

[on his eighties rivalry with Sylvester Stallone] We had a competition. And here's a perfect example of how competition is healthy, because he was trying to out-do me. But I was also trying to out-do him. So who benefited? The fans. I was training harder, he was training harder. It was a competition of who has more muscles, who has more cuts, who has the lower body fat, who uses the biggest guns, who kills the most people, who has the most creative killings, and this went on and on and on. So the movies became better and better because of it. And eventually, we grew up, right?" he said. We were doing Planet Hollywood together and we were laughing about it on the plane when we flew around. We've become very good friends, and I'm a big supporter of Sly, because I really always thought I admired him, even though there was competition. He's a great director, he's a great writer, a great actor, a great producer and also a fantastic artist. His paintings are great. And he's a great family man. He has it all. Show less «

[on Total Recall (1990)] Working with Sharon Stone will always be a challenge. She was a sweetie off...Show more »

[on Total Recall (1990)] Working with Sharon Stone will always be a challenge. She was a sweetie off the set but needed tons of attention on-set. There are just some actors who need more attention. People just have their hang-ups and insecurities and acting definitely brings that out. Show less «

You can do the finest work and if people don't know, you have nothing! The most important thing is t...Show more »

You can do the finest work and if people don't know, you have nothing! The most important thing is to make people aware. Show less «

I don't suffer of anything that I've lost.

You know, nothing is more important than education, because nowhere are our stakes higher; our futur...Show more »

You know, nothing is more important than education, because nowhere are our stakes higher; our future depends on the quality of education of our children today. Show less «

Our first major decision as a couple (he and Maria Shriver) was to find a house and call it our plac...Show more »

Our first major decision as a couple (he and Maria Shriver) was to find a house and call it our place. Show less «

I could go on for hours about what draws me to Maria (Shriver) but still never fully explain the mag...Show more »

I could go on for hours about what draws me to Maria (Shriver) but still never fully explain the magic. Show less «

Compared to Conan the Barbarian (1982), Conan the Destroyer (1984) was a trip to Club Med.

[on sweat] It's a great way to lose body fat.

I never argued with people who underestimated me. If the accent and the muscles and the movies made ...Show more »

I never argued with people who underestimated me. If the accent and the muscles and the movies made people think I was stupid, it worked to my advantage. Show less «

You're just one person, and the country is much bigger, and it's what will live forever.

Promotion and merchandising were realms I truly understood.

I aimed to be a leader someday.

Maria is the best reason to come home.

Fitness promotes health and enhances the quality of life.

My relationship to power and authority is that I'm all for it. People need somebody to watch over th...Show more »

My relationship to power and authority is that I'm all for it. People need somebody to watch over them. Ninety-five percent of the people in the world need to be told what to do and how to behave. Show less «

I was on a crusade around the world to promote health and fitness to young people.

I thought I would never die.

[the Golden Raspberry Awards] A kind of Oscar in reverse for bad movies.

I grew up in a culture where you respect the elders.

Americans love foreign names.

And now, of course this is another thing I didn't count on, that now as the governor of the state of...Show more »

And now, of course this is another thing I didn't count on, that now as the governor of the state of California, I am selling California worldwide. You see that? Selling. Show less «

[lying to Maria Shriver about his infidelity] Instead of doing the right thing, I'd just put the tru...Show more »

[lying to Maria Shriver about his infidelity] Instead of doing the right thing, I'd just put the truth in a mental compartment and locked it up where I didn't deal with it every day. Show less «

[endorsing bodybuilding publicly] It was a boost for bodybuilding in America; suddenly the sport had...Show more »

[endorsing bodybuilding publicly] It was a boost for bodybuilding in America; suddenly the sport had a face and a personality. Show less «

(On the power of visualizing your goals) When I was very young, I visualized myself being and having...Show more »

(On the power of visualizing your goals) When I was very young, I visualized myself being and having what it was that I wanted. The mind is really so incredible. Before I won my first Mr. Universe, I walked around the tournament like I owned it. The title was already mine. I had won it so many times in my mind that there was no doubt I would win it. Then, when I moved on to the movies, the same thing. I visualized myself being a successful actor and earning big money. I could feel and taste success. I just knew it would happen. Show less «

Governments don't want to be told they're doing something wrong.

[on Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)] It was typical James Cameron genius to have character develop...Show more »

[on Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)] It was typical James Cameron genius to have character development in a machine. Show less «

To this day, I'm more comfortable when there's someone to schmooze with until I fall asleep.

I'd always advanced by starting with a clear vision and working as hard as possible to achieve it.

[on John McTiernan] If a director of his caliber had done the sequel to Predator (1987), the movie c...Show more »

[on John McTiernan] If a director of his caliber had done the sequel to Predator (1987), the movie could have become a major franchise on a par with The Terminator (1984) or Die Hard (1988). Show less «

The worst I can be is the same as everybody else. I hate that.

Training gives us an outlet for suppressed energies created by stress and thus tones the spirit just...Show more »

Training gives us an outlet for suppressed energies created by stress and thus tones the spirit just as exercise conditions the body. Show less «

[Talking about director John Milius] "There never would have been a Conan movie without him.

