Arnold Schwarzenegger Recalls Hilarious First English Speech in Belfast

Arnold Schwarzenegger accepted an honorary doctorate from Ulster University in Belfast, 60 years after his first visit to the city as a young bodybuilder. He humorously recounted the story of his first time speaking English in public at a 1966 bodybuilding tournament. Schwarzenegger explained he barely knew the language and his famous "I'll be back" line was a later creation, as he originally said "I come back." The overwhelmingly positive audience reaction to his broken English was a pivotal and encouraging moment in his life.

Key Points: Arnold Schwarzenegger Gets Honorary Doctorate, Recalls Belfast

  • Received honorary doctorate in Belfast
  • Recalled first public English speech in 1966
  • Got a standing ovation for broken English
  • Humorous reflection on his early career
2 min read

Arnold Schwarzenegger receives Honorary Doctorate, speaks on 'breakthrough' in his life

Arnold Schwarzenegger receives an honorary doctorate from Ulster University and shares a funny story about his first time speaking English in public in Belfast.

"I didn't even know there was an accent, because I didn't speak English. - Arnold Schwarzenegger"

Los Angeles, March 31

Hollywood actor Arnold Schwarzenegger went back in time, and reflected on his youth when he received an honorary doctorate from Ulster University in Northern Ireland.

The actor, 78, appeared on stage in Belfast, Northern Ireland to accept the honor, which he noted came 60 years after he first visited the city during his bodybuilding career as a young man, reports 'People' magazine.

In a humorous speech about his first trip to Belfast, Schwarzenegger noted that he spoke in public in English for one of the first times in his life when he won a bodybuilding tournament in 1966 and was asked a question in front of an audience.

He said, "People always talk about, 'It must have been difficult for you in the beginning with the Irish accent', and I said, 'I didn't even know there was an accent', because I didn't speak English. So the only words that came out of me was, 'I no speak English'".

As per 'People', he recalled, the host of the event praised him for attempting to speak in public and he received "a standing ovation" for saying a few words to the audience.

He shared, "Everyone jumped up and gave me a great applause. And then (the host) said, 'Tell them you're going to be back', and I said, 'I come back'. At that time, I didn't say 'I'll be back', that was in Terminator, so I said 'I come back' and standing ovation. He said, 'Thank you very much, Arnold, that was fantastic. Your first time that you spoke in public, you did such a great job and your English was great'".

"And afterwards I left, and I said to myself, 'Oh my God, I thought I was going to die when I spoke in front of people, but this was the most encouraging audience'", he added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This is the kind of news I like to see. A self-made man being honoured. Reminds me of many Indian actors and sportspersons who came from humble backgrounds. Jitna mehnat, utna faayda!
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Sarah B
As someone who learned English as a second language, I relate to this so much! That fear of speaking in public is real. It's encouraging to see even legends like him started somewhere. Great message for students.
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Arjun K
Respect for Ulster University for recognizing his journey beyond just acting. But honestly, I wish our Indian universities would also honour such diverse achievers more often, not just academics or politicians.
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Vikram M
Haha, the origin story of "I'll be back"! Never knew it started like this. His sense of humour is fantastic. True legend 💪. More power to him.
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Karthik V
A well-deserved honour. From bodybuilder to actor to governor, and now a doctorate. His life is a masterclass in reinvention. Youngsters in India should take note.

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