Even after more than 14 years, the divorce of Hollywood legend Arnold Schwarzenegger and journalist Maria Shriver continues to make headlines. The former couple, whose high-profile split was finalized in 2021, have often been in the spotlight not only for their past relationship but also for the way they’ve maintained a cordial family dynamic despite the ups and downs.
Recently, Schwarzenegger once again brought humor into the mix. While speaking at a Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony honoring veteran journalist Chris Wallace on September 18, the action star-turned-politician slipped in a playful jab referencing his divorce.
Arnold’s Lighthearted Speech
As the crowd gathered to celebrate Wallace’s new star on the Walk of Fame, Schwarzenegger began his tribute by acknowledging his long history with journalists.
“I know a lot about journalists,” he said. “I’ve been interviewed by thousands and thousands of journalists. But not only that, I was also married to a journalist.”
The room chuckled, but the punchline came shortly after. With his signature deadpan delivery, the 78-year-old star added:
“The only difference between Chris and Maria is that Chris has never taken half my money.”
The remark was, of course, a tongue-in-cheek reference to his marriage to Maria Shriver, an award-winning journalist and member of the Kennedy family.
Not the First Time Arnold Has Made Divorce Jokes
This isn’t the first instance of Schwarzenegger joking about his divorce settlement. Earlier this year in May, during an event for Amazon, he humorously brought up his holiday movie “Jingle All the Way” (1996).
“Jingle All the Way was the greatest Christmas movie of all time. They play it the whole month of December. I know because my ex-wife calls me about the residual,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.
Despite the challenges of their past, Schwarzenegger seems to have embraced humor as a way to lighten conversations about his highly publicized divorce.
A Difficult Split and a Scandal That Shook Hollywood
Schwarzenegger and Shriver married in 1986, and for decades, they were considered one of Hollywood’s power couples. However, in 2011, their marriage came to a shocking end when it was revealed that Schwarzenegger had fathered a child with their longtime family housekeeper, Mildred Baena.
The revelation was devastating for Shriver, who admitted to having an emotional breakdown when she learned the truth. Their son, Joseph Baena, is now 27 years old and has followed in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in fitness and acting.
While the affair marked the beginning of the end for their marriage, the divorce itself dragged on for years, with the official settlement only finalized in 2021.
Building a Cordial Relationship Post-Divorce
Although their split was turbulent, Schwarzenegger and Shriver have gradually worked toward maintaining a respectful and supportive relationship for the sake of their four children:
- Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt (35) – an author and wife of actor Chris Pratt.
- Christina Schwarzenegger (34) – a producer and writer.
- Patrick Schwarzenegger (32) – an actor known for projects like The White Lotus.
- Christopher Schwarzenegger (27) – who has largely stayed out of the spotlight.
Their commitment to family unity was evident recently when they came together to celebrate Patrick’s wedding to model Abby Champion. The event brought the entire family under one roof, proving that despite past wounds, they are able to celebrate life’s milestones together.
Rob Lowe Recalls Arnold’s Wedding Speech
Actor Rob Lowe, a longtime friend of Schwarzenegger, shared details from Patrick’s wedding on a September 17 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Recalling the wedding speech, Lowe said, “Arnold stood up and said, ‘It’s good to see everybody here. It’s a wonderful day. And Patrick is killing it now with The White Lotus.’”
It was a moment that highlighted Arnold’s pride in his children and his ability to embrace joy even in the midst of his often complicated personal history.
Maria Shriver’s Perspective
On her end, Maria Shriver has also shown grace and resilience. The I Am Maria author remains deeply connected to her children and often shares heartfelt messages with them.
In a recent Instagram post celebrating Patrick’s new chapter in life, she wrote:
“What a new era you are stepping into. One filled with love, adventure, friends, great work, family, and God. May this new year of your life continue to bless you. I’m so honored to be your mama. I love you deeply, and I’m so grateful to you for always including me, inviting me, and sharing your life with me.”
Her words reflect not only her love for her children but also her optimism about the future.
Why Arnold’s Jokes Still Matter
For fans and followers, Schwarzenegger’s jokes about his divorce may seem lighthearted, but they also highlight a deeper truth: even public figures with immense success face personal challenges. By laughing at himself and the past, Arnold shows a side of vulnerability and resilience that resonates with many.
At the same time, these comments remind audiences that humor can be a coping mechanism, helping people navigate difficult or painful experiences while moving forward.
The Bigger Picture: Co-Parenting in Hollywood
Schwarzenegger and Shriver’s story isn’t unique in Hollywood, but what sets them apart is their ability to prioritize family over conflict. In a culture where messy divorces often dominate tabloids, their ability to share milestones — like Patrick’s wedding — reflects a rare sense of maturity and collaboration.
For fans, this balance between humor, healing, and family unity serves as a reminder that life after heartbreak can still be fulfilling.