Joseph Baena, the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and the family housekeeper Mildred “Patty” Baena, has faced his fair share of challenges. Despite being blamed for the affair that ended his parents’ marriage, the 26-year-old remains proud to call Schwarzenegger his father, and the two share a strong bond.
Baena was just 13 when he learned the truth about his parentage. He vividly remembers the day when his mother told him that the world was finding out about his father. The media circus that followed turned his life upside down. As a teenager, this revelation took a toll on his transformation and personal growth.
While the family secret was kept hidden for many years, it became impossible to hide the physical resemblance between father and son as Baena grew older. Schwarzenegger’s book, “Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story,” revealed how he tried to keep this secret from his wife, Maria Shriver, for 25 years. When he finally confessed his infidelity to their children, they were devastated.
But today, Joseph Baena has chosen to follow in his father’s footsteps as an actor and bodybuilder. The two share a passion for fitness, and Schwarzenegger even gifted his son “The Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding.” Baena reflects on this bond with pride and emphasizes the value of hard work over handouts, just like his father taught him.
Despite the challenges he has faced, Baena is determined to make a name for himself on his own terms. He has pursued an acting career under a different last name to ensure that he is judged solely on his talent.
Baena’s dedication to his craft has caught the attention of many. He appeared in a few films and even showcased his skills on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2022. He also paid homage to his father by recreating an iconic scene from Terminator 2: Judgment Day.
While Baena cherishes his relationship with Schwarzenegger, his step-siblings from his father’s marriage to Shriver have not embraced him in the same way. At events like the premiere of the Netflix TV series “FUBAR,” Baena has often been left out, leading many to criticize his step-siblings for their behavior.
At the end of the day, Schwarzenegger himself recognizes the mistakes he made and expresses his love and pride for his doppelganger son. He acknowledges that what he did was wrong but wants Joseph to know that he is welcomed and loved in this world.
Despite the challenges and criticisms, Joseph Baena remains steadfast and continues to carve out his own path. He is an extraordinary young man determined to create a name for himself, unaffected by the shadows of his parents’ past.
