Arnold Schwarzenegger was an "expert at living in denial" with his wife.

The Expendables 2 actor - whose 25-year marriage to Maria Shriver came to an end following revelations he had fathered a child with their housekeeper - admits he concealed many things from his family, including the fact he was to undergo major heart surgery and that he planned to run for the post of Governor of California.

"That's the way I handle things. And it always has worked. But, I mean it does not - it's not the best thing for people around me because I sometimes - some information I just keep to myself."

Arnold claims his behavior was as a result of his days as a body-builder when he believed emotions could make a person lose. "I became an expert in living in denial," he added on 60 Minutes.

The actor admitted he had considered running for office for over a year before applying, but only told his wife a few days before he submitted documentation because he "didn't want endless conversation about it at home."