Don't blame your parents. They've done their best for you, and if they've left you with problems, th...Show more »

Don't blame your parents. They've done their best for you, and if they've left you with problems, those problems are now yours to solve. I could channel my upbringing in a positive way rather than complain. I could use it to have a vision, set goals, find joy. I don't have to lick my wounds. Sometimes you have to appreciate the very people and circumstances that traumatized you. Today I hail the strictness of my upbringing, and the fact I didn't have anything I wanted in Austria, because those were the very factors that made me hungry; it put fuel on the fire in my belly. It drove and motivated me. Show less «

[on becoming President of the United States]If I'd been born in America, I would've run.[October 201...Show more »

[on becoming President of the United States]If I'd been born in America, I would've run.[October 2016] Show less «

When you're not on camera, stay in character, act your part, giving it everything you have in order ...Show more »

When you're not on camera, stay in character, act your part, giving it everything you have in order to draw the best out of the actor who is being filmed. Show less «

The conventional wisdom in Hollywood is that playing a villain is career suicide.

Listening made me a more effective promoter. You have to cultivate your audience and expand it with ...Show more »

Listening made me a more effective promoter. You have to cultivate your audience and expand it with each new film. Nurturing a movie means paying attention to the distributors. You do the things they feel are important because they go all out in pushing the theatres. Show less «

Clint (Eastwood) was one of the few Hollywood personalities who had his head screwed on straight.

No matter the nationality, no matter the religion, no matter the ethnic background, America brings o...Show more »

No matter the nationality, no matter the religion, no matter the ethnic background, America brings out the best in people. Show less «

Whenever I finished filming a movie, my job was only half done. Every film had to be nurtured in the...Show more »

Whenever I finished filming a movie, my job was only half done. Every film had to be nurtured in the marketplace. Some of the greatest artists never sold much because they didn't know how. No matter what I did in life, I was aware that you had to sell it. Show less «

When I met Maria [Shriver], she was full of life, excitement, and hunger for the world. She wanted t...Show more »

When I met Maria [Shriver], she was full of life, excitement, and hunger for the world. She wanted to be a rebel, not have a job on Capitol Hill. Show less «

What we face may look insurmountable. But I learned something from all those years of training and c...Show more »

What we face may look insurmountable. But I learned something from all those years of training and competing. I learned something from all those sets and reps when I didn't think I could lift another ounce of weight. What I learned is that we are always stronger than we know. Show less «

I was addicted to public service.

For Maria (Shriver) to go out and be in front of the camera was a real declaration of independence.

Memoirs are about looking back, but I've lived my life by the opposite principle. At home I have a h...Show more »

Memoirs are about looking back, but I've lived my life by the opposite principle. At home I have a hundred photo albums starting with my childhood in Austria, and I never look at them. I'd rather do another project or make another movie and learn from looking forward! Show less «

[James Cameron's movies] Extraordinary inspiration because it makes other directors online.

I have plenty of money, unlike other Hollywood celebrities or athletes that have not invested well.

Staying on top of the hill is harder than climbing it.

Compared to an action hero, it was easier being a comic star.

A change in studio management can sink a movie.

I am of the Reagan view that we should not go off the cliff with flags flying.

Writing something is different from saying it.

[on refusing to grant clemency to condemned killer Stanley Tookie Williams] After studying the evide...Show more »

[on refusing to grant clemency to condemned killer Stanley Tookie Williams] After studying the evidence, searching the history, listening to the arguments and wrestling with the profound consequences, I could find no justification for granting clemency. The facts do not justify overturning the jury's verdict, or the decisions of the courts in this case. Show less «

I wasn't sure I was free from prejudice; I'd made prejudiced comments.

Bodybuilders look in the mirror as they train. You need to be your own trainer.

The applause of a crowd made me stronger.

[on Terminator Genisys (2015)] It will be challenging because it will be a new director, and it will...Show more »

[on Terminator Genisys (2015)] It will be challenging because it will be a new director, and it will be a really action-packed movie. And sometimes it does get more difficult when you're 66 years old and doing this kind of action, versus when you're in your 30s or 40s! Show less «

President Bush (Jr) was always available to talk. If I raised only one issue at a time, I would get ...Show more »

President Bush (Jr) was always available to talk. If I raised only one issue at a time, I would get a fair hearing. Show less «

I think that people are interested seeing me on the screen.

[the outrageous and conservative sides to his personality] I wanted to feel comfortable in both worl...Show more »

[the outrageous and conservative sides to his personality] I wanted to feel comfortable in both worlds. Show less «

I welcome and seek your ideas, but do not bring me small ideas; bring me big ideas to match our futu...Show more »

I welcome and seek your ideas, but do not bring me small ideas; bring me big ideas to match our future. Show less «

For me life is continuously being hungry. The meaning of life is not simply to exist, to survive, bu...Show more »

For me life is continuously being hungry. The meaning of life is not simply to exist, to survive, but to move ahead, to go up, to achieve, to conquer. Show less «

If millions of people came to see my movies someday, it was important that they know where the muscl...Show more »

If millions of people came to see my movies someday, it was important that they know where the muscles came from. Show less «

Singapore Airlines had the best reputation in the airline business. The Boeing 747 was the ballsiest...Show more »

Singapore Airlines had the best reputation in the airline business. The Boeing 747 was the ballsiest airliner. Show less «

There's a lot of people who want me to get out of acting and want me to run for governor. I think it...Show more »

There's a lot of people who want me to get out of acting and want me to run for governor. I think it's mostly movie critics. Show less «

Of all the things I've done with my life, nothing is seared in my memory more than looking into the ...Show more »

Of all the things I've done with my life, nothing is seared in my memory more than looking into the eyes of someone who has just lost everything he loved in the world. Show less «

When I came here, California was a beacon.

