43 Photos From the Early Days of Arnold Schwarzenegger's Career
From Muscle Beach to his star-making turn in Pumping Iron.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has been a movie star and the governor of California, but neither would have been possible without going back to his roots: bodybuilding. His intense fitness journey couldn't have been easy, but it helped him win worldwide competitions and land roles in films, like The Terminator and Conan the Barbarian. These hits launched the rest of his career and cemented him as a true Hollywood icon. To celebrate the continued badassery of The Austrian Oak, we're taking a look back at his long career, from the weightlifting stage to the big screen and beyond.
1965: A Young Arnold
At 18 years old, Schwarzenegger served in the military, as it was required for all males in Austria to do so at the time. Here, the future celebrity is pictured (center) with his unit.
1965: Becoming a Bodybuilder
Even at the age of 18, Schwarzenegger was tremendously strong. While in the military, he began competing in bodybuilding tournaments and won the Junior Mr. Europe contest. Here, he's seen at the start of his career, lifting a woman off the ground.
1966: Bulking Up
In just one year, Schwarzenegger almost tripled the size of his muscles. Here, he poses on a hillside, showing off his much bigger body.
Circa 1966: On Top of the World
Schwarzenegger poses atop a hill in California, wearing nothing but a floral print bathing suit.
1966: Becoming a Winner
After his year in the military, Schwarzenegger began competing in bodybuilding tournaments around Austria. He won a title in Graz, Austria, where he was voted the best body in Austria. Building on that success, he traveled to London for the Mr. Universe championship, where he placed second to his fellow competitor, Chester Yorton.
1967: Winning Mr. Universe
Schwarzenegger entered the Mr. Universe competition the following year and this time, left a champion. At the age of 20, he was the youngest bodybuilder to win the competition in history.
1967: Competing Around Europe
The champion bodybuilder continued on the European circuit for a few years. Here he is competing in a stone throwing competition, which he won in Munich, Germany.
1967: A Rising Star
Within the bodybuilding community, Schwarzenegger was at the top of his field and one of the industry's most promising stars.
1967: Enjoying Success
Although Schwarzenegger never missed a workout, that doesn't mean he didn't enjoy his newfound success. Here, the young star is photographed enjoying a beer at Oktoberfest in Munich.
1967: An Occupational Hazard
Schwarzenegger was injured in an accident during a competition in 1967. Here, he's photographed while recovering in the hospital.
1968: Welcome to Muscle Beach
The Austrian bodybuilder found himself in Venice Beach—or Muscle Beach, as it was known—in California. After years of dreaming to come to America, he began training at Gold's Gym under trainer Joe Weider.
1969: His First Role
By 1969, Schwarzenegger had two Mr. Universe titles under his belt. He was also making a name for himself outside of the bodybuilding community, starting with his feature film debut in Hercules in New York.
1970: Winning in America
In 1970, Schwarzenegger won his first Mr. Olympia title in New York. He would go on to win the event a total of seven times.
1976: A Big Movie
Schwarzenegger jokes around in the gym with costar Sally Field for his second film, Stay Hungry.
1976: Coach Schwarzenegger
The actor offers his costar a little help with the rowing machine. Their film later brought in more than $24 million at the box office.
1976: 'Stay Hungry'
In his first serious role, Schwarzenegger plays a weightlifter named Joe Santo who becomes involved with a gym employee (Field).
1976: Keeping Fit
Schwarzenegger kept his muscles in tip-top shape while filming. Here, the bodybuilder poses in a shoot in 1976.
1977: A Golden Globe Win
The bodybuilder-turned-actor reached the pinnacle of success when he scored a Golden Globe in 1977 for Best New Actor for his role in Stay Hungry.
1977: Always Up for a Lift
The star playfully lifts iconic actress Raquel Welch at a Golden Globes afterparty.
1977: Looking Dapper
In 1977, Schwarzenegger overhauled his wardrobe and posed while on a trip in New York City.
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