Mildred Patricia Baena: Woman Behind Schwarzenegger Scandal
Mildred Patricia Baena is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s former housekeeper who gained fame in 2011 when it was revealed she had a son, Joseph Baena, with the actor during his marriage to Maria Shriver.
Who is Mildred Patricia Baena?
Mildred Patricia Baena, often referred to as “Patty,” was born on March 1, 1961, in Guatemala. She is 63 years old as of 2024 and is known primarily for her connection to Arnold Schwarzenegger. Before becoming a household name due to the revelation of her affair with the former California governor, Baena led a relatively private life. She worked as a housekeeper for the Schwarzenegger family for more than 20 years, maintaining their Brentwood mansion from the early 1990s until January 2011.
Baena’s life changed dramatically when news broke in May 2011 that she had fathered a child with Schwarzenegger while he was married to Maria Shriver. This revelation shocked the public and led to intense media scrutiny of both Baena and Schwarzenegger. Despite the controversy, Baena has maintained a low profile in the years since, focusing on raising her son and living a quiet life away from the spotlight.
Early Life and Background
Mildred Patricia Baena was born and raised in Guatemala before moving to the United States. She comes from a modest family background and worked hard to provide for herself and her family. Before working for the Schwarzenegger household, Baena worked as a housekeeper for various families.
Baena is of Guatemalan heritage and identifies as Christian. She has a sister named Miriam Pena and her mother’s name is Evelyn Pena. Standing at an average height with dark brown hair and eyes, Baena maintained a professional appearance during her years of employment with the Schwarzenegger family.
Career as a Housekeeper
Mildred Baena began working for Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver in the early 1990s. Her role in their household was comprehensive – she served as both a housekeeper and assistant, handling various domestic responsibilities to keep the family home running smoothly. Baena was a trusted employee who worked diligently for the family for more than two decades.
During her employment, Baena developed relationships with all family members, including Schwarzenegger, Shriver, and their four children. She was considered a reliable and hardworking staff member who maintained a professional demeanor throughout most of her employment. Her long tenure with the family indicates that she was skilled at her job and valued for her services.
Baena continued working in the Schwarzenegger household until January 2011, just months before the news of her affair with Schwarzenegger became public. Her departure coincided with Schwarzenegger’s completion of his term as Governor of California.
The Affair with Arnold Schwarzenegger
The relationship between Mildred Baena and Arnold Schwarzenegger that led to the birth of their son Joseph remains one of Hollywood’s most shocking revelations. The affair occurred while both Baena and Schwarzenegger were married to other people, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
How the Relationship Developed
While specific details about how the relationship between Baena and Schwarzenegger began remain private, it is known that their affair took place while she was employed as a housekeeper in his home. The relationship was kept secret from the public and from Schwarzenegger’s wife, Maria Shriver, for many years.
According to reports, the affair was not a long-term romantic relationship but rather a brief involvement that resulted in the conception of their son. Both parties were married at the time – Schwarzenegger to Maria Shriver and Baena to Rogelio Baena. The affair represents a significant breach of trust, particularly given Baena’s position as a household employee and Schwarzenegger’s status as a family man and public figure.
Birth of Joseph Baena
Joseph Baena was born on October 2, 1997, just days after Schwarzenegger and Shriver’s youngest son Christopher was born. The timing of the births has been noted as particularly dramatic, with Baena giving birth to Schwarzenegger’s child while his wife was also caring for their newborn.
For several years after Joseph’s birth, his paternity remained a secret. According to Baena’s interview with Hello! Magazine, she did not immediately recognize Schwarzenegger as the father, but as Joseph grew and began to resemble the actor, the truth became more apparent. “It was as Joseph grew and I started to see the resemblance that I wondered – but it became more apparent as time went on,” she stated in the interview.
Initially, Joseph was believed to be the son of Baena’s then-husband, Rogelio Baena. However, as Joseph grew older, his striking resemblance to Schwarzenegger became increasingly difficult to ignore. This resemblance eventually led to questions about his paternity, both within the household and eventually in the public eye.
How the Truth Was Revealed
The truth about Joseph’s paternity remained hidden for approximately 14 years. According to various reports, Maria Shriver began to suspect something when she noticed Joseph’s resemblance to her husband. In her only public interview with Hello! Magazine in 2011, Baena revealed that Shriver had approached her directly about the situation.