[After undergoing heart surgery in 1997] We made, actually, history, because it was the first time e...Show more »

[After undergoing heart surgery in 1997] We made, actually, history, because it was the first time ever that doctors could prove that a lifelong Republican has a heart. Show less «

I don't believe that violence on-screen creates violence on the street or in the home. Otherwise the...Show more »

I don't believe that violence on-screen creates violence on the street or in the home. Otherwise there would have been no murders before movies were invented, and the Bible is full of them. Show less «

In the mid-1990s the Internet was just an odd new idea.

[on George Bush] If you had talent and did him a favour or he liked you, he would push you forward w...Show more »

[on George Bush] If you had talent and did him a favour or he liked you, he would push you forward whether it made sense or not. He was a different breed, a sweetheart of a guy. The fact he put such trust in me had a powerful effect. I felt there would never, ever be a time, no matter what happened, when I would violate that trust or let the man down. Show less «

There's a difference between being 35 and almost 65.

Total anonymity is almost impossible in Hollywood.

It was very difficult for me in the beginning - I was told by agents and casting people that my body...Show more »

It was very difficult for me in the beginning - I was told by agents and casting people that my body was 'too weird', that I had a funny accent, and that my name was too long. You name it, and they told me I had to change it. Basically, everywhere I turned, I was told that I had no chance. Show less «

Early in my movie career, the hardest thing was giving up control. In bodybuilding, everything had b...Show more »

Early in my movie career, the hardest thing was giving up control. In bodybuilding, everything had been up to me. In movies, you depend on others right from the start. Show less «

[during his open-heart surgery] Maria (Shriver) put a brave face on a scary situation.

Everything I have ever done in my life has always stayed. I've just added to it . . . but I will not...Show more »

Everything I have ever done in my life has always stayed. I've just added to it . . . but I will not change. Because when you are successful and you change, you are an idiot. Show less «

The Great American Workout was from 7 to 9 o'clock in the morning.

Even with my divorce and with everything, I don't need money.

Having women in the gym made us train harder.

I always think the world of people who make a project their own and are on it 24 hours a day.

I was always interested in proportion and perfection. When I was 15 I took off my clothes and looked...Show more »

I was always interested in proportion and perfection. When I was 15 I took off my clothes and looked in the mirror. When I stared at myself naked, I realized that to be perfectly proportioned I would need 20-inch arms to match the rest of me. Show less «

Once I've locked in on a vision for myself, I always resist changing the plan.

[on James Cameron] [He] is a big believer in surprising the audience. His knowledge of science and t...Show more »

[on James Cameron] [He] is a big believer in surprising the audience. His knowledge of science and the world of the future went way beyond the ordinary. Show less «

[on George Bush] He had tremendous strength of character and will. This was our next President, the ...Show more »

[on George Bush] He had tremendous strength of character and will. This was our next President, the real American hero. He had a casual approach to campaigning; not everything had to be perfect. Show less «

The most important thing was not how much you make, but how much you invest, how much you keep. I ne...Show more »

The most important thing was not how much you make, but how much you invest, how much you keep. I never wanted to join the long list of famous entertainers and athletes who wiped out financially. My goal was to get rich and stay rich. Show less «

I liked getting swept up into a cloud of celebs.

In our society, the women who break down barriers are those who ignore limits.

I'd hear guys bragging about their new Gulfstream IV or IV-SP and I'd get to say, "That's great guys...Show more »

I'd hear guys bragging about their new Gulfstream IV or IV-SP and I'd get to say, "That's great guys. Let me talk about my 747..." It was a great conversation stopper. Show less «

A person's muscles don't care where the resistance comes from.

I was riding the great wave of action movies. They became as important to the 1980s as Westerns were...Show more »

I was riding the great wave of action movies. They became as important to the 1980s as Westerns were in the 1950s. Show less «

[on watching Will Ferrell movies] In those you howl for two hours and you feel like you get a six-pa...Show more »

[on watching Will Ferrell movies] In those you howl for two hours and you feel like you get a six-pack of ab muscles from all the laughs! Show less «

[Talking about playing the Terminator] I had to act like a cyborg, which meant I couldn't show any k...Show more »

[Talking about playing the Terminator] I had to act like a cyborg, which meant I couldn't show any kind of human fear or reaction to the fire, explosions, or gunfire that was going off around me. That can be difficult when you're walking through a door with its frame on fire, trying to reload a gun, and at the same time thinking in the back of your mind that people have accidents doing these kinds of stunts and that it might be my turn. Show less «

[Mr. Universe, Mr. World and Mr. Olympia] Winning all three would be like unifying the heavyweight t...Show more »

[Mr. Universe, Mr. World and Mr. Olympia] Winning all three would be like unifying the heavyweight title in boxing: it would make me the undisputed world champion. Mr World was by far the biggest bodybuilding event I'd ever seen. Show less «

For 20 years, Simon & Schuster asked me, 'Why don't you write your autobiography?'

In an entertainment interview, you could just make up stuff!

Leave no stone unturned.

[James] Cameron has really stretched it beyond belief with visual effects in Judgment Day.

Bodybuilding is much like any other sport. To be successful, you must dedicate yourself 100% to your...Show more »

Bodybuilding is much like any other sport. To be successful, you must dedicate yourself 100% to your training, diet and mental approach. Show less «

[after heart surgery] I felt as vigorous as Hercules.

