Celeb Spotting
'I'll be back,' Arnold Schwarzenegger vows after UH commencement speech and lunch with the Bushes
Arnold Schwarzenegger has landed in the Bayou City. The actor and former governor of California touched down at the University of Houston Friday, giving the commencement speech to the graduating class, which was streamed live on Facebook.
The University of Houston posted the photo below on Instagram of Schwarzenegger at the ceremony with a caption reading, "Shasta la vista, Coogs."
A post shared by University of Houston (@universityofhouston) on
May 13, 2017 at 7:51am PDT
In his well-received speech to UH grads, Schwarzenegger said the idea of being "self made" is a myth. He noted the people who helped him along the way as he grew up in Austria and came to the United States as a muscle-bound bodybuilder who spoke little English and rose to become a movie star and governor of the largest state in the greatest nation on earth. "At some point take a break from the celebration, away from Instagrams and Snapchats, and think about all the people who helped you," he told the graduates.
Don't miss my commencement address at @UHouston: "Don't ever call me a self-made man." https://t.co/3q3NWRpPKJ
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) May 13, 2017After the ceremony, Schwarzenegger joined Houston residents, former president George Bush and Barbara Bush, along with their son Neil Bush, for a late lunch at Italian restaurant Arcodoro, owned by Lori and Efisio Farris.
Schwarzenegger feasted on the branzino fish, but couldn’t resist sampling the No. 41 dish (homemade burrata-stuffed ravioli with veal and wild mushroom ragu), named for the former president, who regularly dines at the Galleria-area eatery.
“The president ordered his dish (the No. 41), and Arnold said, “I want that, too — we are going to share it,” Efisio tells CultureMap.
Breaking bread with the Bushes! Grazie Arnold for sharing this photo! He said "I'll be back!" . .
A post shared by Arcodoro (@arcodoro) on
May 13, 2017 at 8:17am PDT
“Arnold took photos with the waiters and was having a great time. The Bushes looked great! Everyone was coming and saying hello. Before he left, Arnold told my husband Efisio, ‘I will be back....’” said Lori.
Afterwards, Schwarzenegger tweeted, "Had lunch with two of the greatest Americans. President Bush & Barbara have helped me, mentored me and inspired me to enter public service."
Schwarzenegger is scheduled to attend the J.J. Watt Charity Classic at Minute Maid Park Saturday evening.
UPDATE: On Saturday afternoon, Arnold Schwarzenegger was spotted at Killen's Barbecue. After dining at the Pearland restaurant, he signed the wall, vowing once again, "I'll be back."