Joseph Baena, the son of legendary bodybuilder and actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, is carving out his own path in Hollywood, mirroring his father’s iconic journey. Born on Oct. 2, 1997, to Arnold and the family’s housekeeper Mildred Patricia Baena, Joseph’s entrance into the world was shrouded in secrecy. It wasn’t until 2011 that the public became aware of his existence, leading to a media frenzy and significant personal upheavals within the Schwarzenegger family.

The Scandal That Shook Hollywood

In May 2011, Schwarzenegger publicly admitted to fathering Joseph during his 25-year marriage to Maria Shriver with their housekeeper Mildred. The affair had remained concealed for over a decade, and its disclosure led to Shriver filing for divorce in July 2011.

“I asked them for forgiveness,” remembers Arnold, 77, of his family. “They cried. It tears your heart out.”

Mildred was married at the time, so her pregnancy didn’t raise eyebrows, and she reportedly told everyone that Joseph was her husband’s child.

But by the time he was 8 years old, there was no hiding his true identity because he looked exactly like Arnold.

“I realized there was very little doubt that he was my son,” adds Arnold.

Building A Father-Son Relationship

Despite the tumultuous beginnings, Joseph and his father have worked diligently to build a strong and supportive relationship.

“I have to point out that with my relationship with my dad, it took a little while for me and him to get really close and just [feel] like I can joke around with him and talk about anything,” says Joseph.

Growing up primarily with his mother, Joseph admitted to initial apprehensions about connecting with his famous dad.

“I grew up with my mom, and I was always nervous, and I didn’t want him to think bad of me and be like, ‘What the heck is this guy doing? He’s just partying all the time,’” he says. “Now it’s like awesome. I’m so close to my dad and we joke about everything.”

Over time, the barriers dissolved, leading to a close-knit relationship. Joseph, 27, now says that Arnold can be downright nosy.

“He’s like, ‘Tell me everything, tell me about the drama, tell me about the girls,’” reveals Joseph.

Dad Arnold financed his son’s education, and Joseph graduated with a business administration degree from California’s Pepperdine University with the “Terminator” star sitting in the audience.

Following In His Father’s Footsteps

Embracing the Schwarzenegger legacy, Joseph has ventured into bodybuilding, acting and real estate, just like Arnold. His physique has drawn comparisons to his former Mr. Olympia champion father during his prime bodybuilding years.

Joseph says he admires his dad’s work ethic, adding, “I consider him to be a huge inspiration.”

While he shares undeniable similarities with his father, Joseph has chosen to forge his own identity in the entertainment industry. He opted to keep his mother’s last name, so he can build a career based on his own merits.

“I never had the Schwarzenegger name,” he says. “I think really the thing is that I haven’t focused on changing it. I’m doing my own thing. I haven’t thought of it that much… I already have a last name, and I don’t have a problem with my last name.”

As a child, Joseph says he was unfit and bullied, but began to focus on his health at age 13, when he learned that Arnold was his real father.

“I was in the eighth grade. Fifth or sixth period,” recalls Joseph. “And I get called out of class to leave. And my mom’s there, and she’s like, ‘We gotta go — everyone is finding out about you and who your father is.’ I’m 13. Your body’s transforming; your mind is transforming. And now my life transformed before my eyes.”

But as the twosome spent time together, Joseph came to love and admire Arnold, and discovered he wanted to follow in his footsteps.

He’s dedicated to fitness, bodybuilding and acting, and has won supporting parts in a slew of projects, including the movies Chariot in 2022, Called to Duty in 2023 and Gunner in 2024.

“Acting is something that I’ve loved,” says Joseph. “It’s kind of a dream come true in a way.”

Arnold’s Tough Love

Arnold has publicly expressed pride in Joseph’s accomplishments and the man he has become. Celebrating his 24th birthday in October 2021, he said: “Happy birthday Joseph! I am so proud of you and I love you! You are crushing it in the gym, in your real estate career, and in acting.”

But after college, Arnold told Joseph he was done financing his life. “I’m really glad that my dad helped me get through college,” he says. “But right when college was done, it was just like, ‘You’re on your own.’ I was like, ‘Oh, s**t!’ My dad is old school; he doesn’t believe in handouts. He believes hard work pays off, and so do I. 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 gonna bring me?”

Looking Ahead

Joseph’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination and the enduring bond between father and son. As he continues to make strides in Hollywood, Joseph remains grounded, balancing the weight of his lineage with his personal aspirations. His story serves as an inspiring narrative of carving one’s own path while honoring familial ties.

In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, Joseph is a promising talent, embodying the spirit of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence that defined his father’s illustrious career.