‘Ulster he’s back’: Schwarzenegger recalls ‘breakthrough’ on return to Belfast

Evening Standard

Actor and former governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke of the “breakthrough” he experienced in Belfast as he was presented with an honorary degree.Schwarzenegger, 78, said it was “unbelievable” to be back in the city where he had his first taste of public speaking, 60 years after his first visit.The Austrian-born star received the honorary doctorate from Ulster University in recognition of his contributions to public service, environmental advocacy, and the arts.

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00:05Beautiful, Thomas, thank you very much.

00:29And so I walked over to the microphone thinking he wants me to do another most muscular shot or something

00:34like that.

00:38No, he asked me a question.

00:42He said, so how do you like it here?

00:46And I'm now almost fainting.

00:50Because I've never ever spoken in public before.

00:54And on top of it, I don't know what the hell he's talking about because I don't speak English.

01:02People always talk about, it must have been difficult for you in the beginning with the Irish accent.

01:08I said, I didn't even know there was an accent.

01:10I said, because I didn't speak English.

01:13So the only word that came out of me was, I know, speak English.

01:21And Reg Park, being great as he was, said, that is fantastic.

01:28I understood what you were saying.

01:30He speaks English.

01:31And everyone stood up and gave me a standing ovation.

01:36So this is what I'm talking about.

01:37This was a breakthrough.

01:39And I always tell people about that breakthrough that will happen here in Belfast.

01:44So this is why I have such fond memories of Belfast.

01:47And this is why it is so great to be back.

01:49So this is why it is so great to be back.

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