“She would say things like, ‘I’m here if you need to talk.’ I sensed something was up,” Baena told the magazine. Eventually, Shriver asked her directly about Joseph’s paternity. Baena described Shriver’s reaction as surprisingly compassionate: “She was so strong. She cried with me and told me to get off my knees. We held each other and I told her it wasn’t Arnie’s fault, that it takes two.”
The public revelation came in May 2011, shortly after Schwarzenegger completed his second term as Governor of California. According to reports, Schwarzenegger disclosed the truth to Shriver during a couples’ counseling session, which led to their separation. Days later, the story broke in the media, creating an international scandal.
The Public Scandal
The revelation of Schwarzenegger’s affair with Baena and the existence of their son created one of the biggest celebrity scandals of 2011. The news shocked the public, particularly given Schwarzenegger’s carefully cultivated image as a family man and his high-profile marriage to Maria Shriver, a member of the Kennedy family.
Media Frenzy
When the news broke in May 2011, it created an immediate media frenzy. Tabloids and news outlets scrambled to identify the mother of Schwarzenegger’s child, with ABC News being among the first to name Mildred Patricia Baena. The story dominated headlines for weeks, with reporters digging into every aspect of Baena’s life and her relationship with Schwarzenegger.
The timing of the revelation was particularly noteworthy as it came just months after Schwarzenegger had completed his second term as Governor of California. The scandal tarnished his political legacy and raised questions about his character and judgment. For Baena, the sudden publicity was overwhelming, forcing her to go into hiding to avoid the constant media attention.
Photographs of Baena and her son were published in various media outlets, and details about her life, including her marriage history and relationship with the Schwarzenegger family, became public knowledge. The intense scrutiny placed enormous pressure on all parties involved, particularly Baena, who had not sought the spotlight.
Impact on the Schwarzenegger Family
The revelation had a devastating impact on the Schwarzenegger family. Maria Shriver, who had been married to Schwarzenegger for 25 years at the time, filed for divorce shortly after learning about the affair and Joseph’s existence. The couple’s four children – Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher – also had to cope with the public humiliation and the knowledge that they had a half-brother they hadn’t known about.
In a joint statement released at the time of their separation, Shriver and Schwarzenegger stated: “We are continuing to parent our four children together. They are the light and center of both of our lives.” Despite this commitment to co-parenting, the scandal irreparably damaged their marriage.
Schwarzenegger has since acknowledged the pain his actions caused his family. In his Netflix docuseries “Arnold,” released in June 2023, he stated: “It was wrong what I did. But I don’t want to make Joseph feel that he is not welcomed in this world — because he is very much welcomed in this world. I love him and he has turned out to be an extraordinary young man.”
Baena’s Response to the Scandal
In the immediate aftermath of the scandal, Baena went into hiding to escape the media attention. However, she did give one exclusive interview to Hello! Magazine in June 2011, where she sought to set the record straight about her relationship with Schwarzenegger and the circumstances surrounding Joseph’s birth.
In the interview, Baena disputed some of the narratives that had emerged in the media, particularly the idea that she had deliberately concealed Joseph’s paternity from Schwarzenegger. “So much has been written about how he kept this secret of betrayal from his wife all these years — and how he kept me in the house with his family, knowing Joseph was his. That is not true,” she stated.
Baena also expressed sympathy for Schwarzenegger and Shriver, acknowledging the pain the situation had caused them. Of Schwarzenegger, she said: “He’s a good man and I know he’s suffering too. He loves Maria. I hope with time they work things out.” This statement reflected her desire to avoid further inflaming the situation and to take responsibility for her role in the affair.
Life After the Scandal
Following the intense media scrutiny of 2011, Mildred Patricia Baena has chosen to live a relatively private life. She has focused on raising her son and building a life away from the spotlight, while maintaining a cordial relationship with Schwarzenegger for the sake of their son.
Financial Situation
After the scandal broke, reports emerged that Schwarzenegger had provided financial support to Baena and their son. In 2010, approximately a year before the public revelation, Schwarzenegger purchased a home for Baena in Bakersfield, California, where she could live with Joseph. This gesture indicated his acknowledgment of his responsibilities as Joseph’s father, even before the situation became public knowledge.