All great movements in history start out on a grassroots level, not in places like Washington or Par...Show more »

All great movements in history start out on a grassroots level, not in places like Washington or Paris or Moscow or Beijing. Show less «

I didn't think about money. I thought about the fame, about just being the greatest. I was dreaming ...Show more »

I didn't think about money. I thought about the fame, about just being the greatest. I was dreaming about being some dictator of a country or some savior like Jesus. Show less «

The reason I wanted to be healthy was that I never wanted to ask anyone for money. It was so against...Show more »

The reason I wanted to be healthy was that I never wanted to ask anyone for money. It was so against my grain. Show less «

[his nephew Patrick] He became my pride and joy.

[on the death of Patrick Swayze] Patrick Swayze was a talented and passionate artist who struck a me...Show more »

[on the death of Patrick Swayze] Patrick Swayze was a talented and passionate artist who struck a memorable chord with audiences throughout the world. He played a wide range of characters both on stage and in movies and his celebrated performances made the hard work of acting look effortless - which I know from experience is not easy. As a fan and as an actor, I admired Patrick and I know that he will be dearly missed. On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I send our deepest condolences to Patrick's family, friends and fans. Show less «

Political courage is not political suicide.

Danny DeVito is a master of comedy, loves stogies, and cooks pasta on the set-no wonder he made such...Show more »

Danny DeVito is a master of comedy, loves stogies, and cooks pasta on the set-no wonder he made such a great twin. Show less «

The California Republican Party should be a right of center party that occupies the broad middle of ...Show more »

The California Republican Party should be a right of center party that occupies the broad middle of California. Show less «

(2012) The day is twenty-four hours. I sleep six hours. That leaves eighteen hours to do something.

[referring to Democrats at a political rally in Ontario, California, in 2004] If they don't have the...Show more »

[referring to Democrats at a political rally in Ontario, California, in 2004] If they don't have the guts to come up here in front of you and say, "I don't want to represent you, I want to represent those special interests, the unions, the trial lawyers" . . . if they don't have the guts, I call them girlie men. Show less «

My talent is fitness and this is something I can give back.

I have a love interest in every one of my films: a gun.

Eisenhower and Kennedy championed fitness as a way for America to stand strong against the Soviets.

When you start out, its all about one to one contact.

I have inhaled, exhaled everything.

[victory speech after having won election as Governor of California] I will not fail, I will not dis...Show more »

[victory speech after having won election as Governor of California] I will not fail, I will not disappoint you, I will not let you down. Show less «

[on marriage] Just let me stumble into it; I don't want to be forewarned.

I have a private plane. But I fly commercial when I go to environmental conferences.

You should marry when you're set financially and the toughest struggles of your career are behind yo...Show more »

You should marry when you're set financially and the toughest struggles of your career are behind you. Most marriages break up over financial issues. Show less «

If you want to fight prejudice you have to have tolerance centers everywhere.

I have no sexual standards in my head that say this is good or this is bad. Homosexual - that only m...Show more »

I have no sexual standards in my head that say this is good or this is bad. Homosexual - that only means to me that he enjoys sex with a man and I enjoy sex with a woman. It's all legitimate to me. Show less «

Learned helplessness is the giving-up reaction, the quitting response that follows from the belief t...Show more »

Learned helplessness is the giving-up reaction, the quitting response that follows from the belief that whatever you do doesn't matter. Show less «

If government is not taking in enough revenue because of an economic slowdown, then everyone should ...Show more »

If government is not taking in enough revenue because of an economic slowdown, then everyone should chip in and sacrifice. Show less «

When you have a relationship in a foreign language, you have to be extra careful not to miscommunica...Show more »

When you have a relationship in a foreign language, you have to be extra careful not to miscommunicate. Show less «

I believe with all my heart that America remains 'the great idea' that inspires the world. It is a p...Show more »

I believe with all my heart that America remains 'the great idea' that inspires the world. It is a privilege to be born here. It is an honor to become a citizen here. It is a gift to raise your family here, to vote here, and to live here. Show less «

Everything I have, my career, my success, my family, I owe to America.

Ad-libbing can backfire when you're running for governor.

Life is richer when we embrace the multitudes we all contain.

I never like to cut things from my life; I only add.

[politics] You get so immersed in the job there are side effects on the people you love. Even if you...Show more »

[politics] You get so immersed in the job there are side effects on the people you love. Even if you succeed in protecting your wife and kids from the public spotlight, they feel they're sharing and losing you. Show less «

Even when acting in a movie, I would not shoot a stunt if I hadn't rehearsed it a minimum of ten tim...Show more »

Even when acting in a movie, I would not shoot a stunt if I hadn't rehearsed it a minimum of ten times. Show less «

[after heart surgery] I got a second or third lease on life.

If you work hard and play by the rules, this country is truly open to you. You can achieve anything.

The more popular bodybuilding grew in prisons, the more guys would get the message to behave.

[on his wedding day] I loved watching Maria (Shriver) coming up the aisle. She looked so regal but a...Show more »

[on his wedding day] I loved watching Maria (Shriver) coming up the aisle. She looked so regal but at the same time, she radiated warmth and happiness. Show less «

My friendship with the President (George Bush Sr) quickly became a very big part of my life. It was ...Show more »

My friendship with the President (George Bush Sr) quickly became a very big part of my life. It was warm from the time we first met during the Reagan years. Show less «

[on the 2016 Presidential election]for the first time since I became a citizen in 1983,I will not vo...Show more »

[on the 2016 Presidential election]for the first time since I became a citizen in 1983,I will not vote for the republican candidate for President. Show less «

In acting you take criticism so much more personally. You get upset, but every job has its downside.

