Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger was born in Thal, near Graz, Austria, to parents Gustav and Aurelia Schwarzenegger.

Growing up in Thal, Arnold was influenced by bodybuilders training at the nearby Thalersee. He was particularly inspired by the film 'Hercules And The Captive Women' starring Reg Park, which shaped his ambition to become a bodybuilder.

Arnold's father, Gustav Schwarzenegger, passed away on December 1, 1972.