According to recent reports, Baena has accumulated a net worth of over $1 million. This financial stability comes from her years of work as a housekeeper and additional support from Schwarzenegger. Her current financial situation allows her to live comfortably with her son, free from immediate economic concerns.
In contrast, Schwarzenegger’s net worth is estimated at around $400 million, accumulated through his successful career in bodybuilding, acting, politics, and real estate investments. While the disparity in wealth between them is significant, Baena appears to have achieved a level of financial security that allows her independence and stability.
Relationship with Joseph Baena
Mildred Baena’s relationship with her son Joseph appears to be close and supportive. She raised him largely as a single mother, as her marriage to Rogelio Baena ended in 2008, reportedly due to his suspicions about Joseph’s paternity. Despite the challenging circumstances, she has maintained a strong bond with her son.
According to Baena’s Hello! Magazine interview, Joseph learned about his father’s identity when he was around 12 or 13 years old. His reaction was surprisingly positive – when his grandmother sat him down to explain that Arnold Schwarzenegger was his father, he reportedly exclaimed, “Cool!” This reaction suggests that Baena had created an environment where Joseph felt secure in his identity, despite the complicated circumstances of his birth.
As Joseph has grown older, he has developed his own relationship with Schwarzenegger. He has followed in his father’s footsteps in some ways, pursuing interests in fitness and acting. Joseph frequently shares workout photos on social media that highlight his physical resemblance to his famous father. Schwarzenegger has publicly acknowledged his pride in Joseph, describing him as “an extraordinary young man.”
Current Life and Activities
Today, Mildred Patricia Baena lives a quiet life away from the media spotlight. After retiring from her housekeeping career, she has pursued other interests. In 2017, she graduated from a culinary school in Santa Anita, fulfilling her passion for cooking and potentially opening new career opportunities.
Baena is reportedly in a relationship with a man named Alex Aguilar. Unlike her previous notoriety, she now maintains a low profile, rarely appearing in the media or making public statements. This privacy allows her to focus on her personal life and relationships without the scrutiny that characterized the scandal period.
In addition to Joseph, Baena has another child, a daughter named Jackie Rozo, who is now around 40 years old. Jackie is from Baena’s previous marriage to Rogelio Baena, which lasted until 2008. The family dynamics between Baena, her children, and their respective fathers remain largely private, reflecting her desire to keep her personal life out of the public eye.
Joseph Baena’s Relationship with the Schwarzenegger Family
One of the most interesting aspects of this story is how Joseph Baena has navigated his relationship with his father and half-siblings. As he has grown into adulthood, these relationships have evolved in ways that reflect both the complexity of the situation and the capacity for growth and acceptance.
Relationship with Arnold Schwarzenegger
Joseph Baena, now 26 years old, has developed a relationship with his father in the years since Schwarzenegger publicly acknowledged him. Their bond appears to have strengthened over time, with Schwarzenegger taking an active role in Joseph’s life, particularly as he entered adulthood.
Schwarzenegger has supported Joseph’s interests and career aspirations. Like his father, Joseph has shown an interest in fitness and bodybuilding, often posting workout photos that highlight his striking resemblance to the young Arnold. He has also pursued acting, another field where his father found tremendous success.
In his Netflix docuseries, Schwarzenegger spoke warmly about his relationship with Joseph, emphasizing his love for his son and his pride in the man he has become. This public acknowledgment represents a significant evolution from the secrecy that characterized the first 14 years of Joseph’s life.
Relationship with Half-Siblings
The relationship between Joseph Baena and his half-siblings – Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher Schwarzenegger – has been more complicated. Initially, the revelation of Joseph’s existence was undoubtedly difficult for the Schwarzenegger children, who had to process not only their father’s infidelity but also the existence of a half-brother they hadn’t known about.
Over time, there have been signs of acceptance and evolving relationships. While Joseph does not typically appear in family photos with his half-siblings on social media, reports suggest that there has been some level of reconciliation. Joseph has occasionally interacted with Patrick Schwarzenegger on social media, indicating at least a cordial relationship.
Joseph has chosen to use his mother’s surname, Baena, rather than Schwarzenegger, which may reflect his respect for the complicated family dynamics and his desire to forge his own identity. Despite this, his physical resemblance to his father makes his paternity unmistakable, creating an unavoidable connection to the Schwarzenegger family legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mildred Patricia Baena
How did Maria Shriver find out about Arnold’s child with Mildred Baena?
