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Arnold Schwarzenegger: Health, Relationships & Career Facts

Henry William Carter Sutton • 2026-06-28 • Reviewed by Ethan Collins

Few people have packed as many lives into one as Arnold Schwarzenegger. He conquered bodybuilding, became one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, and then ran California for eight years.

Born: July 30, 1947 (age 77) ·
Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) ·
Net worth: Estimated $450 million ·
Number of movies: Over 50 ·
Governor of California: 2003–2011

Quick snapshot

1Health Today
2Personal Life
3Politics
  • Governor of California (2003–2011) (Wikipedia)
  • Registered Republican (Wikipedia)
  • Critic of Donald Trump (Wikipedia)
4Diet & Lifestyle
  • Ate 10-15 eggs daily in prime (Business Insider)
  • Slept ~6 hours per night (Men’s Health / YouTube transcript)
  • Known for extreme discipline (CNBC)

Here are the key biographical facts at a glance.

Seven key facts about Arnold Schwarzenegger, from his Austrian roots to his estimated net worth.
Label Value
Full name Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger
Born July 30, 1947, Thal, Austria
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Occupation Actor, businessman, former bodybuilder, politician
Years active 1968–present
Known for Terminator series, Governor of California
Net worth Estimated $450 million

How is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s health right now?

What was his diagnosis?

Schwarzenegger was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, a congenital heart defect that affects about 1-2% of the population. The condition means his aortic valve had only two leaflets instead of three, which can lead to narrowing or leakage over time. He underwent his first heart valve replacement surgery in 2018, followed by a second procedure in 2020 after the first valve began to fail (CNBC).

What is his current health status?

In 2024, Schwarzenegger revealed he had a pacemaker implanted. Despite these procedures, he continues to work out daily — typically 45 minutes in the morning — and makes regular public appearances (Men’s Health / YouTube transcript). He has described feeling “fantastic” after his surgeries and maintains an active lifestyle that includes cardiovascular training and lighter weights than his bodybuilding prime.

The upshot

Schwarzenegger has undergone three heart procedures in six years, yet his public schedule and gym routine show no signs of slowing. For someone who built a career on physical discipline, the real test is whether his body can keep up with his will.

The implication: Schwarzenegger’s health journey shows that even elite athletes face serious medical challenges — and that adapting your lifestyle, not fighting it, is the smarter play.

Who is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s partner today?

Who is Maria Shriver seeing now?

Maria Shriver has not publicly remarried or been in a long-term relationship since her separation from Schwarzenegger. The couple separated in 2011 after he admitted to fathering a child with their housekeeper, Mildred Baena (Wikipedia). Their divorce was finalized in 2021. Shriver, a journalist and author, has focused on her career and family, maintaining a cordial relationship with Schwarzenegger for the sake of their four children together.

Did Maria Shriver ever forgive Arnold?

Shriver has not publicly stated that she has forgiven Schwarzenegger. In interviews, she has spoken about the importance of family unity but has not detailed her personal feelings about the betrayal. The two have been photographed together at family events, including their son’s graduation, suggesting a functional co-parenting relationship rather than a romantic reconciliation.

Schwarzenegger’s current partner is Heather Milligan, a health coach he has been with since around 2013 (Business Insider). They have not publicly married, and Milligan keeps a relatively low profile compared to Schwarzenegger’s previous relationships.

The paradox

Schwarzenegger built a public image around strength and control, yet his personal life unraveled in a way he couldn’t manage. The gap between the Terminator persona and the man who fathered a child with his housekeeper is the real story.

The pattern: Schwarzenegger’s relationships reflect a man who has moved forward publicly while the emotional fallout remains private. For readers following his story, the key takeaway is that public reconciliation and private forgiveness are not the same thing.

Does Arnold Schwarzenegger support Donald Trump?

What is his political affiliation?

Schwarzenegger is a registered Republican who describes himself as fiscally conservative and socially liberal (Wikipedia). He is pro-choice, supports parental notification for minors seeking abortion, and supports a ban on partial-birth abortion. This moderate stance puts him at odds with the more conservative wing of the Republican Party.

Has he endorsed any recent candidates?

Schwarzenegger has been openly critical of Donald Trump, calling him a “failed leader” and saying he is a “Republican that hates the Trump direction” (Wikipedia). He did not vote for Trump in either 2016 or 2020. In the 2024 Republican primaries, he endorsed Nikki Haley, positioning himself as part of the anti-Trump faction within the party.

What to watch

Schwarzenegger’s political influence is limited — he hasn’t held office since 2011 — but his voice carries weight among moderate Republicans who feel abandoned by the party’s current direction. His endorsement of Haley signals that the old-guard GOP is still looking for a standard-bearer.

The trade-off: Schwarzenegger’s Republican identity gives him a platform to critique Trump from within the party, but it also means he’s often dismissed by both the far right and the left. His political relevance now depends on whether the GOP moves back toward the center.

How many eggs did Arnold eat a day?

What is his daily diet?

During his bodybuilding prime, Schwarzenegger famously ate around 10–15 eggs per day as part of a high-protein diet designed to build muscle mass (Business Insider). Today, his diet has shifted dramatically. He now follows a mostly plant-based regimen, saying he is about 70% vegan because he cut meat intake by about 70% (YouTube interview clip).

His current diet includes oatmeal, greens, vegetables, fruits, and healthy foods (Men’s Health / YouTube transcript). He still eats steak occasionally but has cut out sugar products and white bread. He takes multivitamins but emphasizes that good food, not supplements, is the foundation of his nutrition.

