Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger were married for more than 20 years while they pursued jobs in politics and show business, respectively. The world was shocked when they declared their divorce because of their formidable facade. Shriver subsequently admitted that after discovering of Arnold’s adultery, which resulted in an illegitimate child with their housekeeper, she turned to her faith.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver’s romance was made public in 1977 at the Robert F. Kennedy Tennis Championship thanks to NBC’s Tom Brokaw. During the event, the journalist introduced the pair, and things soon developed into a romantic relationship.
After nine years of dating, Arnold eventually asked Shriver to marry him in August 1985. Less than a year later, on April 26, 1986, at the Kennedy estate in Hyannis, Massachusetts, they got married.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver at St. Francis Xavier Church after their wedding on April 26, 1986, in Hyannis, Massachusetts. | Source: Getty Images
Numerous Kennedy family members attended the party, including Caroline Kennedy, Shriver’s cousin, and maid of honor, as well as Jackie O, John Jr., and Joan Kennedy.
Arnold gave an Andy Warhol portrait of Shriver to his future in-laws around the time of their nuptials. Additionally, he stated the following to the bridal attendees:
“I love her, and I will always take care of her. Nobody should worry.”
Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger pose with guests at the Shriver home in Hyannisport, on April 26, 1986. | Source: Getty Images
Katherine Schwarzenegger, the couple’s first child, was born in December 1989. Shriver resigned from her position as co-anchor of “Sunday Today” at that point to devote more time to her growing family.
After initially feeling anxious about asking the “Terminator” actor for his daughter’s hand in marriage, Katherine is now notably wed to “Guardians of the Galaxy” actor Chris Pratt.
Arnold and Shriver received Christina Schwarzenegger as their second child in July 1991. The second child of the pair went on to become a successful producer of the documentaries “Take Your Pills” and “Take Your Pills: Xanax.”
Arnold eventually began skipping important occasions in his kids’ lives, like recitals and sporting activities. But when he betrayed Shriver, his connection with his kids only deteriorated further.
Patrick and Christopher Schwarzenegger were the couple’s other two children. In “Midnight Sun” and “Grown Ups 2,” Patrick, who was born in September 1993, continued his parents’ acting career. Patrick is a model and a business owner in addition to his acting profession.
Christopher, who was born in September 1997, decided against a future in show business. For private parties and public appearances, he occasionally appears with his family.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver, and Katherine Schwarzenegger during the Santa Monica 1990 Oktoberfest. | Source: Getty Images
Despite having four kids, the couple’s marriage had its share of difficulties. Their relationship suffered as a result of Arnold’s hectic timetable after he entered politics. In a conversation from 2012, he acknowledged:
“A lot of relationships, when you’re a politician, tend to fall apart or get hit because of having to spend so much time on your work.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver, and their kids during a swearing-in ceremony on November 17, 2003, in Sacramento, California. | Source: Getty Images
This happened to the Hollywood star as he immersed himself in his job. Arnold remembered that his meetings, projects, and budget planning sessions occasionally lasted into the early hours of the morning, and when he wasn’t busy working or collecting money, he was out running for office.
Arnold eventually began skipping important occasions, like recitals and sporting activities, in his kids’ lives. But when he turned on Shriver, his bond with his kids only got worse.
Marital Problems for Arnold Schwarzenegger He had a son at that time.
When Shriver was on vacation with their kids in 1996, Arnold, who was in Los Angeles to shoot “Batman & Robin,” started an extramarital relationship with Mildred Baena, their housekeeper.
The renowned bodybuilder-turned-movie star cried as he pleaded with Shriver for another chance, according to Ian Halperin, the author of Arnold’s biography.
Joseph Baena, their son, was born the following year as a consequence of their relationship. Initially listed as Mildred’s spouse, Joseph’s father’s likeness to Arnold grew more and more over time. It was soon difficult to overlook.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver during the funeral services for U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help on August 29, 2009, in Boston, Massachusetts. | Source: Getty Images
Shriver attempted to confront Arnold about being Joseph’s birth father, but Arnold steadfastly rejected the allegations. The truth finally came out as Arnold and Shriver sat in a couple’s counseling session on January 4, 2011.
Arnold begged his ex-wife to pardon him, but she refused. It had been more than ten years since the birth of his boy, who was not his biological child. Later, the action star made a statement verifying the accuracy of the media’s rumors. He publicly expressed his regret and assumed complete responsibility.
Author of Arnold’s biography Ian Halperin claims that the well-known bodybuilder-turned-movie star sobbed as he pleaded with Shriver for another chance. He phoned his ex-wife regularly pleading for her pardon, but Shriver refused to take part.
Joseph Baena during the Los Angeles premiere of “Bullet Train” at the Regency Village theatre in Westwood, California, August 1, 2022. | Source: Getty Images
In a joint statement that assured the world that their children came first, Arnold and Shriver announced the dissolution of their marriage on May 9, 2011. The assertion said:
“After a great deal of thought, reflection, discussion, and prayer, we came to this decision together. At this time, we are living apart while we work on the future of our relationship. We are continuing to parent our four children together.”
Mildred has been evading detection ever since the story gained attention from various media sources. She decided to share her story, though, as false reports began to reach the media.
She asserted that as time went on, she began to notice similarities between Arnold and Joseph, thereby establishing the father of her boy.
“Maybe as Joseph got older and began to look like him, [Arnold] wondered, but he never said anything to me,” Mildred said.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Joseph Baena on June 12, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
After their divorce, Arnold continued to love his wife and ask for forgiveness. He had nothing but beautiful words to describe Shriver, calling her a phenomenal woman who did not deserve his betrayal.
