Terminator actor Arnold Schwarzenegger has always been a household name, but now his son, Joseph Baena, is stepping into the spotlight. The young star, who's carving his own path in the fitness world, gained national attention when he joined season 31 of Dancing With the Stars in September 2022. Let's take a closer look at Joseph's journey and how he's making a name for himself, separate from his iconic father. Scroll on for more about Arnold’s son with Mildred Baena.
Who Is Joseph Baena, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Son?
Arnold Schwarzenegger's life has been anything but ordinary. In 1986, he married Maria Shriver, and together they had four children: Katherine Schwarzenegger, Christina Schwarzenegger, Patrick Schwarzenegger, and Christopher Schwarzenegger. But in May 2011, Arnold revealed a stunning twist—Joseph Baena, born in 1997, was the result of an affair with the family housekeeper, Mildred Baena. Interestingly, Joseph was born the same year as Arnold and Maria’s youngest son, Christopher.
Arnold addressed the situation publicly in a statement to The Los Angeles Times. “After leaving the governor’s office, I told my wife about this event, which occurred over a decade ago,” he said. “I understand and deserve the feelings of anger and disappointment among my friends and family. There are no excuses, and I take full responsibility for the hurt I have caused. I have apologized to Maria, my children, and my family. I am truly sorry.”
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The revelation led to Arnold and Maria announcing their separation that same month. Their divorce was finalized in December 2021 after a decade-long legal battle. Despite the challenges, Arnold cherishes the bond he's built with Joseph.
In a 2015 interview with Howard Stern, Arnold opened up about his relationship with Joseph. “He’s terrific and he totally understands the situation,” Arnold said. “It’s a very tough situation for him. It’s a very tough situation for my kids, a very tough situation for my family. But it has happened, and now we have to figure it out, right?”
What Does Joseph Baena Do for a Living?
Joseph Baena has been making waves in the fitness world, following in his dad’s footsteps. Arnold was there to support his son when Joseph graduated from Pepperdine University in April 2019. Since then, Joseph has embraced bodybuilding, proving that he's got the same drive and determination as his legendary father. But Joseph has chosen to carve his own path without leaning on his dad’s famous name.
“My dad is old-school; he doesn’t believe in handouts. He believes hard work pays off, and so do I,” Joseph told Men’s Health in February 2022. “I love the word honor, and I’m very prideful in the sense that if I use my dad’s contacts or ask him for favors, I wonder what honor is that going to bring me?”
Joseph’s commitment to earning his success on his own terms extends to his acting career as well. “When I go to auditions, they don’t know who I am because we don’t have the same last name,” he explained. “When I do book a gig, I know it’s all me.”
In addition to his fitness and acting pursuits, Joseph is also a licensed real estate agent with Aria Properties in Marina del Rey, California. He’s landed roles in several projects, including Chariot, Scam Squad, and Encounters. Joseph was thrilled to join season 31 of Dancing With the Stars, where he danced alongside professional partner Daniella Karagach.
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“My whole family is really surprised that I took on the challenge just because dancing is not really a part of the gene in our family,” Joseph told Fox News after the show premiered in September 2022. “I’m here to kind of break that stigma in the family.”
How Much Is Joseph Baena Worth?
Joseph Baena’s estimated net worth ranges from $1 million to $3 million, according to various reports. His success as a fitness influencer and real estate professional has contributed significantly to his earnings. Joseph is determined to build his wealth through hard work and dedication, staying true to the values his father instilled in him.
Who Is Joseph Baena Dating?
Joseph’s romantic life has seen its fair share of attention. He previously dated model Nicky Dodaj, celebrating their one-year anniversary in February 2020. However, in a February 2022 interview with Access Hollywood, Joseph revealed he was back on the dating scene. “I know having a girlfriend takes a lot of time, it’s a lot of effort,” he admitted. “Even though I’m willing to do that, my lifestyle doesn’t make it easy. I would love a relationship; I like to date … but at the same time, I haven’t met that one person that I would like to keep it going.”
