Geschatte leestijd: 2 minutenArnold Schwarzenegger first made a name for himself as an actor in “Conan the Barbarian” in 1982, two years before becoming a superstar with his role as a murderous robot from the future. With his bodybuilding career behind him, he had been working for over a decade to realize his other dream of acting. Few have seen those initial acting gigs of Arnold. Here’s a look at 7 films and series featuring Arnold in roles you’ve probably never seen before.
1. Hercules in New York (1970)
In his first film role, Arnold plays the demigod Hercules. This role was legendary among old-school bodybuilders because two of Arnold’s biggest idols, Reg Park and before him Steve Reeves, both played Hercules. Their Mr. Universe titles and acting careers were a huge inspiration for Arnold. He won his first Mr. Olympia title that year and was the best bodybuilder on Earth. “Now to become the greatest actor.” His portrayal of Hercules wasn’t exactly memorable, high in cringe-factor but significant as Arnold’s first role.
2. The Long Goodbye (1973)
With a leading role as Hercules in New York, Arnold was a big fish in a small pond. Three years (and three Mr. Olympia titles) later, he appeared in a more significant film production. However, his role was very short and without dialogue, playing a character in a rather inappropriate scene.
3. Happy Anniversary and Goodbye (1974)
Another Olympia title later, Arnold plays an Italian masseur in a small role in a TV movie starring the famous Lucille Ball.
4. Stay Hungry (1976)
A year before the bodybuilding classic “Pumping Iron” was released, Arnold and many of his gym buddies could already be seen in action in “Stay Hungry.” Arnold plays Joe Santo, an Austrian bodybuilder preparing for Mr. Universe, showcasing early development of his talent for one-liners.
5. The Streets of San Francisco (1977)
In the 70s, “The Streets of San Francisco” was a popular police series starring Michael Douglas. In a 1977 episode titled “Deadlift,” Arnold again plays a bodybuilder in preparation for competition, this time in a more dramatic role.
6. The Villain (1979)
By 1977, Arnold’s star was rising, especially after the release of the documentary and book “Pumping Iron.” He tried his hand as a cowboy in a Western with Kirk Douglas and played a small role as Lars, the fitness instructor, in “Scavenger Hunt.”
7. The Jayne Mansfield Story (1980)
Before his major breakthrough, Arnold played in a film about actress Jayne Mansfield, portraying her husband, Miklós “Mickey” Hargitay (Mr. Universe 1955). This role was his last before the release of “Conan the Barbarian.”
