Arnold Schwarzenegger given honorary doctorate in Belfast

Actor Arnold Schwarzenegger has said it is "unbelievable" to be back in Belfast 60 years after his first visit as he received an honorary doctorate from Ulster University in recognition of his contributions to public service, environmental advocacy, and the arts.

Students cheered and held signs reading "Ulster, he's back" and "Hasta La Vista, Ulster", while some brought copies of his film Terminator 2.

On the red carpet, the former governor of California said: "Ulster University is a very important university, and it's always a great honour to be honoured like that.

"I tell you what makes this special, because it's kind of a 60-year anniversary and 60 years ago, in 1966, I was in Belfast for the first time. And there was this 19-year-old bodybuilder that was doing a posing exhibition here, because there was this new, upcoming bodybuilding champion.

"So, I came here. I was invited by Ivan Dunbar, this Irish man. I think his family is here... he passed away, I'm sad to say, but that's where my beginning was, in Ireland, in Belfast.

"And it's wonderful to be back in Northern Ireland and to kind of get to see. This is not something that I dreamt of when I was 19 years old, when I was here 60 years ago, that one day I will be coming here to get an honorary doctorate degree. It's unbelievable."

During his first visit, Schwarzenegger stayed in east Belfast with a local weightlifting enthusiast and delivered what is widely accepted as his first public speech on topics such as discipline and personal ambition.

The trip also resulted in one of the most iconic pictures of his career when he posed with two female Belfast Telegraph staff, one raised in each arm.

His biggest film success was Terminator 2, which grossed more than $500m around the world.

The franchise also delivered his famous "I'll be back" catchphrase.

Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University, said: "Few individuals have shaped global culture across sport, film, and public life in the way that Dr Arnold Schwarzenegger has.

"His story - from a young athlete finding his voice in front of an audience in Belfast to becoming one of the world’s most recognisable leaders, actors, and activists - speaks strongly to the importance of confidence, determination, and ambition."

Following a ceremony to present the honorary doctorate, Schwarzenegger answered questions from broadcaster Holly Hamilton.

Additional Reporting: Press Association