Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver’s divorce was messy and splashed across the tabloids, and though it feels like a long time ago, they were together for over two decades.
Despite ultimately not working out, they were not only one of the most famous Hollywood couples, but they also became an incredibly well-known political force. From how they first met to their eventual split, learn more about this once great celebrity romance.
How Did Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver Meet?
The two were introduced in 1977 by NBC anchor Tom Brokaw at a charity tennis tournament. They hit it off right away but were forced to be in a bicoastal long-distance relationship, as Shriver was working in New York and Schwarzenegger was based in Los Angeles.
The Wedding
After years of dating, the couple tied the knot in a lavish ceremony on April 26, 1986, at St. Francis Xavier Church in Hyannis, Massachusetts in front of close to 500 guests. Because Shriver is the daughter of a Kennedy, the reception was held at the family compound. Cousin Caroline Kennedy served as maid of honor, while former Mr. Universe, Franco Columbu, performed best man duties.
Starting a Family
Schwarzenegger and Shriver have four children together, and their first — daughter Katherine — was born on December 13, 1989. They then had their second daughter, Christina, on July 23, 1991. Son Patrick was born on September 18, 1993, while son Christopher arrived on September 27, 1997.
Governor of California
Schwarzenegger was elected governor of California in the fall of 2003. Shriver was working for NBC at the time, but she left her job in order to focus on being the First Lady of California. She worked hard to help her husband and played an important role in getting him elected and then re-elected in 2006.
Parting Ways
After 25 years of marriage, the couple announced their separation on May 9, 2011, and Shriver moved out of their Los Angeles home. It was then revealed just a couple of weeks later that Schwarzenegger fathered a child, Joseph Baena, with a member of their home staff, Mildred Patricia Baena, 14 years earlier. Shriver officially filed for divorce on July 1, 2011.
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