“This Was Nothing”: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s First Hollywood Experience Didn’t Live Up to His Expectations

Bodybuilding great, Arnold Schwarzenegger pursued and lived the ultimate American dream. He moved across the world to convert his goals into reality, but there were a series of disappointments on the way. An interesting one, his expectations of Hollywood. Back in Austria, imagining life in America and its great film industry, he had expected to witness Tinseltown filled with neon lights and grand posters, per his book, Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story.

After he arrived in the country and in Los Angeles, his bodybuilding buddies took him over for a day ride. The first stop was Hollywood, but he was in for a surprise. The lights, buzz, and energy he had anticipated were missing. Basically, it didn’t pass the vibe check for him. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger visits Hollywood

According to his autobiography, the Austrian Oak landed in America and was warmly greeted by the bodybuilders in his gym. One of them even provided him with a bedroom to settle in initially. Others reached out to give him daily needs like silverware and a TV too! Humbled by their kindness, Schwarzenegger reflected on his life back in Austria. Soon, the guys took him for a day out in Hollywood. Thrilled, he was ready to click amazing pictures and mail them to his parents with the note, “I’ve arrived in Hollywood. Next will be movies.” 

After reaching a stop, one guy chimed, “All right, that’s Sunset Boulevard.” Schwarzenegger promptly asked, “When do we get to Hollywood?” Thus, the former explained, “This is Hollywood.” To his astonishment, it was nothing like he had imagined. The star athlete revealed that he probably had confused the resort city, Las Vegas for Hollywood. 

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The 75-year-old legend added, “I was looking for giant signs and neon lights. I also expected to see movie equipment and streets blocked off because they were shooting some big stunt scene.” Nevertheless, it was a whole different scene, a boring one, per the source. “this was nothing,” he wrote in the book, recalling his first experience at the iconic locale. But that was not it, he planned to give it a second shot.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was left unconvinced 

Owing to his lame reaction, his companions were assured that Schwarzenegger wasn’t satisfied with his visit. “What happened to all the lights and stuff?” he asked. Puzzled by his revelation, one of them said, “I think he’s disappointed.” 

Therefore, they encouraged him to revisit at night, saying, “Maybe we should bring him back at night…because there’s nothing to see during the day, really.” Behold, later that week they reached Hollywood at night, and it was “just as boring.” Eventually, the champion learned his way around the city, exploring good places to hang out and more. 

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Although the icon’s foremost experience didn’t match his expectations, it is safe to say, that his overall experience must’ve been a hit. Now hailed as one of the greatest celebrities in Hollywood, the actor has come a long way.