The
Terminator has a dream -- he wants to be the "Governator"
of California and follow in the footsteps of another Hollywood
hero who gave up acting for a greater stage -- Ronald Reagan.
Action hero Arnold Schwarzenegger unexpectedly threw himself
into the race for California governor on August 6 in a show-stopping
announcement that heralded a spectacular campaign.
The surprise decision by one of the screen's biggest stars followed
weeks of speculation about whether he would try to terminate the
career of California governor Gray Davis in a historic recall
vote.
The Austrian-born actor, 56, who became a U.S. citizen in 1983,
has been toying for years with the idea of flexing his muscles
at the ballot box instead of the box office.
But after blowing hot and cold for weeks, aides had expected
the star to bow to the concerns of his wife about the effect on
their four children and stay out of the October gubernatorial
race.
He might have spent years playing a futuristic robot in the "Terminator"
blockbusters, but Schwarzenegger has shown himself to be politically
astute off screen, building a strong profile within the Republican
Party and garnering grass-roots support through his work for the
Special Olympics and other sports programs.
In 2000, he considered, but decided against, making a run for
California governor. Three years on, Schwarzenegger has more name
recognition, more personal wealth -- million alone for the
latest "Terminator" installment -- and more charisma
than any of the other candidates.
Thirty years ago, the 6 ft-2 ins body-builder came to America
looking for fame and fortune in the movies, hampered by an unpronounceable
name and a thick accent.
Success was hard to come by initially and he focused on body-building,
winning seven Mr Olympia titles and earning himself the nickname
"the Austrian Oak."
He eventually graduated to the title role in "Conan the
Barbarian" in 1982 and later the 1984 sci-fi action move
"The Terminator" which made him into a superstar.
His marriage to one of the (Democratic) Kennedy clan -- TV journalist
Maria Shriver -- looked for a while as if it might hamper his
political ambitions.
Shriver was reported to be worried about the effects of a time-consuming
and high-profile political campaign -- let alone a possible win
-- on their four young children, but also told Schwarzenegger
she would support him whatever his decision.
"Yes, she's a Democrat," said Schwarzenegger "and
this is the first time she's going to vote for a Republican."
（Agencies）
Updated: 2003-08-08 01:00