When you think of Arnold Schwarzenegger, the first thing that comes to mind is likely his role in The Terminator, his time as California’s Governor, or his iconic status in Hollywood. But in 2011, a shocking secret about his personal life sent ripples through the media, revealing a story that few had ever imagined.
That story revolves around Mildred Patricia Baena, a name that hadn’t made headlines until the bombshell news broke. Mildred, who worked as a housekeeper in Arnold’s home, was thrust into the spotlight, and with her, a truth that would forever change the Schwarzenegger family’s dynamic.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the life of Mildred Patricia Baena: who she really is, her hidden relationship with Arnold Schwarzenegger, the birth of their son Joseph, the moment the truth came out, and everything that followed. This is the untold story—honest, simple, and easy to understand.
Who Is Mildred Patricia Baena?
Mildred Patricia Baena, or Patty as she’s often called, was born on March 1, 1961, in Guatemala. Before the world knew her name, she lived a quiet, humble life. In search of better opportunities, she moved to the United States, where she took a job as a housekeeper to support her family. A far cry from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Mildred was known for being kind-hearted, hardworking, and private. She never expected that one day she’d become the center of a major Hollywood scandal.
Despite the media frenzy, Mildred has always preferred privacy. Even today, she avoids social media, stays out of the public eye, and values her personal space over fame. But her story continues to be one of the most talked-about in Hollywood history.
A Secret Affair in the Schwarzenegger Household
In the early 1990s, Mildred began working as a housekeeper for Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver. Over the years, she became an integral part of their household, helping to manage the home and care for the family. No one suspected the secret that Mildred was quietly harboring.
While working in the Schwarzenegger home, Mildred and Arnold became involved in a secret affair. Arnold was still married to Maria, and Mildred, too, was married to Rogelio Baena. The relationship was kept hidden for years, and no one had any idea of the truth.
But in 1997, things changed. Mildred gave birth to a son, Joseph Baena—a child who would grow up looking strikingly like Arnold. At the time of Joseph’s birth, it was believed that Rogelio was the father. But as Joseph grew, his resemblance to Arnold became undeniable.
Joseph Baena: The Son They Hid for Years
Joseph’s birth in 1997 was kept under wraps. On paper, Mildred’s husband, Rogelio, was listed as the father, but he quickly began to doubt the claim. As Joseph grew older, the similarities between him and Arnold became more apparent—his face, his smile, even his build were all unmistakably like Arnold’s. However, Mildred didn’t tell Arnold right away. For years, she kept the truth to herself, even as she continued to work in the same house with him.
But secrets like these rarely stay hidden forever. The truth came out in 2011, after Arnold’s tenure as Governor ended. During a period of marriage counseling, Arnold confessed to Maria that he had fathered a child with Mildred. It was a moment that rocked the media and shocked the world.
The Fallout: Maria Shriver’s Decision
Maria Shriver, who had been married to Arnold for 25 years, took the news hard. The revelation of Joseph’s true paternity changed everything. After the scandal, Maria filed for divorce in May 2011, and the two publicly stated, “We are continuing to parent our four children together. They are the light and center of both of our lives.”
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Maria focused on her healing and the wellbeing of her children, never publicly attacking Mildred. Instead, she handled the situation with grace and dignity, choosing to move forward while dealing with the deep personal pain the situation had caused.
Mildred Speaks Out
For years, Mildred stayed silent, avoiding interviews and public attention. But in one rare interview with Hello! Magazine, she shared her side of the story. She made it clear that many things written about her were inaccurate. Mildred explained that she never used her position to harm Maria or the Schwarzenegger family. She had no intention of being a part of a scandal—she just wanted to protect her son and continue doing her job in peace.
Life After the Scandal
After the world learned of her secret, Mildred quietly stepped away from the public eye. She retired from her position in 2011, just before the news broke. She moved to Bakersfield, California, where she raised her son Joseph in peace, far from the spotlight.
Mildred’s focus shifted to creating a normal life for her family. In 2017, she pursued a passion for cooking and graduated from a culinary program. It was a fresh start, a new chapter in her life, showing her resilience and strength despite the media circus surrounding her.
Arnold’s Role as a Father
Despite the scandal, Arnold took full responsibility for fathering Joseph. He supported Mildred and Joseph in every way he could. Arnold provided financial help, including a $65,000 down payment for a house in Bakersfield, allowing Mildred and Joseph to live comfortably. Arnold also formed a bond with Joseph, building a relationship over time. He didn’t shy away from his mistake, but instead worked to be a present and involved father.
Where Is Mildred Now?
Today, Mildred Patricia Baena lives a quiet, private life. She remains off social media and avoids the press, content with her peaceful life in Bakersfield, California, where she lives with her son and partner, Alex Aguilar. Despite her connection to one of the world’s most famous men, Mildred never sought fame or attention. Instead, she chose to protect her family and live a life of privacy.
Joseph Baena’s Life Today
Joseph Baena, now an adult, has followed in his father’s footsteps in some ways. He’s a fitness enthusiast, a bodybuilder, and even an actor. He’s appeared in movies like Bully High and Gunner, and in 2022, he participated in Dancing with the Stars, showing that he’s more than just Arnold’s son—he’s his own person with his own dreams.
Joseph also works as a real estate agent and, interestingly, doesn’t use his famous last name. He’s determined to make his own way in the world, proving that his identity is not defined by his father’s fame.
Why This Story Matters
The story of Mildred Patricia Baena and Arnold Schwarzenegger is not just about a secret—it’s about choices, mistakes, and personal growth. Arnold made a mistake and owned up to it. Maria showed incredible strength and grace. Mildred quietly carried a heavy burden but protected her family through it all. And Joseph, born from a scandal, turned his life around and found success on his own terms.
This story reminds us that even the most famous people face challenges, but it’s how they handle those challenges that truly defines them. Today, Arnold is proud of all his children, Joseph included, and Mildred continues to live quietly, far from the media glare.
Final Thoughts
Life often takes unexpected turns, and the story of Mildred Patricia Baena and Arnold Schwarzenegger is a perfect example. From being a quiet housekeeper to becoming a key figure in one of Hollywood’s most famous scandals, Mildred’s journey is one of strength, resilience, and family. Arnold faced his mistakes and moved forward, while Joseph continues to build his own life, showing us all that we have the power to write our own stories.