Arnold Schwarzenegger took London by storm on Saturday when he appeared in a gala event in the capital. An Evening With Arnold Schwarzenegger was a chance for fans to get up-close and personal with the mega-star about his career, life and aspirations. The event took place at The Lancaster London with Jonathan Ross hosting.
Following in the footsteps of Sylvester Stallone, Al Pacino and John Travolta, it was now the turn of Arnie to have an audience with British fans. After a sell-out performance in Leeds, he came to London as record crowds amassed to see the icon.
An Evening with Arnold Schwarzenegger was a unique opportunity to hear first-hand from Arnold himself. He spoke candidly about his amazing career and gave great insights into all aspects of it.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has led a remarkable life, quite fitting for a Hollywood movie in itself. Through a humble start in life, he consistently broke assumptions and exceeded expectations, not only in the world of body-building but acting, and then politics. He also knows how to tell a story and his presentation was excellent, recounting great moments in his life with panache and style. The crowds enjoyed it immensely.
For a premium, fans were also able to purchase extra tickets before the event for a photo opportunity and a meet-and-greet with the great man.
Born in Thal, Austria in 1947, Arnold was soon dominating the sport of competitive body-building, becoming the youngest person ever to win the Mr. Universe title at just 20. He emigrated to America and went on to win five Mr. Universe titles and seven Mr. Olympia titles before retiring to dedicate himself to acting.
Arnold soon made a name for himself in Hollywood. In 1977, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association recognised him with a Golden Globe for New Male Star of the Year for his role in Stay Hungry opposite Sally Field. His big break came in 1982 when Conan the Barbarian hit box office gold. In 1984, he catapulted himself into cinema history as the title character in Jim Cameron’s sci-fi thriller, The Terminator.
He is the only actor to be in both categories of the American Film Institute’s “Hundred Years of Heroes and Villains” for roles he played in the Terminator series. Starring in over 50 explosive movies, other memorable characters include roles in Commando, Predator, Twins, Total Recall, True Lies, Eraser, Collateral Damage, Terminator 3: Rise Of The Machines and The Expendables series. To date, his films have grossed over $3 billion worldwide.
He served the people of California as the state’s 38th Governor from 2003 to 2010. First elected in California’s historic recall election, Governor Schwarzenegger ushered in an era of innovative leadership and extraordinary public service.
He also dedicated himself to promoting physical education and after-school programmes, and continues to commit his time, energy and personal finances to charitable organisations around the world. Schwarzenegger recently released his autobiography, Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story.
Check out a gallery from the evening below. All pictures credit: Yui Mok/PA