All the great ideas come from local governments.

[on Terminator Salvation (2009)] I hope they do well, and I hope it is a huge hit. I do hope it crea...Show more »

[on Terminator Salvation (2009)] I hope they do well, and I hope it is a huge hit. I do hope it creates a spectacle on the screen. That is what James Cameron created. Show less «

[on Mr. Universe] I wanted to win it so decisively that people would forget I'd ever lost.

My definition of living is to have excitement always; that's the difference between living and exist...Show more »

My definition of living is to have excitement always; that's the difference between living and existing. Show less «

[on Planet Hollywood] A glitzy new moneymaking machine. It was not just an event; it was the beginni...Show more »

[on Planet Hollywood] A glitzy new moneymaking machine. It was not just an event; it was the beginning of an empire. Show less «

'I'll be back' always sounded a little girly to me.

Holidays become more meaningful when you have a family.

We are not waiting for politics, for our problems to get worse, or for the federal government. Becau...Show more »

We are not waiting for politics, for our problems to get worse, or for the federal government. Because the future does not wait. Not only can we lead California into the future, we can show the nation and the world how to get there. Show less «

Milk is for babies. When you grow up you have to drink beer.

[on heart surgery] Big risk, big reward.

Californians love their cars.

If the press sees you coming out of the Oval Office with the President, you'll win respect.

In bodybuilding, you try to suppress emotions and march forwards with determination; in acting its t...Show more »

In bodybuilding, you try to suppress emotions and march forwards with determination; in acting its the opposite. Show less «

Starting with something disarming and funny is a good way to stand out. You become more likable, and...Show more »

Starting with something disarming and funny is a good way to stand out. You become more likable, and people receive your information much better. Whenever I watched a comedy, I always thought "I could have done that!" But if I was going to branch into comedies, I would need someone to be my cheerleader. Show less «

You can't have a life full of successes. In bodybuilding, I tried bench-pressing 500lb many times an...Show more »

You can't have a life full of successes. In bodybuilding, I tried bench-pressing 500lb many times and failed. That's how you get there. You have to be daring. Show less «

Ivan Reitman took a chance on me as a comic hero.

The success I have achieved in bodybuilding, motion pictures, and business would not have been possi...Show more »

The success I have achieved in bodybuilding, motion pictures, and business would not have been possible without the generosity of the American people and the freedom here to pursue your dreams. Show less «

The outside world looked at our relationship (he and Maria Shriver) in a simple-minded way, as a jui...Show more »

The outside world looked at our relationship (he and Maria Shriver) in a simple-minded way, as a juicy success story. According to this way of thinking, Maria becomes part of my trophy collection. Show less «

I'm addicted to exercising and I have to do something every day.

Freedom is a right ultimately defended by the sacrifice of America's servicemen and women.

If you need to do something that's not in the manual, throw the manual out.

The future is green energy, sustainability, renewable energy.

Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis and I had great fun opening Planet Hollywood restaurants around the...Show more »

Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis and I had great fun opening Planet Hollywood restaurants around the world. Show less «

After I came to America, I learned to think a bit more about my family rather than just myself. With...Show more »

After I came to America, I learned to think a bit more about my family rather than just myself. With my mother I built a good relationship where she and I really communicated. I loved doing things for my mother. She deserved to be treated like a queen. She was buried next to my father because they were so connected. Show less «

I'm always comparing life to a climb, not just because there's a struggle but also because I find at...Show more »

I'm always comparing life to a climb, not just because there's a struggle but also because I find at least as much joy in the climbing as in reaching the top. I pictured marriage as a whole mountain range of fantastic challenges. Show less «

Women are the engine driving the growth in California's economy. Women make California's economy uni...Show more »

Women are the engine driving the growth in California's economy. Women make California's economy unique. Show less «

I've been retired from bodybuilding since 1980 but I'll always stay involved.

Republicans and unions usually don't mix.

I would not go into a competition with a disadvantage.

If it bleeds, we can kill it.

President [George Bush] knows you can't reason with people that are blinded by hate. But let me tell...Show more »

President [George Bush] knows you can't reason with people that are blinded by hate. But let me tell you something: Their hate is no match for our decency, their hate is no match for the leadership and the resolve of George Bush. Show less «

There's a moment going into surgery that I really hate. The moment when the anesthesia takes hold, w...Show more »

There's a moment going into surgery that I really hate. The moment when the anesthesia takes hold, when you know you're going out, losing consciousness and don't know if you'll ever wake up from it. Show less «

Monstrous, futuristic, what I envisioned America as all about.

I get goosebumps when Nelson Mandela talks about inclusion, tolerance and forgiveness.

I'm not looking for sympathy at all.

(2012) I didn't get it at first. I'll be back. What the fuck is I'll? I will be back sounded much st...Show more »

(2012) I didn't get it at first. I'll be back. What the fuck is I'll? I will be back sounded much stronger in my mind. So I argued with Jim Cameron. And he said, "Look, Arnold, I don't tell you how to act. Please don't tell me how to write." After I saw it in the movie, I was so thankful to Cameron. That was a good lesson to learn. If someone is a good writer, stick to the script. Show less «

Secrecy is just part of me. I keep things to myself no matter what. I'm not a person who was brought...Show more »

Secrecy is just part of me. I keep things to myself no matter what. I'm not a person who was brought up to talk. Show less «

[on James Cameron] He seemed more real than the people I met from Hollywood.

