Bodybuilder turned Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger is commended for his zealous efforts to reach the top, thus, tagging him as a self-made man. However, he himself claimed in his Netflix documentary, Arnold, that there is little truth to the statement. Schwarzenegger acknowledges the efforts of several individuals who helped him emerge as the legend he is today. However, upon the dawn of senescence, he confessed the heartbreaking reality of losing those friends to time. 

In the documentary, the star reflected on his friends and people important to him passing away, which saddens him to the core. The discussion emerged after he recalled the good times with his best friend and gym partner, Franco Columbu. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger comes to terms with the harsh reality of life

In the documentary, the 75-year-old legend recalled his good-old friendship with the late bodybuilder, and after his demise, Arnie was heartbroken. “I wish that everyone has a friend like that, because if you don’t, you miss out on a lot,” he said. Furthermore, he contemplated how different life becomes after the closest people in one’s life are not there anymore in the world. 

Thus, Arnie shared, “It’s a big adjustment when you see so many of your friends pass away.” He even credited his success to a lot many people, who pushed him further to achieve. 

Read More: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Son Teases the First Glimpse of His Most Awaited Project That Made His Father Go “What the Fu*k Are You Filming”

Remembering a few of them, he said in the Netflix documentary, “You know when I think of Gerstl, when I think about Wag Bennett, Reg Park… Joe Weider, and this year, Bob Rafelson, Ivan Reitman. These are people that I am indebted to.” Therefore, he had a further confession to make about his high-achieving status. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger denies being called self-made

After elucidating how these notable people added value to his career, Arnie revealed that when people deem him as the “perfect example” or “the self-made man”, he doesn’t align with it. The former bodybuilder shared that the only thing that was completely his, was his visualization and motivation. 

Besides that, in order to reach his goal, “endless amounts of people” helped him along the way. He urged others to never call him a self-made man because he could have never done it all alone. 

Watch this story – Arnold Schwarzenegger and Other Athletes Who Suffered From Depression and Anxiety

The Austrian Oak’s life has been through quite some ups and downs, yet, he had chosen to prevail above them. Moreover, he has encouraged and inspired numerous on the way. But, he acknowledges that the immense success he has found wouldn’t have been possible without the many great people.