The year A.D. 2011 brought days as dark as those following a Skynet-sponsored apocalypse for a former Terminator and governor of California.
Arnold Schwarzenegger was out of office but, being only a naturalized U.S. citizen, couldn't run for the White House like fellow former Golden State governor and actor Ronald Reagan. Film projects on the horizon — among them, sequels to "The Expendables" — didn't seem like they would set the world on fire (and didn't). Meanwhile, it was revealed that the Governator had had a secret love child with his maid.
Now, on an international press tour ahead of the release of "Terminator: Genisys," Schwarzenegger, 67, opened up to Howard Stern about the collapse of his marriage — and the counseling that didn't help.
"This was without any doubt the biggest setback and the biggest failure," the former governor said of his split with Maria Shriver. "... You really feel like: 'I'm to blame for it. It was me that screwed up.' You can't point the finger at anyone else."
Stern said that when he was divorced in 2001 — from a wife he paid tribute to in the 1997 film "Howard Stern: Private Parts" — he saw a psychiatrist. "Did you seek out therapy?" he asked Schwarzenegger.
"Yes," Schwarzenegger said. "... It was the biggest mistake I've ever made because that guy was so full of s---."
Schwarzenegger said Shriver talked him into counseling, but he was met with "nonsense talk" that was "counterproductive to our future relationship."
"Maria talked me into it," Schwarzenegger said. "I went and I felt instinctively maybe I shouldn't go because I know I screwed up. I don't have to go to anyone to have him explain to me anything. I apologized to Maria. I apologized to the kids and then tried to move forward."
Schwarzenegger made it clear that this was not a Tom Cruise-like rant against psychiatry.
"I think people should get help when they need help," he said. "... I'm not against that, but in my particular case it was not helpful."
Schwarzenegger said his family is now in a much better place, recounting a story in which he was met with balloons and gifts from his four children by Shriver and Shriver herself at a premiere of the new "Terminator" film.
"That is the relationship I was really looking forward to after this complicated bump," he said.
Stern said he was moved "almost to tears" by Schwarzenegger's success in repairing his relationship with his family.
Not all of Stern's far-ranging conversation with Schwarzenegger was so serious. The star also discussed a bit of trivia perhaps unknown to those not versed in 1980s action lore: Schwarzenegger argued with "Terminator" director James Cameron about the famous line "I'll be back."
"Why don't we say 'I will be back?'" Schwarzenegger said he suggested to Cameron, saying a machine wouldn't use the contraction.
Cameron vociferously disagreed, Schwarzenegger said.
"I don't correct your acting, so don't correct my f------ writing," Schwarzenegger said Cameron said. "What's the matter with you, Arnold?"
The Washington Post
Fri Jun 26 2015
Schwarzenegger said Shriver talked him into counseling, but he was met with "nonsense talk" that was "counterproductive to our future relationship."
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.