Governor Gavin Newsom announced the California Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, marking a nostalgic reunion for the leads of the 1994 hit action-comedy, True Lies. Actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to be inducted this month alongside his co-star from the film, Jamie Lee Curtis, in a special ceremony.
Schwarzenegger and Curtis will join an elite group of seven other inductees, including legendary Olympic gold medallists Carl Lewis and Janet Evans, world-renowned chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa, and acclaimed author Terry McMillan, as reported by Deadline. This diverse class celebrates excellence in sports, culinary arts, and literature, alongside the cinematic achievements of the headlining stars, the report mentioned.
This accolade honours “trailblazers whose achievements embody California’s spirit of resilience and creativity,” while further cementing Los Angeles’ reputation as a worldwide centre for innovation and culture. The official induction is scheduled for 19 March during a ceremony held at the California Museum in Sacramento.
Best of the California spirit
Newsom, who made Tuesday’s announcement alongside First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, praised the new inductees for their profound influence. “From the State Capitol to Los Angeles, from bestselling books to Olympic triumphs, the inductees of the 19th class of the California Hall of Fame have reshaped our culture and our communities,” Newsom stated. He further noted that the group represents the heart of the state, saying, “Resilient and innovative, these leaders and luminaries represent the best of the California spirit.”
Curtis, while congratulating Schwarzenegger on her Instagram post, wrote, “Hey @schwarzenegger what a treat to hear this lovely news about our induction into the Hall of Fame for our beloved CALIFORNIA! And our lovely friend, John Burton, and all of the other wonderful inductees. I know how I feel about loving and representing my home state and all the opportunities it has given me and my family. Honoured and humbled and pumped up, excuse the pun, Arnold (sic).”
Schwarzenegger was already a titan of the bodybuilding circuit when he moved from Austria to California in the late 1960s. He built a massive career with hits such as Predator, True Lies, Kindergarten Cop, Commando, and the Terminator films, before successfully running for office in 2003.
Putting his acting work on hold, the 78-year-old served two terms as Governor, ultimately leaving the State Capitol in 2011. He resumed acting, and his last theatrical release was Terminator: Dark Fate (2019).
Born into Hollywood royalty as the daughter of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, Jamie Lee Curtis first appeared on television in the late 1970s before her breakout role as Laurie Strode in the 1978 horror classic Halloween. Over the following decades, she built a versatile career with hits like A Fish Called Wanda, Freaky Friday, and Knives Out.
The 67-year-old won an Academy Award for her performance in the 2022 film, Everything Everywhere All at Once.
Curtis was last seen in the American fantasy comedy Freakier Friday (2025).
