The Arnold may best be known for famously quipping “hasta la vista, baby” in “Terminator 2,” but Schwarzenegger first amassed his wealth by saying “hola” to commercial real estate early in his career.
A native of Austria, he got his start in bodybuilding, becoming the youngest person to win the title of Mr. Universe. With an eye on Hollywood, he emigrated to the U.S. in 1968. He racked up five more Mr. Universe titles and seven Mr. Olympia titles before turning to acting.
Refusing to rely solely on acting for money, Schwarzenegger scooped up real estate in LA in the 1970s with cash from his bodybuilding days. He also had a bricklaying business.
His first property was an apartment building. After making big returns, he traded up and bought more buildings along Main Street in Santa Monica, making up to 300% in returns.
Today, the former two-term California governor has an estimated net worth of $300M and his son, Patrick, owns Blaze Pizza franchises in LA. — Karen Jordan
