Arnold Schwarzenegger (30 July 1947, Thal, Styria, Austria) movies list and roles

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 ...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 «

[Interview in "Starlog" magazine in 1991, explaining his reluctance to do sequels to most of his successful films from the '80s] There's so ...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 «

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...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 «

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

I would rather be Governor of California than own Austria.

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 ther...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 «

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 ...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 «

[during his campaign for California governor, about his history of "misbehavior"] Where I did make mistakes, or maybe go overboard sometimes...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 «

[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 ...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 «

[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...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 «

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

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

[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.

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

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.

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

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-col...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 «

[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 an...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 «

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

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 f...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 «

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

[From an interview about his reaction to reading the original The Terminator (1984) screenplay] I have read a lot of action adventure script...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 «

[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 mak...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 «

"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 wit...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 «

[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 fir...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 «

[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 h...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 «

[From an interview expressing concern over making Conan the Destroyer (1984) less brutal than its predecessor, Conan the Barbarian (1982)] I...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 «

[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 ...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 «

[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 t...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 «

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

[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 attenti...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 «

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 w...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 «

[on refusing to grant clemency to condemned killer Stanley Tookie Williams] After studying the evidence, searching the history, listening to...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 «

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

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 A...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 «

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...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 «

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 o...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 «

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 assureyo...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 «

California will not wait for our federal government to take strong action on global warming. We won't wait for the federal government. We wi...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 «

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

[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 mov...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 «

[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 m...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 «

[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 act...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 «

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 Da...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 «

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 t...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 «

[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 w...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 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!

[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 a...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 «

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 Ameri...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 «

[on the death of Michael Jackson] Michael was a pop phenomenon who never stopped pushing the envelope of creativity. Though there were serio...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 «

[on the death of Patrick Swayze] Patrick Swayze was a talented and passionate artist who struck a memorable chord with audiences throughout ...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 «

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

[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 gam...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 «

[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...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 «

[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...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 «

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

(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 ...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 «

[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...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 «

[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 ...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 «

[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...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 «

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

[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 naysayer...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 «

[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...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 «

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 ...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 «

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...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 «

[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 S...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 «

[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.

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

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

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

I associate glasses with intellectuals.

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

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

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

After coming to California, I posed in the heights above Malibu. Bodybuilders like this spot because the ridges in the distance seem little ...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 «

The applause of a crowd made me stronger.

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

Americans love foreign names.

I wanted to be rich very quickly.

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

Something that seems impossible at the start can be achieved.

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

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.

I aimed to be a leader someday.

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

[on journalists] They see everything from the outside.

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

Its great to have someone to go home to.

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

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

[Mr. Universe, Mr. World and Mr. Olympia] Winning all three would be like unifying the heavyweight title in boxing: it would make me the und...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 «

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 w...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 «

I always saw myself as a citizen of the world.

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

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

[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 ...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 «

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

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

I like to always wander in like a puppy.

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

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

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 ...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 «

[on bodybuilding] It needed fresh blood.

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

I liked getting swept up into a cloud of celebs.

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

Having women in the gym made us train harder.

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

[personal motto] Presentation, presentation, presentation.

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

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

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

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

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

Europe was always far less puritanical than the United States.

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

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

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

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

[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 ...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 «

I was a self-made man.

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

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

Love stories are built around people's idiosyncrasies.

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

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 ...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 «

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

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

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

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 her...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 «

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

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

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

Total anonymity is almost impossible in Hollywood.

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 ...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 «

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

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

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

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

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

Writing something is different from saying it.

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

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

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...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 «

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

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

(John) Milius always pushed the envelope. Conan (the Barbarian) has stunts that have since been outlawed from movies. The bloodshed in Conan...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 «

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

I saw myself as a businessman first.

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

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

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

I was amazed to see how negative most of the people in Hollywood remained toward Reagan during his presidency. He represented the values tha...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 «

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

There has to be investment in the public good.

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

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...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 sleep.

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 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'm not a religious person.

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

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

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

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

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

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

I considered the US my permanent home.

