California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed the 2026 class of the California Hall of Fame, highlighting a reunion between Hollywood stars Jamie Lee Curtis and Arnold Schwarzenegger. The ceremony, set for March 19 at the California Museum in Sacramento, will honor these icons alongside seven other distinguished individuals. This induction celebrates the accomplishments of those who reflect the resilience and creative spirit emblematic of California.
Honoring Cultural and Athletic Legends Alongside Film Icons
Joining Schwarzenegger and Curtis in the Hall of Fame are Olympic champions Carl Lewis and Janet Evans, renowned chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, and celebrated author Terry McMillan. This diverse class symbolizes the wide spectrum of California’s cultural, athletic, and intellectual achievements. Their collective legacy underscores Los Angeles’ role as an influential global center for innovation and the arts.
Governor Newsom Highlights Impact of the New Inductees
Governor Newsom, speaking with First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, emphasized the broad contributions of the honorees.
“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 stated. He praised their resilience and innovation, noting these figures exemplify the very best aspects of California’s spirit.
Arnie’s Journey from Bodybuilding to Governance
Arnold Schwarzenegger arrived in California from Austria in the late 1960s as a bodybuilder aiming to break into acting. His rise to fame included iconic roles in the “Terminator” series, “Conan the Barbarian,” and popular films such as “Predator,” “Kindergarten Cop,” and “Batman & Robin.” Schwarzenegger’s transition from Hollywood to politics saw him elected governor in 2003 following Gray Davis’s recall, serving two terms until 2011. His career, straddling entertainment and public service, sets a unique precedent for the Hall of Fame.
Jamie Lee Curtis’ Hollywood Legacy and Recent Triumphs
Born into Hollywood royalty as the daughter of Tony Curtis and Janet Leigh, Jamie Lee Curtis launched her career on television in the 1970s before achieving stardom with her role as Laurie Strode in John Carpenter’s 1978 horror classic “Halloween.” Over the decades, she has starred in notable films like “Trading Places,” “A Fish Called Wanda,” “Freaky Friday,” and “Knives Out,” as well as TV shows including “Anything but Love” and “Scream Queens.” Curtis’s recent accolade—a Supporting Actress Oscar for the 2022 film “Everything Everywhere All at Once”—cements her enduring influence in the industry.
Profiles of the Other Esteemed 2026 Inductees
The 2026 California Hall of Fame class also includes leaders distinguished by their contributions across fields:
- John L. Burton: A dedicated public servant and legislator known for his vigorous advocacy of civil rights, healthcare improvements, and support for foster youth in California.
- Riane Eisler: A pioneering systems scientist and cultural historian, Eisler is the author of the internationally acclaimed book The Chalice and the Blade, which has been translated into 27 languages. Her work promotes visions of human rights and sustainable societies, influencing global leaders and activists.
- Janet Evans: An extraordinary distance swimmer, Evans was the first American woman to earn four individual Olympic gold medals. Currently, she serves as Chief Athlete Officer for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, guiding preparations for the event.
- Carl Lewis: Widely celebrated as one of the greatest American track and field athletes, Lewis’s dominance in sprinting and long jump throughout the 1980s and 1990s earned him nine gold medals across four Olympiads.
- Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles: America’s first all-female mariachi ensemble, this group has transformed the genre’s cultural image and sound over 30 years, gaining international acclaim within a traditionally male-dominated field.
- Nobuyuki Matsuhisa: Known simply as “Nobu,” Matsuhisa revolutionized global dining with his Nobu and Matsuhisa restaurant chains, spanning five continents and 40 locations. His culinary creativity has reshaped fine dining worldwide.
- Terry McMillan: An acclaimed author whose bestselling novels such as Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back have amplified women’s voices, highlighted Black experiences, and had a profound impact on American literature.
Significance of the 2026 Hall of Fame Induction
This year’s Hall of Fame class embodies California’s diverse and dynamic cultural fabric, uniting cinematic legends, athletic champions, influential authors, and visionary leaders. The ceremony not only honors their individual achievements but also highlights California’s global influence across multiple arenas. With figures like Schwarzenegger and Curtis representing the intersection of entertainment and public life alongside trailblazers from sports, literature, and science, the event underscores the state’s ongoing role in shaping American culture and innovation.
As California prepares to welcome these distinguished inductees, their stories are poised to inspire future generations who seek to embody the resilience and creativity that define the Golden State.
