Arnold Schwarzenegger's secret son explains why he's ditched famous surname

13 March 2024 , 08:34

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Arnold Schwarzenegger's secret son explains why he's ditched famous surname

Arnold Schwarzenegger's 'secret son' has given a rare TV interview and revealed why he refuses to use his father's famous surname.

Joseph Baena's world was rocked in 2010, aged 13 when it was revealed his dad was the famous actor turned politician. Schwarzenegger and his housekeeper, Mildred Baena had an affair behind the back of his wife, Maria Shriver. But while he was completely unaware for 13 years, Joseph, now 26, has a close relationship with his famous dad and even shares the same interests.

Arnie, famous for bodybuilding and acting has passed his love of the gym and cinema onto Joseph who is making a name for himself as a Hollywood actor. But while he might be the son of one of the most famous stars, he's disclosed why he chooses not to use the Schwarzenegger surname.

Joseph has revealed why he chose not to use his dad's surname (ITV)

"You haven't taken your dad's surname, is there a reason for that?" asked Susanna Reid while Joseph appeared on Good Morning Britain. She added: "I can imagine that name would be an asset, of course, in Hollywood." Joseph responded: "That's a good question. I think the main thing is I'm trying to do things on my own.

"Trying to pursue my career with my will, my determination, my work ethic so it's just going everything through me. My family is very big in supporting from a far and not being so hands-on, I really appreciate that. I think it's really important growing up as a man to do things on your own. To figure it out, that's what I've been doing."

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He now has a close relationship with his father (Joseph Baena/Instagram)

He added: "It's been working so far, I've been working really hard, Gunner, really exciting film, it was such an honour to be on the same film as Morgan Freeman, as Luke Hemsworth. Luke is amazing, they're both amazing actors." But Joseph also refused to rule out a political career.

Arnold famously swapped the big screen for politics when he became the Governor of California in 2003 and remained in office until January 2011. Although Joseph may have been a child when his paternity was revealed, he recently opened up about the day the news broke and admitted he remembers it "vividly".

Speaking to Men's Health, he said: "I was in the eighth grade. 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." But despite his close relationship with his dad, Joseph explained that at the time, he and Mildred "had each other's back" as he was the "only person that she had".

Daniel Bird