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 ...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 «

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

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

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

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

[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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[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 h...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 «

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...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 «

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

Have at least ten good laughs a day.

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 moth...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 «

Actresses have more problems than the average housewife.

[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...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 «

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

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

[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 ...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 «

It's always easy to be smart in hindsight.

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...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 «

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 o...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 «

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

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 artis...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 «

Listening made me a more effective promoter. You have to cultivate your audience and expand it with each new film. Nurturing a movie means p...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 «

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 compel...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 «

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

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

[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...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 «

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

[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 g...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 «

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

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

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...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 «

Starting with something disarming and funny is a good way to stand out. You become more likable, and people receive your information much be...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 «

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

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 abo...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 «

A change in studio management can sink a movie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[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.

[on George Bush] He had tremendous strength of character and will. This was our next President, the real American hero. He had a casual appr...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 «

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

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 Superma...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 «

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

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

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

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

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

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

[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 ...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 «

I was addicted to public service.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 pu...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 «

Its embarrassing to fail at the box office.

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

[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 di...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 «

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

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 real...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 «

1991 was golden for me.

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

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.

I've always felt appreciative of the armed forces because I've benefited from the American dream, and their courage and determination is wha...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 «

[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...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 «

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cubans are geniuses. They have the best climate, they have the best soil, and they have the tradition: generations of people who are passion...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 «

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

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

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

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

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. ...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 «

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

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 famo...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 never like business relationships that are purely work.

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

I wanted big investments that were interesting, creative and different. Conservative bets didn't interest me. I was proud to pay taxes on th...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 «

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

Stan Winston's special effects studio was torture; on The Terminator, it took 30 minutes for the cement to dry when designing the prosthetic...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 «

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

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

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

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...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 «

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 ...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 «

God is the one who made the science possible.

[on heart surgery] Big risk, big reward.

[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 every...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 «

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 co...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 «

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

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...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 «

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

Holidays become more meaningful when you have a family.

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

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 w...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 «

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

Big-time celebrities don't like flying commercial.

Promotion and merchandising were realms I truly understood.

[on California] America's golden state.

America is my true home.

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

Big cats have always fascinated me.

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

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

[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 ha...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 «

[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, hig...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 «

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.

I was fiscally conservative, pro-business, against raising taxes, pro-choice, pro-gay, pro-lesbian, pro-environment, pro-reasonable gun cont...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 «

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 th...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 «

I pride myself on being able to juggle many tasks. I got a college education while bodybuilding, married Maria (Shriver) in the middle of fi...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 «

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

I would not go into a competition with a disadvantage.

If you don't get killed, you win.

I thought I would never die.

[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 ve...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 «

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 offic...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 «

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

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

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

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

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 ...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 «

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

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

Californians love their cars.

Spend no more than the state is taking in.

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 reall...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 «

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

There is a disconnect between the people of California and the politicians of California. We the people are doing our job: work hard, pay ta...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 «

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

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....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 «

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

When I came here, California was a beacon.

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

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

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 ...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 «

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

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

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.

Declaring a candidacy was so loaded.

California is more important than everyone's career.

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

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

Republicans and unions usually don't mix.

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

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

I took pride in my financial independence.

Leave no stone unturned.

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

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

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

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.

California politics was this big centrifuge that forced voters, policies and parties away from the center. I challenged Californians to stop...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 «

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 ca...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 «

[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 kid...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 «

Trying to reform health care had almost destroyed Bill Clinton's presidency. I'd always thought it was a disgrace that the greatest country ...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 «

All the great ideas come from local governments.

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

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

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

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

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

Never bullshit.

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

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

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

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

I'm not really the crying type.

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 ...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 «

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

I believe in sprinting through to the finish line.

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

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

Budget negotiations are no different than grueling five hour weight lifting sessions in the gym. The joy of working out is that with each pa...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 «

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...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 «

Unlike regular politicians, I had nothing to lose.

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 tha...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 «

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 ...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 «

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 everyt...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 «

Being governor was more complex and challenging than I had imagined. That's the problem of presenting yourself as the Governator. You can do...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 «

Change takes big balls.

