Governor Gavin Newsom announced the Class of 2026 for the California Hall of Fame, featuring a reunion of the 1994 True Lies co-stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The induction ceremony will take place this March in Sacramento, honoring individuals who have made substantial cultural, athletic, and artistic contributions to the state and beyond.
The Jamie Lee Curtis Hall of Fame induction highlights her lasting impact on Hollywood and California’s cultural fabric, while Schwarzenegger’s inclusion reflects his multifaceted legacy as an actor, bodybuilder, and former governor of California. Both will be joined by seven other distinguished honorees ranging from Olympic champions to influential authors and innovative culinary leaders.
Honoring Diverse Trailblazers and California’s Spirit
The California Hall of Fame honors those who embody the state’s resilience and creativity. The 2026 class highlights Los Angeles as a key player on the world stage for culture and innovation. These inductees represent wide-ranging achievements, from politics and sports to literature and culinary arts.
Governor Newsom emphasized the broad influence of the new class, saying,
“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.”
He added,
“Resilient and innovative, these leaders and luminaries represent the best of the California spirit.”
The ceremony is scheduled for March 19 at the California Museum in Sacramento, with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom participating in the announcement.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Journey From Bodybuilding to Governance
Arnold Schwarzenegger began his rise to fame after moving from Austria to California in the late 1960s, initially making a name for himself as a bodybuilding champion. He transitioned into Hollywood stardom with iconic roles in blockbuster films such as Conan the Barbarian, the Terminator series, Predator, Kindergarten Cop, and Batman & Robin. His collaboration with Jamie Lee Curtis in True Lies remains a memorable highlight of his acting career.
Schwarzenegger’s public service career started when he was elected governor of California in 2003, stepping in after Gray Davis was recalled. His two terms, ending in 2011, marked an unusual blend of celebrity and politics, positioning Schwarzenegger as a unique influence in both fields.
Jamie Lee Curtis: Hollywood Legacy and Lasting Stardom
Born in Los Angeles to Hollywood icons Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, Jamie Lee Curtis carved out her own successful acting career starting in the 1970s. She gained early recognition with television roles, including a regular spot on ABC’s Operation Petticoat. Curtis solidified her status through the role of Laurie Strode in John Carpenter’s 1978 horror film Halloween, a character she revisited across numerous sequels.
Curtis continued to build a versatile career with films such as Trading Places, A Fish Called Wanda, Freaky Friday, and more recently, Knives Out. On television, she appeared in shows like Anything but Love and Scream Queens. Her critically acclaimed performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once earned her the 2022 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, underscoring her enduring talent and adaptability in the industry.
The Full Lineup of 2026 California Hall of Fame Inductees
The 2026 class features a remarkable group of individuals and groups, each bringing unique contributions across different fields:
John L. Burton: A lifelong public servant and legislator, Burton is recognized for his passionate advocacy for civil rights, healthcare, and foster youth, leaving a lasting positive impact in California.
Riane Eisler: As a pioneering systems scientist and cultural historian, Eisler authored the bestseller The Chalice and the Blade, published in 27 languages. Her visionary work promotes human rights and sustainable societies, influencing leaders around the globe.
Janet Evans: One of the greatest distance swimmers ever, Evans was the first American woman to secure four individual Olympic gold medals. She now serves as Chief Athlete Officer for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Carl Lewis: Widely regarded as the premier American track and field athlete, Lewis won nine Olympic gold medals across four Games in the 1980s and ’90s, excelling in sprinting and long jump events.
Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles: Known as America’s first all-women mariachi group, this ensemble has reshaped the tradition’s sound and image, captivating audiences worldwide for over 30 years in a male-dominated genre.
Nobuyuki Matsuhisa: Commonly known as Nobu, this influential chef has revolutionized global cuisine through his Nobu and Matsuhisa restaurants, which operate on five continents with 40 locations.
Terry McMillan: Acclaimed author of popular novels such as Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back, McMillan’s storytelling elevates women’s voices, centers Black experiences, and has transformed American literature.
Significance of the 2026 Induction and What Lies Ahead
The inclusion of Jamie Lee Curtis and Arnold Schwarzenegger in the California Hall of Fame not only celebrates their individual achievements but also reunites a notable Hollywood pairing whose work resonates with both entertainment and political history in California. Their recognition alongside accomplished athletes, authors, and innovators highlights the state’s diverse talent and cultural influence.
The ceremony at the California Museum in Sacramento will honor this group’s enduring contributions to society, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities that have shaped California’s identity. As the 2028 Olympic Games approach in Los Angeles, the induction of sports figures like Janet Evans and Carl Lewis ties in with the region’s ongoing role as a global center for athletic excellence and cultural celebration.
