Last Action Hero

Arnold Schwarzenegger (Actor) .. Jack Slater

Born: July 30, 1947 in Thal, Austria

Best Known For: Going into politics after a sparkling movie career.

Early-life: Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger was born on July 30, 1947, in Austria, the son of a policeman. Has a brother, Meinhard. Childhood friends claim he often said his ambitions were to move to America, become an actor, and marry a Kennedy - he achieved all three. A skinny youth, he began lifting weights to improve his physique, and became arguably the greatest-ever bodybuilder, winning Mr Olympia seven times. He capitalised on the fame by setting up several businesses while gaining a degree from the University of Wisconsin.

Career: Made his movie debut in 1970's Hercules in New York, and gained a Golden Globe for Best Newcomer in 1976's Stay Hungry, but didn't become a star until Conan the Barbarian in 1982.The 1980s proved a successful decade thanks to hits Raw Deal, Predator, The Running Man, The Terminator and Twins, a rare foray into comedy. Terminator 2, True Lies and Junior followed these in the 1990s. In the latter years of his career he suffered a number of flops, and Terminator 3 was his last moderate hit. Today he is best known as the former Governor of California, although he has resurrected his big-screen career with roles in The Expendables 2, The Last Stand and The Tomb.

Quote: "The worst I can be is the same as everybody else. I hate that."

Trivia: Schwarzenegger became a US citizen in 1983.

Austin O'Brien (Actor) .. Danny Madigan

Charles Dance (Actor) .. Benedict

Born: October 10, 1946 in Redditch, Worcestershire

Best Known For: The Jewel in the Crown.

Early-life: Born Walter Charles Dance on October 10, 1946, in Redditch, Worcestershire. His engineer father died when Dance was four, after which he and his mother moved to Devon. She struggled to make ends meet, working in a café to support them both. After leaving school he enrolled at art college, but claims his heart wasn't in it. He took odd jobs to earn some cash, and spent his spare time doing amateur dramatics, prompting him to take acting lessons.

Career: Dance spent five years with the Royal Shakespeare Company and made his TV debut in miniseries Edward the King in 1975, following it up with appearances in Tales of the Unexpected and Fatal Spring. His first film was 1981 Bond movie For Your Eyes Only, but his big break came in 1984 when he was cast in The Jewel in the Crown. He went on to star in White Mischief, Alien3, The Last Action Hero, Gosford Park, Ali G InDaHouse and First Born. Dance also produced, directed, and wrote the screenplay for the acclaimed film Ladies in Lavender. He was awarded an OBE in 2006. More recent projects include Your Highness, Strike Back, Secret State, Game of Thrones, and Dracula Untold.

Quote: "If someone calls you suave and debonair you only get offered parts in a suit and a collar and tie. It just so happens I wear them reasonably well."

Trivia: Dance had no idea his Dracula Untold character was a resurrected Caligula until after the film was made.

F Murray Abraham (Actor) .. John Practice

Anthony Quinn (Actor) .. Vivaldi

Art Carney (Actor) .. Frank

Frank McRae (Actor) .. Dekker

Tom Noonan (Actor) .. Ripper

John McTiernan (Director)

1:30 pm - 3:45 pm, Today on Sky Cinema Greats HD (518)

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