I've always idolized (Mikhail) Gorbachev because of the courage it took to dismantle the political system that he grew up under. For Gorbach...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 «

Fitness promotes health and enhances the quality of life.

[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...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 «

[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 ...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 «

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 disap...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 «

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 o...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 «

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

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 yo...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 «

Normally an action star keeps to himself on the set.

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

[University of Southern California] It prides itself on being neither conservative nor liberal but open minded. It operates by promoting dis...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 «

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 b...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 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 exa...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 «

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 mov...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 «

I prefer being way out there, shocking people. Rebelliousness is part of what drove me from Austria. Being outrageous is a way to succeed. N...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 «

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

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 fai...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 «

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

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

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

[on Muhammad Ali] I always admired him because he was a champion, had a great personality, and he was generous and always thoughtful toward ...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 «

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 ...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 «

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

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.

You can use outrageous humour to settle a score.

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...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 «

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

Writing out my goals became second nature, and so did the conviction that there are no shortcuts. It took hundreds and even thousands of rep...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 «

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...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 «

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 c...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 «

There are a thousand keys to success.

[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 unsuc...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 «

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.

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

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

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 i...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 «

[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 ...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 «

[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!

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 succ...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 «

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 chi...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 «

[on his autobiography, Total Recall] Digging up and piecing together memories proved to be as difficult as I imagined, and yet what made the...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 «

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

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

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

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...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 «

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 acc...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 «

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...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 Terminator Genisys (2015)] It will be challenging because it will be a new director, and it will be a really action-packed movie. And so...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 «

[on his eighties rivalry with Sylvester Stallone] We had a competition. And here's a perfect example of how competition is healthy, because ...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 «

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

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

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

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

I went from being the Terminator to being the governator.

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

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

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

Failure is not an option. Everyone has to succeed.

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 teacher...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 «

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

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

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

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

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

My friend James Cameron and I made three films together - True Lies (1994), The Terminator (1984) and Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991). Of ...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 «

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

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

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 the...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 «

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...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 «

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

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

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

Political courage is not political suicide.

I made my fair share of mistakes.

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

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

Start wide, expand further, and never look back.

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

When the people become involved in their government, government becomes more accountable, and our society is stronger, more compassionate, a...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 «

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

Help others and give something back. I guarantee you will discover that while public service improves the lives and the world around you, it...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 «

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

[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...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 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. T...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 «

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

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 o...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 «

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

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

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 fe...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 «

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...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 «

[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, b...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 «

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

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

What we face may look insurmountable. But I learned something from all those years of training and competing. I learned something from all t...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 welcome and seek your ideas, but do not bring me small ideas; bring me big ideas to match our future.

I'm not perfect.

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...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 «

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

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...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 «

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.

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,...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 «

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

[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...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 «

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

My own dreams fortunately came true in this great state. I became Mr. Universe; I became a successful businessman. And even though some peop...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 «

Maria is the best reason to come home.

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

If it bleeds, we can kill it.

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

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

The future is green energy, sustainability, renewable energy.

[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 q...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 «

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

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

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 thinki...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 «

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

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

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

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 wor...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 «

The success I have achieved in bodybuilding, motion pictures, and business would not have been possible without the generosity of the Americ...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 «

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

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

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...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 «

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

What's fascinating is, people in Washington would rather spend time in Hollywood, and people in Hollywood would rather spend time in Washing...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'll be back.

I think Americans are very patriotic.

I have inhaled, exhaled everything.

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 imm...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 «

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, t...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 «

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

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

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

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....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 «

I'm not looking for sympathy at all.

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.

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

(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 ...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 «

(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 ...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 «

(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 st...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 «

(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 ...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 «

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

[The Terminator] James Cameron did an extraordinary job creating that character and whole phenomenon. I never thought we would do a sequel, ...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 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 ...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 «

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

Most people are not comfortable with guns.

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

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

[California] The seventh largest economy in the world.

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

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

[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 Pres...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 «