Who Owns the Two Bronze Arnold Larger-Than-Life Size Busts?

In the early 90's, Jeff Dawn, the Academy Award-winning lead make-up artist who transformed Arnold into cyborgs for the first three Terminator films, hired Jonathan Bickart to sculpt two bronze busts. Over many weeks, Jeff worked with Jonathan and a pile of photos to capture the perfect essence of The Oak. One was given to Schwarzenegger by Jeff Dawn as a birthday present and he kept the other. The one Jeff gave to Arnold lived in his office for years and could still be there. Yet there is another and Jeff kept the second one for all these years…until now.

Here is the really cool part. Dawn, a friend, and loyal Arnold supporter, gave me a fantastic surprise the other day with his news as to who would be the next owner.

“I couldn't think of a better recipient,” Dawn told me. "For so many years you have taken such great care of the Arnold world. Thank you!"

The Terminator make-up legend then sent me a 21" tall, 45 lbs solid bronze Arnold head – the TWIN brother to the very sculpture Schwarzenegger owns!  The base is 6" x 6" of solid marble and cost Jeff thousands in the early ‘90s when he commissioned artist Jonathan Bickart to create them.

Jeff singed the back of the head for me before he sent it and now this sculpture rests in TheArnoldFans headquarters. In fact, “Arnold” is watching me know as I type. Thank you so much, Jeff, for thinking the world of Arnold’s fans. Your generous act will never be forgotten and will live on until the end of days. What would the Terminator films be without you? As a make-up artist and thoughtful friend, you’re the best!

The bronze artist who sculpted this piece was also kind enough to send me a message with a little more backstory. 

Jonathan Bickart: "Dear Randy:  Thanks for the correspondence, As you can imagine, sculpting Arnold was both an honor sculpturally and socially. Jeff had contacted me and wanted to know if he could get a portrait done that was different than what the wax museum or toy makers would capture. Jeff wanted a more natural smiling Arnold, as that's how he saw Arnold. Needless to say, from the moment of my introduction, to my last working experience was amazingly positive. While measuring Arnold's face with calipers, he asked if I could also sculpt an incredible award, known as "The Hope Award" to be given to prominent recipients for the Inner City Games. I was honored to be a part of both commissions from both Jeff and Arnold. It's nice to know that you are the proud owner of Arnold's larger-than-life size bust!  It sounds like Jeff gifted it to the right guy!"

Check out the other fantastic work of bronze sculpture artist Jonathan Bickart HERE!