Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood Was Once Fired From This Governmental Position

Clint Eastwood worked under Arnold Schwarzenegger as a public servant. Yes, you read that correctly. Yes, they both had prolific acting careers under their belts at the time. What’s more, Eastwood was eventually “terminated” by Governor Schwarzenegger.

In 2001, Clint Eastwood was appointed by then-Governor Gray Davis to the California State Park and Recreation Commission. After Gov. Davis lost popularity amid an electricity and budget crisis, the people of California saw fit to recall him just a few months into his second term.

Enter Arnold.

In 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger won the recall election by more than a million votes. The whole campaign drew tons of global attention and interest, with people poking fun at Arnold by referencing his blockbuster, “Total Recall.” A year later, the actor-turned-governor reappointed Clint Eastwood to the Park and Recreation Commission, despite Eastwood’s opposition to the recall of Gov. Davis.

In 2008, after 4 years more years of public service, the Governor decided not to reappoint Clint Eastwood to his post. He cited the fact that his term had expired and it was someone else’s turn to serve.

While laughing about it and taking it in stride, Eastwood attributed the “termination” to something else entirely.

Clint Eastwood’s Reappointment Backfired on Governor Schwarzenegger

While there doesn’t seem to be any bad blood between the two, Eastwood was definitely a thorn in the Governor’s side from 2004-2008.

During Eastwood’s second term, Gov. Schwarzenegger was working on an initiative to put in a toll road through San Onofre State Beach. The location is a state park known for its natural beauty and great surfing. As a representative for the parks, Eastwood opposed this effort and the California Coastal Commission eventually defeated the road project.

Also caught in the crossfire was Gov. Schwarzenegger’s brother-in-law, Bobby Shriver, who worked alongside Eastwood on the commission. The two men joked about the situation. Eastwood saying, “But you’re his brother-in-law!” to Shriver, and Shriver firing back, “But you’re his friend and longtime mentor!”

Eastwood explained his thoughts on the matter by adding, “I guess he felt we were going to be guys who were going to be obstructionists for anything through state parks.”

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