Following his guiding (action) star

If imitation is the ultimate form of flattery, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger should be pleased with Mauro L. Metini, a Swedish bodybuilder-turned-actor who is modeling his life after the action star’s.

Metini, who competed in the Junior Mr. Sweden bodybuilding competition at age 17 before coming to America in 1992, says his life story eerily resembles that of Sacramento’s highest officeholder. “I was in snow up to my waist in Sweden and I saw pictures of Muscle Beach in Venice,” says Metini, 32, who arrived penniless and slept in his car while training for the Mr. Venice Beach contest. Within a year he met his idol. “I approached Arnold at World Gym and asked him to give me a job. He said he was too busy.”

After peaking at 260 pounds, Metini grew bored with bodybuilding and became a bodyguard, a bouncer, a construction worker and the personal fitness trainer to a royal family (which he declines to identify) before he turned to acting. He landed small roles on soap operas before appearing on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” as a female East German swimmer. “I had a blond wig on and hadn’t shaved. Jay was cool, and I hope some day to come back and show my clips.”

Metini recently shot a short film, “Hercules in Hollywood,” which was inspired by Schwarzenegger’s first film, “Hercules in New York.” As Hercules, Metini -- who produced and co-directed the spoof -- faces the difficulties of becoming an actor. “Hercules comes to Hollywood and is getting a head shot, taking a job as a waiter, the casting couch, auditions -- all the things actors have to do. It’s easier for him to separate continents than to break into show business.”

Scenes from the film are featured on www.HerculesInHollywood.com. Metini says he has no interest in politics but strongly believes he will surpass Schwarzenegger’s artistic achievements. “As much as I respect Arnold, I think I can do better than him. In my own mind, I can do even better. I like the positive attitude he has.”

-- Michael T. Jarvis