Hollywood hardman Arnold Schwarzenegger has been confirmed as a financial force to be reckoned with, after his tax returns revealed that he earned nearly $60 million in two years. The details of the statuesque actor's finances were made public after he announced that he will run for governor of California.
The documents show that Arnie made $31 million in 2000, paying over $10 million in taxes, and $26 million in 2001, with $9.3 million paid in taxes. It is customary for election hopefuls in the US to disclose their finances so as to prove they have nothing to hide. And despite holding investments in a myriad of different companies, the Austrian-born star insists he is so rich he cannot be influenced by outside interests.
He also gave details of the gifts he has been given by friends and colleagues in recent years, including a $1,000 talking robotic skull from the Terminator film. He has also received presents from Giorgio Armani, Tommy Hilfiger and billionaire Marvin Davis. The latter gave him a surprisingly modest token of goodwill - $45 worth of popcorn.
The biggest challenge Arnie now faces is questions about whether he is qualified for the position. But opinion polls put him 10 points ahead of his nearest challenger and the majority of Californians say they think he should be taken seriously.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
