Arnold Schwarzenegger, the legendary action star and politician, reveals his hidden struggles throughout his remarkable career in the new book, 'Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life.' The book offers an engaging peek into the dynamic life of this versatile personality, detailing experiences ranging from encounters with deceased vultures to challenging injuries, showcasing the highs and lows of his legendary journey. 

Arnold's Encounter with a Deceased Vulture

One of the captivating anecdotes recounts a peculiar incident during the filming of 'Conan the Barbarian.' Schwarzenegger, tied to a tree for a scene, had to bite a real, dead vulture multiple times, showcasing the less-than-glamorous side of his trade. Schwarzenegger candidly shares that the bite required him to wash his mouth with alcohol after every take.

Arnold's Back-breaking Injuries

Schwarzenegger's commitment to his career led him to perform his stunts, a decision not without danger. The challenges he experienced included crawling until his knees and elbows bled and facing dog attacks.

While filming 'Conan the Barbarian,' he suffered a substantial back injury that required 40 stitches. The lack of adequate stunt doubles at the time compelled Schwarzenegger to endure physical challenges, emphasizing the raw brutality of his early action roles.

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A Near-Death Experience on 'The 6th Day' Set

The action star's risk-filled profession unfolds with a distressing incident during the filming of 'The 6th Day.' Schwarzenegger faced a potentially life-threatening situation during an underwater scene. He shared that it was meant to be simple, just swimming, but he started running out of air because there was a cover on the pool. Swift intervention from his vigilant stunt double, Billy Lucas, averted a potential tragedy, showcasing the risks inherent in Hollywood action sequences. 

Failure and Redemption

Aside from his fruitful career as an action star, Schwarzenegger also shares his California governorship and the breakdown of his marriage to Maria Shriver. The book discusses Schwarzenegger's faith in bipartisanship, his views on tackling climate change, and heroic procurement of protective equipment during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite lacking depth and insight as one could expect from a self-help book, this book still delivers its message of persistence and hard work.

The Evolution of Stunt Work: How Weightlifting Reshaped Action Filmmaking

Reflecting on the demanding nature of the filming for 'Conan,' Schwarzenegger notes that the lack of suitable stunt doubles at the time meant he had to endure physically grueling scenes. However, he acknowledges a positive shift, noting that the rising popularity of weightlifting eventually led to the availability of muscular stunt performers. This transformation of Hollywood stunt work made muscular stunt doubles more accessible, alleviating some physical strain on actors. This shift marked a significant moment for Schwarzenegger and his peers, providing a more sustainable and secure working environment.

Schwarzenegger's revelations in 'Be Useful' offer a compelling insight into the challenges faced behind the scenes, reminding us that the glamour of Hollywood often conceals the true grit and determination of its stars.

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