In a surprising departure from his typically indomitable persona, Arnold Schwarzenegger, celebrated for his towering achievements in bodybuilding, Hollywood, and even fatherhood, recently revealed a more vulnerable facet of his life and opened up about his recent heart surgery.
Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
In a recent episode of his podcast “Arnold’s Pump Club,” multi-faceted icon Arnold Schwarzenegger disclosed that he’d recently undergone heart surgery for a pacemaker, shattering the mold and proving that strength also lies in vulnerability.
Arnold Schwarzenegger onstage in the press room at the 96th Annual Academy Awards at Ovation Hollywood on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
He started the episode fittingly titled “Arnold’s Pacemaker” with the information that he had undergone surgery the previous Monday for a pacemaker. He joked that he felt he had “become a little bit more of a machine” post-surgery but assured everyone he was doing great.
Remarkably, following his surgery on Monday, he was up and attending a major environmental event with his friend and fellow fitness crusader Jane Fonda by that Friday. And due to the non-invasive nature of the procedure, no one would have thought he’d started the week with surgery.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and actress Jane Fonda at the Long Beach Concention Center on October 24, 2010 in Long Beach, California | Source: Getty Images
The “End of Days” talent thanked the medical team at Cleveland Clinic, whose expert care and minimally painful approach made his recent surgery more bearable. The doctors had advised him to undergo the procedure to correct irregular heartbeats caused by scar tissue from past surgeries.
Now, the actor faces a brief hiatus from intensive gym training but remains optimistic, planning to return to full activity in time for season two of “FUBAR” next month.
Arnold Schwarzenegger attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Netflix’s “FUBAR” at The Grove on May 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Schwarzenegger’s decision to open up about his procedures was inspired by his past. He grew up in an environment where health issues were seldom spoken about. Personal health matters were strictly private, making his decision to share details about his surgery a significant step.
Arnold Schwarzenegger arriving at “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on October 28, 2019 in Los Angeles, California| Source: Getty Images
The outpouring of messages from individuals facing their own cardiac challenges affirmed his choice, showing that his openness could empower others. Following news of his surgery, the fan reaction was a mixture of shock, concern, and unwavering support, reflecting the deep connection Schwarzenegger has cultivated with his audience over the years.
Arnold Schwarzenegger at the Port of Los Angeles, in the San Pedro neighborhood, on April 21, 2023 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Comments poured in, ranging from empathetic shock, “What a shock. Hope he will be ok,” to messages brimming with encouragement and well-wishes, “I’m glad everything went well. Get well soon!!!” and “A speedy recovery Arnold sending best wishes to you.”
Another thanked him for his openness about his struggles and his resolve to help others walking in his shoes, “You are an inspiration for everyone. Thank you for helping others [who] are or will go through heart surgery.” Others offered a light-hearted take on his resilience, with one fan quipping, “Part robot now … keep going Arnie,” humorously alluding to his iconic “Terminator” role.
Schwarzenegger’s history with heart surgeries dates back to 1997 when he first underwent open heart surgery to replace his valves. Defying medical expectations, the valves, predicted to last 15 years, extended well beyond their anticipated lifespan to 21 years.
Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks during Netflix’s Tudum: A Global Fan Event 2023 at Fundação Bienal de São Paulo on June 17, 2023 in Sao Paulo, Brazil | Source: Getty Images
By the time Arnold Schwarzenegger required a replacement in 2018, medical advancements had introduced a non-invasive option, marking a significant shift in the treatment approach from his initial surgery.
He also opened up about his 2018 surgery in a revealing YouTube video posted on November 22, 2023. The father of five shared a harrowing account from just a few years prior, leading up to the filming of “Terminator: Dark Fate.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger attends the Japan premiere of ‘Terminator: Dark Fate’ at Shinjuku Kabuki-cho Godzilla Road on November 06, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan | Source: Getty Images
He underwent his third surgery, and upon awakening, he was met with apologetic doctors explaining that the procedure hadn’t gone as expected. They were supposed to perform a simple procedure on him, but in the process, poked at the wall of his heart, leading to internal bleeding.
As such, they had to open him up to fix the error, and a procedure that was initially meant to be non-invasive became an open-heart surgery. In the critical months following, he was determined to regain his strength and be in good shape before the filming started. He rallied the support of his friends to keep his spirits high, and they would come in every day to cheer him on.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is seen in the Upper West Side on October 09, 2023 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The doctors advised that he diligently exercise his lungs to avert the risk of pneumonia—a complication that could have proved fatal. He reflected on the urgency of his recovery, saying, “I wanted to get really going with the exercise, get out of the hospital as quickly as possible, and then get going with the training again.”
By the time they were filming the 6th installment of “The Terminator,” Schwarzenegger was fit as a fiddle. While exercising got him there, he also attributes his apt recovery to his support system. All through, he had people championing for him. “All the guys pumped me up and got me going, and when I started shooting ‘The Terminator 6,’ I was all back together again,” he disclosed.
In 2020, he underwent another surgery, this time to have a new aortic valve fitted to go along with his new pulmonary valve from his previous surgery. “I feel fantastic and have already been walking the streets of Cleveland enjoying your amazing statues,” he wrote in his health update.
Not once have these medical interventions slowed him down; instead, they’ve shown his remarkable ability to rebound with even more vigor. Through it all, Schwarzenegger continues to inspire, demonstrating that true strength is not just overcoming what life throws at you but doing so with grace, determination, and an unwavering commitment to bounce back, ready for the next challenge.
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