California is more important than everyone's career.

I thought I was the poster boy for the American dream. I came to the US virtually broke, worked hard...Show more »

I thought I was the poster boy for the American dream. I came to the US virtually broke, worked hard, kept focused on my goal, and made it. This really was the land of opportunity. If a kid like me could do it, anybody could. I had a fire inside of me to succeed. Anything is possible, but you have to do your end of the work. Making money was never my only goal, but money opened the door to interesting investments. Show less «

Talking to kids in your second language is never easy to do.

I'm like a little kid who loves to show off and share things that I have experienced.

Los Angeles stood out because it was the only big city that had after-school programs in every one o...Show more »

Los Angeles stood out because it was the only big city that had after-school programs in every one of its 90 elementary schools. State officials and lawmakers just didn't see after-school programs as important. After-school programs not only help the kids but also reduce the strain on the teachers. Young kids relate better to young people, especially after a whole day of teachers and school. They want counsellors in jeans and with spiky hair, who can serve as parent figures but who don't look like them - not that many retired teachers want to go back to work. Show less «

[on The Terminator] The American public accepted me as both a hero and a villain.

I love factories, and whenever I'm passionate about a product, I want to see it being made.

I feel good because I believe I have made progress in rebuilding the people's trust in their governm...Show more »

I feel good because I believe I have made progress in rebuilding the people's trust in their government. Show less «

Politically there were failures. And also on the personal level, there were tremendous failures.

[The Terminator] It was a small movie. We really had to cut costs all the time. We shot it very quic...Show more »

[The Terminator] It was a small movie. We really had to cut costs all the time. We shot it very quickly. We felt we had a good story and it would be successful. But we thought it would be for certain audiences only. No-one suspected it would be in Time magazine's top 10 movies of the year and that successful at the box-office and that people demanded a sequel that would be the highest grossing movie of that year. Show less «

Well, I think that California has had a history of always spending more money than it takes in.

Failure is not an option. Everyone has to succeed.

[About the dog accident while making Conan the Barbarian (1982)] One of them hit me too soon. It cau...Show more »

[About the dog accident while making Conan the Barbarian (1982)] One of them hit me too soon. It caught me off guard and I went right over the ledge. I fell ten feet and landed on my back. I was covered with scratches and bruises. It was probably a pretty good beginning for this movie, though. It set the tone for the whole time we were there. This was going to be fun . . . but dangerous. Show less «

To live your life as an actor, you can't be afraid of someone stirring up your emotions.

[on heart surgery] It gave me energy beyond belief. I feel like a totally new person. And I no longe...Show more »

[on heart surgery] It gave me energy beyond belief. I feel like a totally new person. And I no longer had to convince people that I still had a pulse. Show less «

I know that if you leave dishes in the sink, they get sticky and hard to wash the next day.

[on his decision to run for governor of California] It was the most difficult decision in my life - ...Show more »

[on his decision to run for governor of California] It was the most difficult decision in my life - except the one in 1978 when I decided to get a bikini wax. Show less «

Stan Winston's special effects studio was torture; on The Terminator, it took 30 minutes for the cem...Show more »

Stan Winston's special effects studio was torture; on The Terminator, it took 30 minutes for the cement to dry when designing the prosthetics to cover my face. The first time I went through it I got very anxious and thought of pleasant memories to endure it. My heart surgery reminded me of all that. Show less «

I am the most helpful and open up doors for everyone and I like to share.

I had no idea that reading from a script means you're supposed to act out the role.

Most juvenile crime is committed between 3 and 6 o'clock in the afternoon.

[on his career as a bodybuilder] I had a very clear vision of where I wanted to go. You realize you ...Show more »

[on his career as a bodybuilder] I had a very clear vision of where I wanted to go. You realize you have to pay no attention to the naysayers. When you learn those lessons in sports, you can apply those lessons for the rest of your life. Show less «

I think Americans are very patriotic.

In America, unlike Europe, there weren't a million obstacles to starting a business.

[being Governor of California] I had my hands full.

I had a track record of organizing summits across fifty states. I loved seeing wounded veterans and ...Show more »

I had a track record of organizing summits across fifty states. I loved seeing wounded veterans and entertaining them and thanking them for their great work. Show less «

Money doesn't make you happy. I now have $50 million but I was just as happy when I had $48 million.

I wanted to be rich very quickly.

Poses are the snapshots, and the routine is the movie.

[From an interview expressing concern over making Conan the Destroyer (1984) less brutal than its pr...Show more »

[From an interview expressing concern over making Conan the Destroyer (1984) less brutal than its predecessor, Conan the Barbarian (1982)] I think it's a mistake. I know Sylvester Stallone made an extra $20 million because he got a PG rating for Rocky III (1982), but it's a matter of how much you want to stay within the character's reality. Can you slaughter people and never see blood? Is it possible? You must have battles. That's part of life, war, and the world of Conan. Show less «

Dino (De Laurentiis) had a reputation for getting things done. He was very powerful in that way, and...Show more »

Dino (De Laurentiis) had a reputation for getting things done. He was very powerful in that way, and people in Hollywood knew it and didn't mess with him. Show less «

You can over-think anything. There are always negatives. The more you know, the less you tend to do ...Show more »

You can over-think anything. There are always negatives. The more you know, the less you tend to do something. Show less «

Its great to have someone to go home to.

