Joseph Baena, the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mildred “Patty” Baena, has navigated a complex and public relationship with his famous father. Despite facing rejection from his half-siblings, Baena, 26, maintains a positive relationship with Schwarzenegger and remains proud of his heritage.
Baena’s existence was kept a secret for the first 14 years of his life. He discovered that Schwarzenegger was his father when he was 13, a revelation that coincided with intense media scrutiny. Baena recalls the moment his mother revealed the truth as a challenging period, marked by a whirlwind of public attention.
Throughout this time, Schwarzenegger supported Baena and his mother privately, unbeknownst to his wife, Maria Shriver. However, as Baena matured, his resemblance to Schwarzenegger grew undeniable, making it impossible to keep their connection hidden.
Schwarzenegger publicly addressed the affair and its fallout in his memoir, “Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story,” where he sought forgiveness from his children. His marriage to Shriver ended in 2021, a consequence of the affair becoming public.
In his own life, Baena is forging a path similar to his father’s, pursuing careers in acting and bodybuilding. The pair share a mutual passion for fitness, with Schwarzenegger serving as a mentor to Baena. Despite his father’s fame, Baena is determined to succeed through his own hard work and merit.
However, the relationship with his half-siblings remains strained. Baena often feels excluded at family events and is frequently left out of family photographs, highlighting the ongoing tension. Supporters of Baena argue that he deserves to be treated fairly and accepted by his siblings.
Schwarzenegger, while acknowledging the mistakes of his past, expresses deep love and pride for Baena. He emphasizes that Baena is welcomed and cherished, striving to ensure his son feels valued despite the family rift.
