Growing up in the small Austrian village of Thal, Arnold dreamed of coming to America. That dream took shape after he saw a picture of Reg Park in an American bodybuilding magazine. While his childhood home was tiny, and resources were limited, his ambition was enormous.

When he finally made it to the States in 1968, Schwarzenegger chased that dream relentlessly. After seven Mr. Olympias, helping define action cinema and becoming the Governor of California, Arnie has said: “America gave me everything.” Yet, it was that first Thanksgiving where he truly felt that he belonged in this new world he had always imagined.

How Thanksgiving Changed Everything

When he immigrated to America, bodybuilding was his passport, but it was people who gave him a sense of home. The training partners Arnie had befriended in the gym surprised the Austrian when they took him in and invited him to their home for his first-ever Thanksgiving meal. That simple gesture has evolved into a decades-long ritual.

The Schwarzenegger Institute posted Arnold Schwarzenegger's annual Thanksgiving event at the Hollenbeck Youth Center on Instagram. In the caption, they recalled that first, unforgettable Thanksgiving dinner. “He (Arnold) will never forget how their generosity made him feel: loved, appreciated, and truly American. Happy Thanksgiving!” It was the moment the bodybuilding icon realized Thanksgiving was about community, kindness, and belonging.

“These people were all helping me get going in America. To me, this was the ultimate of learning what Thanksgiving is all about, and it’s about giving back.” He said while speaking at what's become a 35-year tradition of giving back at the Hollenbeck Center.

"I was always so happy to come here… to sponsor the food, the turkeys, the desserts… to make everyone feel like they’re part of America, part of Los Angeles, part of this community." Arnold emphasized unity and generosity. "We all work together, and we all help each other. This is what this is all about." added Schwarzenegger.

That quite Thanksgiving night played a powerful role in shaping Arnold’s life. The kindness he experienced as a lonely immigrant fueled his dedication to giving back, and the choices he made, as well as the people who came into his life, helped him become the global icon he is today.

How did you celebrate your Thanksgiving? Let us know in the comments section.

Written by

Amanjeet Singh

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi