Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger The world knows Arnold Schwarzenegger as a famous bodybuilder and a Hollywood action hero, but he is also a successful businessman, generous philanthropist and formerly California's 38th Governor.

Governor Schwarzenegger's most notable accomplishments in his six years in office included the nation-leading Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 - a bipartisan agreement to combat global warming by reducing California's greenhouse gas emissions - and overhauling the state's workers' compensation system - cutting costs by more than 35 percent. In addition, Governor Schwarzenegger was the first governor in decades to make major investments in improving California's aging infrastructure through his Strategic Growth Plan, helping to reduce congestion and clean the air. He established the Hydrogen Highway and Million Solar Roofs Plan, continuing his leadership in creating a greener environment. In November 2009, more than three years of leadership by Governor Schwarzenegger culminated with the passage of the Safe, Clean and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of 2010.

As Governor, he had been California's most effective marketing tool, traveling across the country and around the world promoting California-grown products, cutting-edge technologies and the state's diverse travel destinations. In addition, using his background as an internationally recognized athlete, Governor Schwarzenegger has made restoring health and fitness a top priority. He signed legislation making the state's school nutrition standards the most progressive in the nation and continues to promote healthy habits by taking harmful trans fats out of California restaurants and ensuring nutritional information is available to diners. To improve classrooms across the state and ensure that all California’s students have access to the world-class education they need to grow, thrive and succeed, Governor Schwarzenegger has led the reform to make California competitive for up to $700 million in federal Race to the Top funds.

Additionally, Governor Schwarzenegger worked to reform California's fiscal policies, create a better business environment, reduce burdens on employment, boost exports and stimulate job growth. Through the end of 2007, California's Gross State Product had grown by 29 percent since the governor took office in 2003.

This world-famous athlete and actor was born in Austria in 1947, and at 20 became the youngest person ever to win the Mr. Universe title. He came to America shortly after, winning an unprecedented 12 more world bodybuilding titles. Challenging both his body and mind, he earned a college degree from the University of Wisconsin and became a U.S. citizen in 1983. Three years later he married broadcast journalist Maria Shriver.

Governor Schwarzenegger's most gratifying accomplishments are rooted in public service - committing his time, energy and personal finances to charitable organizations around the world. He and Maria have remained closely involved in Special Olympics, an organization founded by Maria's mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. He was named Special Olympics International Weight Training Coach in 1979 and serves as a Global Ambassador.

Recognizing his passion for helping kids, in 1990 former President George Bush appointed Governor Schwarzenegger Chair of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, in which capacity he traveled all 50 states and recognized the overwhelming need for more after-school alternatives. He also served as Chair of the California Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports under Governor Pete Wilson.

Governor Schwarzenegger has committed himself to promoting physical education and after-school programs. In 2002, his support for Proposition 49, the After-School Education & Safety Act, led it to overwhelming victory. As Governor, he aggressively worked to increase after-school funding, making California the first state in the nation to significantly invest in a comprehensive after-school program.

His many accomplishments have earned him the praise of numerous organizations, including the Simon Wiesenthal Center's "National Leadership Award" for his support of the organization's Holocaust studies. Schwarzenegger was the only actor to be in both categories of the American Film Institute’s Hundred Years of Heroes and Villains. In 2002, Schwarzenegger was given the esteemed honor of the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award, presented to him by Ali, a longtime friend and sports mentor.

Governor Schwarzenegger and his wife Maria Shriver have four children - Katherine, Christina, Patrick and Christopher.

Above taken from the bio on his official State website (as of 6/28/2010)

There was some debate at the 2005 State Fair about whether or not this sand sculpture was a depiction of the governator. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was sworn in as California's 38th Governor on November 17, 2003 after winning a recall on Gray Davis. Like many American success stories, Governor Schwarzenegger's began with hope and hard work. Arriving in America from Austria at the age of 21, the Governor has since become one of the most recognizable people in the world.

Along with his successful careers in bodybuilding, movies and business, Governor Schwarzenegger was also the founder of Inner-City Games Foundation (ICG), which later became "After-School All-Stars." He was appointed Chairman of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports by President George H.W. Bush and Chairman of the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness by Governor Pete Wilson. In 2002 he championed California’s After-School Education and Safety Act (Proposition 49).

The Governor used a live video Internet forum called Ask Governor Schwarzenegger. This was the first of its kind for the Governor, where citizens have the chance to ask questions directly of him.

Governor Schwarzenegger does not have a home in or near Sacramento, but has put his $18 million Pacific Palisades up on the market and has been seeking a new residence in the state capitol. Only 20 $1 million and up homes are on the Sacramento market at any one time, limiting his choices. For now, his wife, his children and his shoe collection are all in L.A. (Brentwood). Arnold spends about 3 to 4 days a week in Sacramento, where he stays in the Hyatt Hotel (up in the penthouse) across the street from the Capitol.

The Governor is a former Mr. Olympia and was a major reason bodybuilding became popular, heading up the IFBB (International Federation of Body Building) and growing it into a huge organization. He was an actor in various action films such as the Terminator series, Predator and Conan: the Barbarian. Considered one of the business savvy entertainers, he has invested in various companies and run his own growing financial empire.

Some content originally taken from Davis Wiki