How long did Arnold sleep for?

Schwarzenegger has said he slept about 6 hours a night during his prime, sometimes less (Men’s Health / YouTube transcript). This is consistent with the sleep habits of many high-achievers. For comparison, Elon Musk has also said he sleeps around 6 hours a night, suggesting that extreme productivity often comes at the cost of rest.

The catch

Schwarzenegger’s 10-15 eggs a day worked for a 25-year-old bodybuilder burning thousands of calories. For the average person, that’s a cholesterol bomb. His shift to plant-based eating is the more relevant lesson for most readers.

Why this matters: Schwarzenegger’s diet evolution mirrors a broader cultural shift away from high-meat, high-protein diets toward plant-based eating. His willingness to change — even after decades of success with the old approach — is the real headline.

What are the key facts about Arnold Schwarzenegger?

How old is Arnold Schwarzenegger?

Born July 30, 1947, in Thal, Austria, Schwarzenegger is 77 as of 2024 (Wikipedia).

How tall is Arnold Schwarzenegger?

He stands 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) (Wikipedia).

What is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s net worth?

His net worth is estimated at $450 million, accumulated through bodybuilding, acting, real estate investments, and business ventures (Schwarzenegger official website).

How do you pronounce Arnold Schwarzenegger?

The correct pronunciation is AR-nold SHWARTZ-en-eg-er (Wikipedia).

The pattern: These basic facts frame a journey from Austrian farm boy to global icon—each number understates the scale of his ambition.

Timeline: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s life in 11 key moments

Source: Wikipedia

  • 1947 — Born in Thal, Austria
  • 1965 — Won Mr. Universe at age 20
  • 1977 — Documentary ‘Pumping Iron’ brings international fame
  • 1984 — Terminator released; iconic role
  • 1986 — Married Maria Shriver
  • 2003 — Elected Governor of California
  • 2011 — Leaves governor office; separation from Shriver announced
  • 2018 — Heart valve replacement surgery
  • 2020 — Second heart valve replacement surgery
  • 2021 — Divorce from Shriver finalized
  • 2024 — Pacemaker implanted
Bottom line: Schwarzenegger’s life is a trilogy — bodybuilding champion, Hollywood star, California governor — but the fourth act is about health, adaptation, and legacy. For fans: his best work may be behind him, but his willingness to evolve is worth watching. For critics: the gap between his public discipline and private failures is the real story.

Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Schwarzenegger had heart valve replacement surgeries in 2018 and 2020 (CNBC).
  • He and Maria Shriver separated after he fathered a child with another woman (Wikipedia).
  • His current partner is Heather Milligan (Business Insider).
  • He is a Republican who opposes Donald Trump (Wikipedia).

What’s unclear

  • Whether Maria Shriver has personally forgiven Schwarzenegger.
  • The exact current status of his romantic relationship with Heather Milligan (not publicly married).
  • Precise daily number of eggs he eats today (varies from his prime).
  • Whether he plans to return to acting full-time.

Quotes from the key players

“I feel fantastic. I’m back in the gym, I’m working out, I’m doing my thing.”

— Arnold Schwarzenegger, on his health after pacemaker surgery (Men’s Health / YouTube transcript)

“We are a family. We will always be a family. That’s the most important thing.”

— Maria Shriver, on her relationship with Schwarzenegger post-separation (Wikipedia)

“I’m a Republican that hates the Trump direction. I think he’s a failed leader.”

— Arnold Schwarzenegger, on Donald Trump (Wikipedia)

Summary: What this means for Schwarzenegger’s legacy

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s life is a study in reinvention. He went from an Austrian bodybuilder with a thick accent to the biggest movie star in the world, then to the governor of California. His health challenges — three heart procedures in six years — have forced him to adapt his diet and training, but he hasn’t stopped. For anyone watching his story, the choice is clear: adapt like Schwarzenegger did, or get left behind.

For a comprehensive look at his medical history and political journey, see this detailed health and career overview from Canadian Report.

Frequently asked questions

What heart condition does Arnold Schwarzenegger have?

He was born with a bicuspid aortic valve, a congenital heart defect that required valve replacement surgeries in 2018 and 2020. He also had a pacemaker implanted in 2024.

Is Arnold Schwarzenegger still married to Maria Shriver?

No. They separated in 2011 after he admitted to fathering a child with their housekeeper, and their divorce was finalized in 2021.

How many children does Arnold Schwarzenegger have?

He has five children: four with Maria Shriver (Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher) and one son, Joseph Baena, from his relationship with Mildred Baena.

Why did Arnold Schwarzenegger need a pacemaker?

He needed a pacemaker in 2024 to regulate his heart rhythm after multiple valve replacement surgeries. He has said he feels “fantastic” since the procedure.

Did Arnold Schwarzenegger serve in the military?

He served in the Austrian Army for one year in 1965, but was discharged early after winning the Mr. Universe title.

What is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most famous movie?

His most iconic role is the Terminator in the Terminator series (1984, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2019). Other major films include Predator, Total Recall, and True Lies.

How did Arnold Schwarzenegger become a bodybuilder?

He started weight training at age 15 in Austria, inspired by bodybuilder Reg Park. He won Mr. Universe at 20 and Mr. Olympia seven times before transitioning to acting.

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Henry William Carter Sutton

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Henry William Carter Sutton

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