Refused His Governor’s Salary Calling It “Petty Cash,” $450 Million Worth Arnold Schwarzenegger Still Wants Something Else Over Money

75-year-old Arnold Schwarzenegger is poised to make his return to acting and his TV show debut with Netflix’s FUBAR. With a little over a week left before FUBAR’s May 25th release, The Hollywood Reporter caught up with The Terminator star. While chatting with the Austrian Oak at his 6-acre Brentwood estate, THR asked if Schwarzenegger felt “a little surprised to still be acting,” as Hollywood was only part of the “whole vision” for his career. 

Arnie said he didn’t feel surprised because age had nothing to do with it, and neither did money. The actor, who once rejected his $187,000 Governor’s salary, revealed why he is excited to return to acting. The superstar with a $450 million net worth also explained why he is not in this for the money.

The only reason money matters for Arnold Schwarzenegger

THR’s interviewer, James Hibberd, when implied that acting was part of Arnie’s versatile career, Schwarzenegger stated it’s a part he didn’t want to leave behind after earning millions. “I still work out every day, I ride my bike every day, and I make movies — show business is another part of my life,” said the 75-year-old.

“I add in my life, I never subtract,” the 80s action icon added. While bodybuilding gave Arnold Schwarzenegger the fame he needed to break into acting, the money was nothing compared to what he earned from Hollywood. However, wealth has never been the driving force behind Schwarzenegger’s ambitions. Arnie served the people of California for seven years without accepting payment.

In fact, the Governator said the $187,000 governor’s salary was “petty cash,” compared to the joy of selflessly serving his state. Even today, monetary gain is not his objective. “I don’t need money. I get money because you have to have a certain value and the agents negotiate,” Arnie told The Hollywood Reporter.

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The 75-year-old revealed he acts because he enjoys it, not because of stardom or need. During his conversation with Hibberd, Schwarzenegger said he didn’t feel like a star even at the height of his career.

Arnold Schwarzenegger made an honest confession

During the interview, Hibberd asked Arnie how it felt being the “biggest” box office star. However, the 75-year-old didn’t have an answer. “I couldn’t give you an honest evaluation because I don’t analyze myself like that. I never felt like a star,” said The Predator star.

While the seven-time Mr. Olympia felt “lucky” to be happy, he never felt above anyone in the industry. Instead, like his bodybuilding days, the Governator felt “hungry to do more and to do better.” Despite reigniting his acting career, Schwarzenegger still serves the public through his free wellness newsletter.

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