Austrian fan plays Schwarzenegger in A&E movie

GRAZ, Austria -- He's Austrian, he bears a striking resemblance to his hero and he's got bulging biceps. Who better to play Arnold Schwarzenegger in a U.S. made-for-TV movie than actor Roland Kickinger?

Inspired by the Schwarzenegger film "Conan the Barbarian," Kickinger began bodybuilding in Vienna in the 1980s. Now he's starring as a young Schwarzenegger in "See Arnold Run," a film being made by the cable channel A&E and scheduled to debut at the end of January.

Kickinger, a former Mr. Austria, told Austrian television it's a dream role.

"What Arnold has done for me and for every bodybuilder and immigrant is amazing," he said. "I'm one of his biggest fans."

Kickinger, 36, who recently gained U.S. citizenship just as Schwarzenegger did in 1984, moved to California in 1995, where he earned cash by flexing his muscles and posing for tourists for $3 a pop. He later was cast in a small role in "Lethal Weapon 4."