Arnold Schwarzenegger returns to Belfast to receive award decades after ‘breakthrough’ trip

WorldEntertainment
31 Mar 2026 • 8:02 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Arnold Schwarzenegger has received an honorary degree in Belfast, describing the achievement as “unbelievable” and revealing a little-known connection to the city.

Footage shared by Ulster University on Monday (30 March) shows a red carpet being rolled out for the 78-year-old actor, who first visited the city in 1966 as a teenager.

He described the trip as a “breakthrough moment” for him as it was the first time he ever spoke in public at a body building event.

“That’s where my beginning was, here in Belfast, Ireland.”

Ulster University awarded the Austrian-born icon the doctorate for his public service, environmental advocacy, and arts contributions.

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