Actor and former governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger has been presented with an honorary degree during a visit to Belfast.
The Terminator actor has received the honour in Belfast in recognition of his contributions to public service, environmental advocacy, and the arts and said it is “unbelievable” to be back in the city 60 years after his first visit.
Students cheered and held signs reading “Ulster he’s back” and “Hasta La Vista Ulster”, while some brought copies of his movie Terminator 2.
The Terminator star was invited to meet students and athletes at UU’s campus in Belfast city centre.
His first visit in 1966 followed an invitation from a local bodybuilding judge.
He arrivedpenniless but was given a warm welcome by his hosts, when he was allowed to bunk up in the judge’s house in Dundonald and was treated to an Ulster fry.
Schwarzenegger joked that he was “tricked” into coming back to Belfast during a video call with UU’s chancellor and vice-chancellor several months ago.
The film star said he was asked by the UU representatives if he still believed in free speech, to which he replied: “Of course I do.”
His hosts then replied: “Good, you are going to give one on 30 March in Belfast.”
