THE INTERVIEW Arnold Schwarzenegger

Marvin R. Shanken Goes One-On-One With The Former Governor

- Marvin R. Shanken

Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the most famous people on the planet, a champion who has conquered a host of worlds, from bodybuilding to the movies and politics. He made history in 1967 as the youngest to ever win the coveted title of Mr. Universe, then became one of the world’s biggest movie stars with such hits as The Terminator, Twins, Predator and True Lies. He seemed to be on top of the world, but in reality he was just warming up, as he then moved into politics, becoming the governor of California in 2003. Today, at the age of 76, the man once known as The Terminator has become The Motivator, as Schwarzenegger has just released a book on self-help and inspiration called Be Useful. He also publishes a daily newsletter called Arnold’s Pump Club, and is fresh off a three-part Netflix documentary about his amazing life.

Schwarzenegger is also one of the world’s most passionate cigar smokers, and he has enjoyed cigars regularly since the 1970s. This is the record fifth time he has been on the cover of Cigar afiCionado, but while we have told his story before, this is the first time Schwarzenegger has ever sat down for an interview with Marvin R. Shanken, editor and publisher of the magazine. On a sunny day in October, Schwarzenegger visited Shanken at his offices in New York City. The two lit up Punch Churchills from Cuba that had been rolled 30 years ago, and sat down for an extensive, candid and remarkable discussion about world affairs, Schwarzenegger’s life and so much more.