Maria Shriver discovered the truth about Joseph Baena during a couples’ counseling session with Arnold Schwarzenegger. According to reports, Schwarzenegger revealed the information after completing his second term as Governor of California. Prior to this revelation, Shriver had grown suspicious due to Joseph’s resemblance to Schwarzenegger and had approached Baena directly with her concerns.
Did Arnold know Joseph Baena was his son from birth?
According to Mildred Baena’s interview with Hello! Magazine, Schwarzenegger did not immediately know that Joseph was his son. Baena stated, “I knew Arnold was the father, and maybe as Joseph got older and began to look like him, he [Arnold] wondered. But he never said anything to me.” This suggests that the paternity became apparent over time rather than being acknowledged from birth.
How old was Joseph Baena when he found out Arnold Schwarzenegger was his father?
Joseph Baena was approximately 12 or 13 years old when he learned that Arnold Schwarzenegger was his biological father. According to Baena’s interview, Joseph’s grandmother was the one who sat him down and explained his paternity to him. His reported reaction was simply, “Cool!”
Who was Mildred Baena married to?
Mildred Baena was married to Rogelio Baena until 2008. They divorced reportedly because Rogelio became suspicious about Joseph’s paternity. Baena and Rogelio had a daughter together named Jackie Rozo, who is now around 40 years old. Currently, Baena is in a relationship with a man named Alex Aguilar.
Where is Mildred Baena now?
Mildred Baena now lives a private life away from media attention. After retiring from her housekeeping career, she graduated from culinary school in 2017 to pursue her passion for cooking. She resides in a home in Bakersfield, California, that was purchased for her by Schwarzenegger in 2010. She maintains a low profile and focuses on her personal life and family relationships.
The Legacy of the Scandal
The revelation of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s affair with Mildred Baena and the existence of their son Joseph had far-reaching implications for all involved. It altered the course of multiple lives and left a lasting impact on how the public perceives Schwarzenegger and his legacy.
Impact on Schwarzenegger’s Public Image
Prior to the scandal, Schwarzenegger had successfully transitioned from a bodybuilding champion to a Hollywood action star to the Governor of California. His marriage to Maria Shriver, a member of the Kennedy family, enhanced his political credentials and public image. The revelation of his affair and secret child significantly damaged this carefully constructed public persona.
The timing of the revelation – shortly after he completed his second term as governor – raised questions about whether he had deliberately concealed the information to protect his political career. The scandal tarnished his reputation as a family man and called into question his character and judgment.
However, in the years since, Schwarzenegger has worked to rebuild his public image. He has acknowledged his mistakes, taken responsibility for his actions, and demonstrated his commitment to being a father to Joseph. While the scandal remains a significant part of his public narrative, it has not completely overshadowed his accomplishments in bodybuilding, entertainment, and politics.
Lessons and Reflections
The story of Mildred Baena, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and their son Joseph offers several reflections on fame, privacy, and personal responsibility. It demonstrates how quickly private actions can become public scandals, particularly for those in the public eye. It also highlights the long-lasting consequences that can result from momentary decisions.
For Baena, the affair and its aftermath brought unwanted publicity and scrutiny. However, her decision to maintain a low profile and focus on raising her son suggests a desire to move beyond the scandal and create a stable life. Her one public interview reflected a woman taking responsibility for her actions while also protecting her son from further media intrusion.
For Schwarzenegger, the scandal represented a significant personal and public failure. His acknowledgment of his wrongdoing and his efforts to build a relationship with Joseph indicate a desire to make amends and take responsibility for his actions. His statement that he does not want Joseph to feel unwelcome in the world reflects an understanding of the potential impact of the scandal on his son.
The story also highlights the resilience of children caught in adult situations. Joseph Baena has grown into a young man who appears to have a positive relationship with both his mother and his father, despite the complicated circumstances of his birth and the public scandal that surrounded it. His ability to forge his own identity while acknowledging his connection to his famous father demonstrates remarkable adaptability.
Samantha Yates is a creative writer and journalist with expertise in content creation and editing. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and brings professional experience from Lionbridge, where she developed engaging content for leading technology companies
