Why Arnold Schwarzenegger Terminated Financial Support Of His Son
Children of famous people do not always live the glamorous life of their parents. When Arnold Schwarzenegger's son Joseph Baena graduated from college, Schwarzenegger cut him off financially.
It certainly wasn't because he couldn't afford to support him, as his net worth is nearing half a billion dollars. But the Terminator says he has his reasons. Just keep clicking through to find out what they are...
Joseph Baena learned about his famous father in 2011
Mildred Baena became pregnant with Schwarzenegger's son Joseph, while the star was married to Maria Shriver.
It wasn't until 2011 that Joseph learned who his father was when his grandmother told him.
He came from humble beginnings
Joseph and his siblings were raised about 100 miles north of Los Angeles.
Baena speaks proudly of his upbringing, saying "It was a humble home, and we didn't have much."
Joseph's Mother Took Him Away From The Chaos
Joseph's family faced a tremendous amount of scrutiny, understandably, once news broke about Schwarzenegger being his father.
That's when Joseph and his mother moved North of Los Angeles to escape the chaos.
Schwarzenegger Didn't Turn Away From Him
Although news of his unknown son shook up Schwarzenegger's family life and made headlines, he didn't turn away from Joseph.
Instead, Schwarzenegger reached out to Joseph and the two quickly formed a close bond.
After graduating, it's hasta la vista, baby!
Joseph Baena, now in his mid-twenties, attended Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, and Schwarzenegger was there to support him on graduation day.
All financial support from his dad was terminated after he graduated.
We struggled to get into acting
Baena decided to pursue a career in the entertainment industry but struggled to land acting roles and follow in his famous dad's rather large footsteps.
Instead, Baena shifted gears and earned his real estate licence. Like his famous father, he also got into bodybuilding.
$450 Million Dollar Father
It is estimated that the famous actor's net worth is in the ballpark of $450 million.
Schwarzenegger grew his fortune by investing in stocks from money earned acting and his bodybuilding business.
Joseph lived at home with his mom during college
Schwarzenegger bought Joseph and his mother a home after learning that Joseph was his biological son.
It worked out well, as Joseph could commute to the Pepperdine campus in coastal Los Angeles while living rent-free at home.
You're on your own kid!
Thankfully, Schwarzenegger paid for his son's college tuition, for which Joseph is very grateful. But after that, his father cut him off financially.
Baena says that he holds no grudges about his father ending financial support.
Life as the son of "The Terminator"!
Growing up, Baena was happy being raised by his Guatemalan family and learning his heritage.
Baena celebrated his family's culture through music and food, oblivious to his famous father.
That's your dad?
Baena very vividly remembers the moment in eighth grade when his mother pulled him from class.
She was preparing him for the shock of everyone learning who his father was.
Life must go on!
Baena's life went on as his dad raked in millions endorsing video games and lending his voice to animated characters.
Joseph still aspires to act, in his father's shadow.
He supports himself working as a real estate agent
Baena's career and life paths are his own to travel, free from needing his father's wealth, name, and fame to succeed.
Working as a real estate agent, Baena wants to make both of his parents proud.
Why he doesn't go by Joseph Schwarzenneger
Surprisingly Baena has not taken on his famous dad's last name, partially in support of his hard-working mother.
"Well, I already have a last name..." he says with pride.
Joseph isn't the only famous kid that's been cut off
While Baena's story is popular for who his dad is, it is by far means a unique one.
Many celebrities keep their massive fortunes to themselves, not sharing with family members.
Arnold and Shaq share similar parenting styles when it comes to money
Former NBA player Shaquille O'Neal is also worth a reported $400 million dollars, yet shares almost none of it with his six children.
O'Neal maintains his kids must earn every penny.
He's ready to earn his own fame and fortune
Coming from humble beginnings, Baena is ready to earn his fame and fortune on his own merit.
Joseph Baena: Actor, bodybuilder, and Realtor?
Real estate was something to learn while Baena struggled to find steady income.
It was through wanting to do well in his studies, that real estate grew on him.
Sorting it out while being in the spotlight is difficult
A media frenzy ensued while Baena and his family were piecing their lives together.
The shocking revelation happened while his dad was host of the television show Celebrity Apprentice.
Can you keep a secret?
News of his birth and identity of his father broke nearly 10 years after his birth.
Baena and other more famous siblings were protected from the flames of the frenzy.
Can we quote you on that?
Networks like CNN, shows like TMZ, and even Oprah Winfrey herself, all fought not-so behind the scenes.
All pursuing exclusive interviews with any family member willing to spill the beans.
Arnold's tough love!
Celebrities have been practicing tough love with their offspring for years.
Today, celebs would rather lend their bank accounts to business ventures and education rather than just handing out money.
Joseph stays grounded
While staying with relatives, Joseph says his life transformed before his eyes.
Joseph says he relied on his mom for support and guidance, "She was really the only person I had."
I thought he was mine!
Joseph's mom Mildred separated and divorced her husband Rogelio, shortly after Joseph's birth.
Her ex-husband Rogelio Baena spoke to a Columbian magazine, claiming Joseph's birth documents were falsified by Schwarzenegger and that he planned to sue. Thankfully, that seems to be water under the bridge today.
He's not giving up on an acting career
Given his father's gigantic celebrity shining brightly all over Hollywood, Joseph never gave up on his pursuit of an acting career.
Baena knows he has a mountain to climb.
Let's do it again! Take number...?
Baena tried his first leading role in low-budget action films like Bully High and Chariot, as well as appearing on television shows like Scam Squad and Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction.
He also appeared on Dancing With The Stars in their 31st season!
If he can my dad can make it, so can I!
Joseph drew on the experiences his dad went through to begin his career.
Joseph knows people mocked his dad's accent, constantly doubting his abilities as a legitimate Hollywood actor.
Try out for what team?
Although he has incredible genes, Joseph admits that athleticism didn't come naturally to him at first.
He acknowledges being out of shape and getting cut from the basketball and soccer teams.
He joined the swim team
It was not until a friend of his in high school, encouraged Joseph to join the swimming team.
Swimming got Baena into better physical shape and piqued his interest in health and fitness.
Not quite "The Terminator"... yet
Baena already had the natural upper body strength and long arms for swimming success.
He developed a new athletic frame and along with it came his new found confidence.
The future looks bright
Today, Joseph is a successful realtor in the northern California area.
Joseph is extremely proud of his mother who raised him. Mildred graduated culinary school becoming a chef.
