What Ignited Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Quest for a Career in Hollywood?

Bodybuilding champion turned actor Arnold Schwarzenegger serves as an inspiration for millions to achieve greatness in their respective fields. He used bodybuilding as the ticket to enter the realm of endless opportunities. At 18, with empty pockets but every cell filled with passion, the ‘Austrian Oak’ crossed the seas to realize his dream of becoming one of the most sought-after personalities on the globe. 

Going through Schwarzenegger’s journey from a champion bodybuilder to making it big in movies, one is compelled to believe in Paulo Coelho’s iconic quote from the Alchemist, “When you want something, the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” 

While Schwarzenegger flourished as the brand name of bodybuilding during the 60s, a few experiences introduced him to his next big goal, Hollywood. As if sent by an angel, the Terminator star’s acquaintance with two prominent people opened the door to a world of recognition, riches, and prosperity. 

Three weeks in South Africa with Reg Park got Arnold Schwarzenegger thinking

The book Total Recall – My Unbelievably True Life Story, written by Schwarzenegger, revealed how Reg Park, an English bodybuilder, businessman, and actor, gave a glimpse into life as an actor. In 1967, Schwarzenegger won his second Mr. Universe title in England. Interestingly, Park had promised the young champ that if he won the title, he would be invited to take part in promotions and exhibitions in South Africa.  

Remembering Park’s promise, Schwarzenegger sent him a telegram stating, “I won. When am I coming?” Schwarzenegger wrote in his book Total Recall. “Reg was as good as his word,” he continued. To his delight, Reg sent him a plane ticket. He spent three weeks with Reg’s family in Johannesburg over the holiday season.

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Besides, they traveled all over the country giving exhibitions. Schwarzenegger was thrilled to witness and experience “what success in bodybuilding and movies and business really meant.” He continued, “Seeing Reg’s happy family and prosperous life inspired me as much as seeing him play Hercules.” Moreover, Reg inspired Schwarzenegger to overcome the mind’s limitations and go beyond them. 

Joe Weider pitched Schwarzenegger for a bodybuilder to star in a film

Weider is the co-founder of IFBB. Touted as the Master Blaster, he was instrumental in creating Mr. Olympia. He is credited for discovering Arnie as a young talent and was pivotal in shaping his bodybuilding career and launching him into movies. Meanwhile, watching Dave Draper, a bodybuilder acting in Tony Curtis’ movie, Don’t Make Waves “fired my imagination even more.”

Coincidentally, when there was a hunt for a bodybuilder to star in a movie, Weider readily recommended Schwarzenegger. Furthermore, he spoke in favor of the Terminator star and ensured he got the role. “You will get the best bodybuilder in the world. Schwarzenegger is your guy. He is extraordinary. His stage presence is outstanding.” That said, Weider was worried about Schwarzenegger’s strong Austrian slang. So he didn’t allow Arnie to talk to them. 

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Eventually, Schwarzenegger landed the titular role in the 1970 movie Hercules in New York. Though it was tough initially, the legendary bodybuilder got accustomed to the rigors of the industry, as he expressed, “I finally felt it, what acting is about.”

The action star’s keenness and ability to grasp lessons from his observations helped him attract opportunities. And he nurtured them with his unwavering dedication and hard work. The Hollywood action icon is best known for his movies, Conan the Barbarian (1982), The Terminator franchise starting 1984, Total Recall (1990) and True Lies (1994). Ultimately, Schwarzenegger’s larger-than-life goals earned him larger-than-life achievements.