How did Arnold Schwarzenegger make his first million?
You would think Arnold Schwarzenegger would have made his first million through acting, but surprisingly, he made his first million through real estate, not acting or bodybuilding.
In the 1970s, Arnold saved about $27,000 from bodybuilding and fitness products. He bought a small apartment building in Santa Monica, California. Property prices were low then, but rents were going up. As his property value grew, he used that to buy more buildings. The rent money he earned let him expand even more.
By the late 1970s, Arnold had become a millionaire from real estate alone before he turned 28. It gave him the freedom to go after his acting career. This income allowed Arnold to take risks and aim high in Hollywood!
Arnold also started a successful bricklaying business with fellow bodybuilder Franco Columbu when he first moved to the U.S.
Career In Body Building
As a teenager, Arnold was inspired by bodybuilders like Reg Park and began training rigorously. He saw bodybuilding as his ticket to a better life. At just 20 years old, Arnold won the Mr. Universe title, becoming the youngest to ever do so. He went on to win the title four more times.
Arnold moved to the United States with limited English skills but a clear goal: to become the best bodybuilder in the world
Arnold won the Mr. Olympia title seven times, solidifying his place as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time.
Career In Acting
When Arnold first got into acting, he faced several obstacles. His accent, large physique, and long last name were considered disadvantages by casting directors. Despite this, Arnold was determined to succeed.
After years of smaller roles, Arnold’s big break came when he was cast as the lead in “Conan the Barbarian”. The film was a hit, and Arnold got his first taste of fame.
Arnold’s role in “The Terminator” launched him to superstardom. His line, “I’ll be back,” became iconic, and the film made him a Hollywood action star.
Arnold’s Political Career
Arnold made a surprising career shift by running for Governor of California. Despite having no political experience, his popularity and charisma won him the governorship.
Image Attribution: Governo do Estado de São Paulo, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
