The former governor of California and action movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger has been named to take over for Donald Trump as the next host of NBC's "The Apprentice."
"We are thrilled to be opening a powerful new chapter in the story of the Apprentice franchise," said Paul Telegdy, president of Alternative and Late Night Programming at NBC Entertainment in a statement. "Arnold Schwarzenegger is the epitome of a global brand in entertainment and business, and his accomplishments in the political arena speak for themselves. It was Arnold's personal passion for the format that Mark Burnett and Donald Trump built over the last decade, as well as his fresh take on how to take it to new heights for today's audiences, that made him the man to hire. The Celebrity Apprentice ... will be back!"
The former governor replaced the past "Celebrity Apprentice" host Donald Trump, who helped raise more than $15 million for charity during his seven seasons on the show.
NBC cut ties with Trump earlier this year after he made derogatory comments about immigrants earlier this year. NBC discontinued its partnership with Trump's Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants and also said he would not participate in any future seasons of "The Apprentice."
Schwarzenegger beat out a list of potential hosts that included Magic Johnson, Richard Branson Martha Stewart and Mark Cuban. Actor and comedian George Lopez was reportedly in early talks to take over for Trump before NBC made the Schwarzenegger announcement.
"I have always been a huge fan of 'The Celebrity Apprentice' and the way it showcases the challenges and triumphs of business and teamwork," Schwarzenegger said in the NBC statement. "I am thrilled to bring my experience to the boardroom and to continue to raise millions for charity. Let's get started!"
"The Celebrity Apprentice" returns to NBC for the 2016-17 season.
Wow. I'm blown away and honored by all your messages. I can't wait to bring my experience to the board room & raise millions for charity.
Posted by Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday, September 14, 2015