[Talking about director Richard Fleischer] The first day Fleischer came to see me work out, he told ...Show more »

[Talking about director Richard Fleischer] The first day Fleischer came to see me work out, he told me, "Arnold, could you put on some more muscles?" I couldn't believe it! It turned out that Fleischer thought [John Milius'] decision to keep Conan clothed throughout the first film was a mistake. Fleischer believes that people want to see my body much more often than they did the first time around, so they will. I spend most of my time in Conan the Destroyer (1984) fighting off people while I'm dressed in a loincloth. Show less «

I'd felt like an American from the time I was 10 years old.

Real estate was the place to invest. The math of real estate really spoke to me.

Hiking in the Alps I'd sometimes wear loud obnoxious Hawaiian shorts just to get a rise out of the L...Show more »

Hiking in the Alps I'd sometimes wear loud obnoxious Hawaiian shorts just to get a rise out of the Lederhosen traditionalists. Show less «

[on The Terminator (1984), Commando (1985), Predator (1987) and Total Recall (1990)] They all focuse...Show more »

[on The Terminator (1984), Commando (1985), Predator (1987) and Total Recall (1990)] They all focused on the universal theme of good vs evil. Show less «

I never went to a competition to compete; I went to win.

There is no such thing as an Austrian Shakespearean actor. It doesn't exist.

[on James Cameron] The women he married, although a long list, were women you didn't want to mess wi...Show more »

[on James Cameron] The women he married, although a long list, were women you didn't want to mess with. Show less «

When the people become involved in their government, government becomes more accountable, and our so...Show more »

When the people become involved in their government, government becomes more accountable, and our society is stronger, more compassionate, and better prepared for the challenges of the future. Show less «

[on the death of his mentor Joe Weider] He advised me on my training, on my business ventures, and o...Show more »

[on the death of his mentor Joe Weider] He advised me on my training, on my business ventures, and once, bizarrely, claimed I was a German Shakespearean actor to get me my first acting role in --Hercules in New York (1970) even though I barely spoke English. He was there for me constantly throughout my life, and I will miss him dearly. Show less «

In the beginning I was selfish. It was all about, "How do I build Arnold? How can I win the most Mr....Show more »

In the beginning I was selfish. It was all about, "How do I build Arnold? How can I win the most Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympic contests? How can I get into the movies and get into business?" I was thinking about myself . . . As I've grown up, got older, maybe wiser, I think your life is judged not by how much you have taken but by how much you give back. Show less «

Everything in life has a funny side. I'd always been the perfect target for jokes; there was so much...Show more »

Everything in life has a funny side. I'd always been the perfect target for jokes; there was so much material to work from. Show less «

[From an interview about his reaction to reading the original The Terminator (1984) screenplay] I ha...Show more »

[From an interview about his reaction to reading the original The Terminator (1984) screenplay] I have read a lot of action adventure scripts, and this definitely was one of the best. I knew that I wanted to play the part of the Terminator as soon as I started reading. Show less «

Humour was what made me stand out from other action leads. It opened up the (action) movie and made ...Show more »

Humour was what made me stand out from other action leads. It opened up the (action) movie and made it appealing to more people. Show less «

[on Terminator Salvation (2009)] I think it's cool to continue on with the franchise, in case I want...Show more »

[on Terminator Salvation (2009)] I think it's cool to continue on with the franchise, in case I want to jump over again and get into the acting after I'm through here (as Governor of California). Show less «

One of my movies was called True Lies (1994). It's what the Democrats should have called their conve...Show more »

One of my movies was called True Lies (1994). It's what the Democrats should have called their convention. Show less «

I'm not a religious person.

[on the passing of Elaine Kaufman] Elaine was an early supporter of my acting career and would often...Show more »

[on the passing of Elaine Kaufman] Elaine was an early supporter of my acting career and would often call to let me know when an influential writer or producer came in so I could stop and schmooze. Show less «

[governorship] I would give up my movie career for that.

Europe was always far less puritanical than the United States.

[on what is like getting back into The Terminator character for Terminator Genisys (2015)] It's like...Show more »

[on what is like getting back into The Terminator character for Terminator Genisys (2015)] It's like you've been doing it your whole life, because I'm very passionate about the character. I think it's a great, interesting character. I think it's a great story. The whole concept that Cameron had way back in the early '80s, of creating a world where machines take over and things becoming a reality that no one could even think of in those days. It's really been great, because the whole team is really into going all out. It is fun to be in a movie like that. The studio is very enthusiastic about the Terminator movie - the producers, the director, they're very talented and great visionaries. You can tell, the stages - everything is really big and exciting. It's been a great experience. Show less «

An aspect of being a Kennedy cousin (Maria Shriver) was that you were never completely free. Since t...Show more »

An aspect of being a Kennedy cousin (Maria Shriver) was that you were never completely free. Since there were so many cousins, the number of command performances were high. Show less «

As president, Reagan worked very well with Democrats to do big things. It is true that he worked to ...Show more »

As president, Reagan worked very well with Democrats to do big things. It is true that he worked to reduce the size of government and cut federal taxes and he eliminated many regulations, but he also raised taxes when necessary. Show less «

Although Maria (Shriver) and I remain separated, I still try to treat everyone as if we are together...Show more »

Although Maria (Shriver) and I remain separated, I still try to treat everyone as if we are together. Maria has a right to be bitterly disappointed and never look at me the same way again. Show less «

[on The Terminator (1984)] No thinking, no blinking, no thought, just action.

