

Fans know Arnold Schwarzenegger as a fun-loving, bold person who is not afraid to hit and take some jokes and banter. Before being betrothed to Maria Shriver, the former bodybuilder learned a lot about the journalist’s prolific family – the Kennedys. Considering the name and fame she carried, it didn’t deter Schwarzenegger from teasing her about them.
In his book, Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story, the Terminator star recalled his days before marriage. One of the anecdotes he pointed out was observing Shriver’s family. He made a hilarious take on the Kennedys until he became their son-in-law. What did the star observe? Let’s take a look!
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Arnold Schwarzenegger picked up on Shriver and her family’s particular habit
Before spending 25 years in marriage with Shriver, Arnold Schwarzenegger spent time getting to know the Kennedys, up close and personal. Maria Shriver comes from a political background, where people are surrounded by the public and the media. As a result, they would always present themselves in a way that would conform with society.

via Getty
SACRAMENTO, CA – JANUARY 05: California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife Maria Shriver greet supporters before he is sworn in for second term as his wife Maria Shriver looks on January 5, 2007 in Sacramento, California. Schwarzenegger will begin his second term as governor of California after a landslide victory over democratic challenger Phil Angelides in November of last year. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Amidst the 30 or so cousins, Schwarzenegger noted how none of them leaned the other way politically. Every single member had the same preferences and choices. Whether it was their favorite color or candidate, their answer would be the same across the board. As a result, the former bodybuilder came to a ridiculous conclusion.
He wrote in his book how he would tease Shriver over this observation. He mocked, “Your family’s like a bunch of clones. If you ask your brother to name his favorite color, he doesn’t know. He’ll say, ‘We like blue.’” And although the journalist would fight back, saying they were diverse enough, the star wouldn’t let go of the joke. But all jest aside, he mentioned how Shriver had to work hard to break through the template set by her family. And when she finally became the first lady, she was only in for more struggles.
Shriver wasn’t expecting to fight back harder for a space of her own
Eventually, Schwarzenegger and Shriver got married, and the star became the Governor of California. Being the First Lady of the State, Shriver prepared herself for the hard work and harsh words. What she didn’t prepare for, however, was a piece of advice from the former First Lady, Nancy Reagan.
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Seeking advice on how to go about the duties, Shriver spoke to Reagan and asked her to guide her. The former First Lady had a simple response, “Do whatever you want…because no matter what you do, you will be criticized.”. This shaped Shriver’s image of the role and she continued doing her best to bring in changes in the state.
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