Shriver had a hunch about the situation after observing Arnold and Joseph’s parallels. Shriver would initially merely say, “I’m here if you need to talk,” before finally telling Mildred the truth.
Mildred shared:
“[Shriver] was so strong. She cried with me and told me to get off my knees. We held each other, and I told her it wasn’t Arnie’s fault – that it takes two.”
Despite putting on a brave face, Shriver was torn apart by her marriage. She sought solace and guidance in a monastery. It wasn’t until a religious mother suggested that Shriver came to seek approval for being herself.
Shriver recognized that, in light of what had transpired, she had never before permitted herself to be frail and exposed. She understood that to be the best mother she could be to her children, she had to grow stronger as a result of the experience.
Arnold remained in love with his ex-wife and begged for her pardon after their split. Shriver was a remarkable lady who did not deserve his betrayal, he said, using only the kindest of words to describe her.
There is no question that Arnold’s actions caused his family pain. Each child’s response to what he had done was different, but he has since managed to keep up excellent relations with his kids.
Arnold was eventually pardoned by Maria Shriver, who reconnected with him for family gatherings.
The divorce of the pair wasn’t finalized for about ten years. Managing the pair’s assets may have been challenging because they were well-known figures in both politics and the entertainment business. But their residual emotions might also be to blame for the delay.
In addition to a chef’s kitchen, living rooms, and a gym, his Mediterranean-style house has seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms.
Shriver is a famous Kennedy family member, whereas Arnold has worked hard for years to accumulate an estimated $400 million in wealth. Before getting married, the couple had no prenuptial agreement written.
There was allegedly a split in their property settlement agreement. Shriver has since left their home and relocated close by to Brentwood.
A source claimed that Arnold and Shriver were better off getting married because their finances were entwined. However, they were also able to come to an understanding on a social level. As Arnold’s children’s father, Shriver had always been kind to him, the source continued. She never disparaged him in any way.
In his remarks on forgiveness in 2018, Shriver implied that he had taken the required steps to accept her ex-apology. She said, “I’ve learned that forgiving requires time and is a process.
The two are still able to coexist peacefully apart. With picturesque views of canyons and the Pacific Ocean, Arnold still lives in their Pacific Palisades, California, mansion. His seven-bedroom, seven-bathroom, chef’s kitchen, entertainment spaces, and gym are all located in his Mediterranean-style house.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s property also boasts a pool, a tennis court, a spa, and a pond. With more than enough space in the 2.5-acre land, there is plenty to do when his five children visit.
After several years, the Schwarzenegger family is content with their circumstances and continues to emphasize the value of spending time together. The offspring of Arnold and Shiver have chronicled their life’s achievements and celebrations over time.
While Christina, Patrick, and Christopher were present at the wedding, he was conspicuously missing.
“They have no relationship with Joseph,” a source close to the family revealed. “I think the sons have more of a relationship with him.”
Katherine celebrated turning 27 in 2016 and enjoyed the day with her family. She shared a sweet Instagram update to celebrate her birthday along with a picture of her family surrounding her.
In June 2020, Katherine recognized her sibling Christopher for accomplishing a noteworthy feat by celebrating his University of Michigan graduation.
“You’re the best human, and we are all so proud of all your hard work,” she said.
A few months later, Arnold’s family, which included his ex-wife Shriver, joined him in celebrating his 73rd birthday. The ex-husband and ex-wife can be seen grinning with their four children in a celebration photo that their son, Patrick, posted.
Patrick gave his folks a sneak preview of his 29th birthday in September 2022. The celebrant was pictured carrying a cake and his parents were standing next to him.
Despite the adoring grandfather’s admission that he doesn’t change his granddaughter’s nappies, Arnold and Shriver are also happy grandparents. They frequently visit Lyla Maria, Katherine’s daughter, and were present when she gave birth.
Since he is allegedly distant from his half-siblings, Joseph, Arnold’s youngest son, is frequently missing from pictures of the family. He offered his sister Katherine his congratulations on her union with Pratt in 2019.
While Christina, Patrick, and Christopher were present at the wedding, he was conspicuously missing.
“They have no relationship with Joseph,” a source close to the family revealed. “I think the sons have more of a relationship with him.”
Katherine posted a picture of herself, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher on Instagram to commemorate National Siblings Day in April of that same year. Her failure to refer to Joseph as a brother was immediately called out by social media users on the website.
Their lack of a connection was not shocking, according to a source close to Katherine. Because of their father’s extramarital romance, which caused their family to become estranged, Joseph was born.
While growing up with his half-siblings, Joseph frequently remained in Arnold’s mansion, so he is not a stranger to his siblings.
In the meantime, Joseph appears to yearn for a connection with his other brothers. He reportedly follows them on social media and enjoys their updates. Except for the ones involving Joseph, they enjoy every post their father ever makes.
He was inextricably linked to Arnold’s identity and could not escape it. He didn’t use his father’s last name, though, to succeed on his terms.
Joseph developed a close connection with his father but may not have one with his siblings. Even so, he continued his father’s practice of exercising to maintain his physical appearance.
Joseph was depicted on the cover of Men’s Health in February 2022, clearly displaying his striking resemblance to the famous performer. Joseph entered the entertainment business in addition to bodybuilding and made appearances in the films “Lava!” and “Predator.
Joseph Baena’s existence has attracted attention since news of his mother’s relationship with Arnold broke. He was inextricably linked to Arnold’s identity and could not escape it. He didn’t use his father’s last name, though, to succeed on his terms. According to Joseph
“That’s just not my main priority at the moment, so I’m just focused on building myself up and building my career in acting and real estate and just focusing on that right now.”
Although Arnold has had an impact on Joseph’s life in many ways, including his acting profession, fitness lifestyle, and mindset, Joseph is grateful to have such a wonderful father.
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