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Arnold Schwarzenegger Recalls Abusive Childhood In Netflix Documentary

By Chinelo Eze

07 June 2023   |   8:30 am

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Arnold Schwarzenegger has shared his childhood experiences of fearing abuse from his father, Gustav, in a forthcoming Netflix documentary about his life. The renowned actor, known for his role in "The Terminator," reflects on his challenging upbringing with Gustav, a former member of the Nazi party, and his mother, Aurelia. In the documentary, Arnold describes…

Arnold Schwarzenegger.<br />AFP Photo/Kena Betancur

Arnold Schwarzenegger has shared his childhood experiences of fearing abuse from his father, Gustav, in a forthcoming Netflix documentary about his life. The renowned actor, known for his role in “The Terminator,” reflects on his challenging upbringing with Gustav, a former member of the Nazi party, and his mother, Aurelia.

In the documentary, Arnold describes his father as a “tyrant” who subjected him and his brother, Meinhard (who tragically passed away in a car accident in 1971), to competitions to “earn breakfast.” These challenges often involved enduring physical and emotional brutality.

Arnold discloses that his brother, who was more sensitive, could not withstand the violence they experienced at home, including beatings and the unpredictable behavior of their father. There were moments of kindness from his father, but they were overshadowed by his drunken outbursts late at night, causing anxiety and fear in the household.

Driven by his difficult childhood, Arnold shares how it motivated him to achieve success at a young age and ultimately led him to leave Austria. He went on to build a remarkable career in weightlifting and Hollywood in the United States.

In 2004, Arnold first publicly revealed the abuse he endured at the hands of his father. He recounted instances of having his hair pulled and being struck with belts, describing it as a common practice among German-Austrian parents to break the will of their children and discourage individuality.

Arnold’s rebellious spirit and determination were shaped by his refusal to conform and his unwavering will. Despite the mistreatment he faced, he vowed to overcome his circumstances, stating that every hit and negative remark only fueled his desire to move away from that environment, achieve wealth, and establish his own identity.

The documentary also delves into Arnold’s confession to his ex-wife, Maria Shriver, about his affair with the family’s housekeeper, Mildred Baena, who gave birth to their son, Joseph, while Arnold was still married to Maria.

Overall, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s life story sheds light on the resilience he developed in the face of a tumultuous childhood and the determination that propelled him to become the influential figure he is today.