Schwarzenegger came to the US in the 1970s. His first film, Hercules in New York, saw him debut as Arnold Strong. Schwarzenegger got mainstream recognition with the 1977 documentary Pumping Iron.
His first big movie break came with Conan the Barbarian in 1982. The Terminator series, which began in 1984, made him one of America's most popular and bankable stars.
On the personal front, Schwarzenegger married Maria Shriver, a journalist and niece of the late US president John F Kennedy, in 1987.
Shriver has been his biggest supporter and came to his defence when allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced against Schwarzenegger in the last days of the campaign. The couple have four children.
Here, a jubilant Schwarzenegger shares his joy with parents-in-law Sargent and Eunice Shriver and wife Maria.
Photo: Carlo Allegri/Getty Images