Arnold Schwarzenegger is a legendary actor, best known for his iconic roles in action films in the 70s. His impressive physique, charismatic presence, and unique accent have made him a fan favorite over the years. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most memorable roles of Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 70s and how they solidified his status as a Hollywood superstar.
1. “Conan the Barbarian” (1982)
One of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most well-known roles is that of Conan the Barbarian in the 1982 film of the same name. In the film, Arnold plays the title character, a Cimmerian warrior who seeks revenge against the man who killed his parents and enslaved him as a child. Arnold’s performance in the film was praised for his physicality and intensity, which helped to establish him as a leading action star.
2. “Pumping Iron” (1977)
Before he made a name for himself as an actor, Arnold Schwarzenegger was already a world-renowned bodybuilder. The 1977 documentary “Pumping Iron” followed Arnold as he prepared for the Mr. Olympia competition, providing a fascinating look at his training regimen and competitive spirit. The film helped to solidify Arnold’s status as a bodybuilding icon and set the stage for his future success in Hollywood.
3. “The Long Goodbye” (1973)
In the 1973 film “The Long Goodbye,” Arnold Schwarzenegger had a small but memorable role as a hulking and menacing thug named Hood. Despite his limited screen time, Arnold’s presence in the film was impactful, and his physicality helped to make him stand out among the other actors. This early role showcased Arnold’s potential as an action star and set the stage for his future success in the genre.
4. “Stay Hungry” (1976)
In the 1976 film “Stay Hungry,” Arnold Schwarzenegger played the role of Joe Santo, a competitive bodybuilder who competes in a local competition. Arnold’s performance in the film was praised for its depth and nuance, showing a different side of the actor than audiences had seen before. “Stay Hungry” helped to showcase Arnold’s versatility as an actor and laid the foundation for his future success in Hollywood.
5. “The Villain” (1979)
In the 1979 comedy-western “The Villain,” Arnold Schwarzenegger played the role of Handsome Stranger, a dashing and heroic cowboy who takes on the villainous Cactus Jack. The film was a departure from Arnold’s usual action-packed roles, showcasing his comedic timing and charm. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, Arnold’s performance in “The Villain” helped to demonstrate his range as an actor and further solidified his status as a leading man in Hollywood.
Overall, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s roles in the 70s helped to establish him as a Hollywood superstar and set the stage for his future success in the industry. His iconic performances in films like “Conan the Barbarian,” “Pumping Iron,” and “Stay Hungry” showcased his physicality, charisma, and versatility as an actor, making him a fan favorite for generations to come.
FAQs:
Q: What was Arnold Schwarzenegger’s breakthrough role?
A: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s breakthrough role was in the 1982 film “Conan the Barbarian,” where he played the title character and established himself as a leading action star.
Q: How did Arnold Schwarzenegger transition from bodybuilding to acting?
A: Arnold Schwarzenegger transitioned from bodybuilding to acting with his role in the 1977 documentary “Pumping Iron,” which showcased his competitive spirit and laid the foundation for his future success in Hollywood.
Q: What is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most iconic role?
A: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most iconic role is often considered to be that of the Terminator in the 1984 film of the same name, which solidified his status as a Hollywood superstar and established him as a leading action star.