In the heart of Los Angeles, Arnold Schwarzenegger starts his morning with a healthy meal and a quiet moment on his covered patio, while I wait for our interview to begin. As I take in the surroundings of his exclusive Brentwood neighborhood mansion, my eyes are drawn to the impressive bronze sculpture of Schwarzenegger by his pool, capturing one of his iconic poses. Nearby, I notice a bust of Abraham Lincoln, one of three statues of the great president that adorn the grounds. On a massive coffee table near the outdoor fireplace, I see a magazine featuring Schwarzenegger on the cover, alongside a well-worn script with handwritten notes, a wooden box of Cuban cigars, and the guillotine he uses to trim them.
Suddenly, I hear a familiar booming voice. Schwarzenegger steps out of his house and asks, “Are you snooping?” I reply with a smile, “Of course, you left a journalist alone.” Schwarzenegger gives a casual shrug and invites me to join him on the patio. He’s dressed in shorts, tall dark socks, and a grey t-shirt, still showcasing his well-defined biceps and jawline at the age of 76. We’re here to discuss “Arnold,” an extraordinary pictorial retrospective of his career, meticulously curated by Taschen over a decade. This massive publication features portraits by renowned photographers such as Richard Avedon, Annie Leibovitz, Robert Mapplethorpe, Herb Ritts, and Andy Warhol. It also includes interviews and essays, making it a collector’s item with limited copies available.
Schwarzenegger asks if I’ve received a copy of the book, and I mention that a large box containing the weighty tome had been delivered. He chuckles and jokingly sympathizes with the effort it took to transport it. The arrival of the book coincides with Schwarzenegger’s career resurgence. He now has two shows on Netflix, “Fubar,” an action comedy, and “Arnold,” a documentary about his life. Additionally, he is preparing to film his first movie in four years, “Breakout.” Schwarzenegger also writes a daily newsletter that reaches half a million subscribers. Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer, praises Schwarzenegger’s work ethic and his ability to maintain a global fanbase that spans generations.
Although Schwarzenegger prefers to focus on the future, he acknowledges the significance of his journey. The documentary delves into his upbringing in post-war rural Austria, his desire to leave the country, and his transformation from a bodybuilding teen to a prominent political figure. Schwarzenegger candidly addresses his personal shortcomings, including the groping accusations and his failed marriage. The book and documentary aim to celebrate his life, exploring the complex layers that make up his remarkable story.
Interrupting our conversation, a nine-month-old pet pig named Schnelly steals the spotlight, amusingly munching on a piece of lawn. Schnelly is just one of Schwarzenegger’s eclectic collection of pets, which also includes a miniature pony, a donkey, and three friendly dogs. Schwarzenegger’s partner, Heather Milligan, joins us, diverting her attention to Schnelly and guiding the playful pig away.
Resuming our discussion, I inquire whether talking about his life has therapeutic value. Schwarzenegger quickly dismisses the notion, finding more inspiration in creating the future rather than dwelling on the past. He reminisces about his encounter with Andy Warhol at the Factory in 1977, where he was painted by Jamie Wyeth. Their time together spanned two weeks, and Schwarzenegger commissioned a portrait of his then-wife Maria Shriver as a wedding gift.
Schwarzenegger draws parallels between himself and Warhol, noting their shared understanding of fame’s power and their ability to reinvent themselves. Both individuals recognized the importance of self-presentation and promotion. Schwarzenegger’s journey in California taught him that being the world’s biggest bodybuilder meant more than just physical strength; it also required a commitment to elevating the sport itself. He employed his salesmanship skills, honed during his teenage years as an apprentice, to reshape public perception of bodybuilding. Schwarzenegger’s ability to communicate effectively and craft the right message allowed him to sell not just his movies and political campaigns, but also his environmental initiatives.
Living in America had always been Schwarzenegger’s dream, even though his initial impressions fell short of expectations. However, he quickly realized that with the right strategy and message, he could unlock any opportunity. Schwarzenegger’s career revival, the release of his book and documentary, and his ongoing creative pursuits affirm his enduring relevance and commitment to engaging his fanbase across generations.
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