I knew I was a winner back in the late sixties. I knew I was destined for great things. People will ...Show more »

I knew I was a winner back in the late sixties. I knew I was destined for great things. People will say that kind of thinking is totally immodest. I agree. Modesty is not a word that applies to me in any way - I hope it never will. Show less «

If it's hard to remember, it'll be difficult to forget.

The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can ...Show more »

The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you really believe 100 percent. Show less «

One side of Maria [Shriver] was ballsy and brave and wanted to be a strong partner.

There is a disconnect between the people of California and the politicians of California. We the peo...Show more »

There is a disconnect between the people of California and the politicians of California. We the people are doing our job: work hard, pay taxes, raise our families. The politicians are not doing their job. They fiddle, they fumble, and they fail. These words resonated more strongly than any movie script I'd read. Show less «

[on Danny DeVito] He's the opposite of a crazy Hollywood personality and the Milton Berle of comic a...Show more »

[on Danny DeVito] He's the opposite of a crazy Hollywood personality and the Milton Berle of comic acting. Show less «

There has to be investment in the public good.

I always believed in shooting for the top, and to become an American is like becoming a member of th...Show more »

I always believed in shooting for the top, and to become an American is like becoming a member of the winning team. Show less «

When you make a movie, you can never really predict what will turn out to be the most repeated line.

[on California] America's golden state.

When in Austria, I often put on traditional clothes and do as the Austrians do.

I'd have made more money if Jimmy Carter still occupied the White House.

Once you pick a director, you have to have total faith in him and go with his judgment.

My body is like breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I don't think about it, I just have it.

For me, the question was always how to fit in all the stuff I want to do. I seldom saw my life as he...Show more »

For me, the question was always how to fit in all the stuff I want to do. I seldom saw my life as hectic, the thought rarely crossed my mind. Show less «

I couldn't believe how difficult learning a new language could be. Pronunciations were especially da...Show more »

I couldn't believe how difficult learning a new language could be. Pronunciations were especially dangerous. Show less «

Bodybuilding is a lot like politics; you go from town to town, hoping word will spread.

You do a movie or a book, you promote the hell out of it, you travel the world as if its your market...Show more »

You do a movie or a book, you promote the hell out of it, you travel the world as if its your marketplace, and in the meantime, you work out and take care of business and explore even more. Show less «

When I learned about The Terminator (1984), I loved the idea that he was a machine that never had to...Show more »

When I learned about The Terminator (1984), I loved the idea that he was a machine that never had to sleep. Show less «

[at the 2004 Republican National Convention] Speaking of acting, one of my movies was called True Li...Show more »

[at the 2004 Republican National Convention] Speaking of acting, one of my movies was called True Lies (1994). It's what the Democrats should have called their convention. Show less «

Declaring a candidacy was so loaded.

I was fiscally conservative, pro-business, against raising taxes, pro-choice, pro-gay, pro-lesbian, ...Show more »

I was fiscally conservative, pro-business, against raising taxes, pro-choice, pro-gay, pro-lesbian, pro-environment, pro-reasonable gun control, pro-reasonable social safety net. Show less «

[on his autobiography, Total Recall] Digging up and piecing together memories proved to be as diffic...Show more »

[on his autobiography, Total Recall] Digging up and piecing together memories proved to be as difficult as I imagined, and yet what made the work unexpectedly enjoyable was the help I got from others. I found myself swapping stories with old friends from the worlds of bodybuilding, business, sports, Hollywood and politics - a large cast of characters. I'm grateful to all of them for helping me recreate the past and for making it immediate and friendly. Finally, I thank my family. They were generous in helping me make sure this memoir delivers on its name. And thanks especially to Maria (Shriver), for her patience with the project and for remaining as always the person I could go to whenever I got stuck. Show less «

[when his first child was born] Fuck! This is my first baby. You can be so overwhelmed by something ...Show more »

[when his first child was born] Fuck! This is my first baby. You can be so overwhelmed by something that billions of people in history have done. And from that moment on, your life as a couple has changed. But as long as you love the baby, you'll figure it out, just like with everything you love doing. Caring for babies is hardwired into the brain. Show less «

[He was being asked on what kind of Terminator he will be playing in Terminator Genisys (2015)] It's...Show more »

[He was being asked on what kind of Terminator he will be playing in Terminator Genisys (2015)] It's a character that has been programmed to protect them, to protect Sarah Connor, but I'm basically the same Terminator. I will destroy anything that's in front of me in order to save her. Show less «

The resistance that you fight physically in the gym and the resistance that you fight in life can on...Show more »

The resistance that you fight physically in the gym and the resistance that you fight in life can only build a strong character. Show less «

Raising cash from the set of a movie was a huge advantage.

I remember marvelling at how ordinary citizens could limit the state's power.

I always wanted to be an inspiration for people, but I never set out to be a role model in everythin...Show more »

I always wanted to be an inspiration for people, but I never set out to be a role model in everything. It's never been my goal to set an example in everything I do. Show less «

It wouldn't matter if you watched Total Recall (1990) 20 years from now, you could still enjoy it. T...Show more »

It wouldn't matter if you watched Total Recall (1990) 20 years from now, you could still enjoy it. There's just something very appealing about futuristic movies if they have great action and believable characters. Show less «

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger'S roles