The life of Arnold Schwarzenegger has seen him don plenty of hats. And with every new hat he donned, a controversial topic would be served up on a silver platter. His comeback to professional bodybuilding and the subsequent Mr. Olympia win in 1980 is one such topic. Another topic widely discussed by many was the marriage of Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver.

Hailing from one of the most influential political families in the US, many thought it was a mistake on Shriver’s part to marry Arnold. The reason behind their union became a mystery to many. Talking about the same in an interview, Maria once revealed what generated the Shriver-Schwarzenegger marriage.

Maria Shriver revealed what made her marry Arnold Schwarzenegger

In 1986, 30-year-old Maria Shriver married 39-year-old Arnold Schwarzenegger. It was a bold move from the Kennedy family’s daughter as she decided to marry someone from a bodybuilding / acting background. The journalism and the political world were in equal shock at the union, as many expressed their dismay at the marriage. Discussing the same in an interview in 2005, Maria shone a light on how things unraveled back then.

Shriver said it was an instance of coup de foudre (love at first sight) for her. “It was instant and physical. I found him attractive, funny, and original. He was independent! He was alone! I traveled everywhere in a pack. I thought in a pack, I acted in a pack.” Shriver added she was part of an umbrella name. She was part of “Which Kennedy are you?”

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She also added, “I did not marry the boy next door. I did not want to. People at first were like, ‘You married the other side of the tracks!’ They have trouble with the class thing. You are supposed to live a life that they project onto you.” Shriver was tired of people who went to Harvard or Yale, as she had been around such people for almost all her life. Hence, Schwarzenegger was the perfect choice for her.

But the ‘pack’ came looking for Shriver

Having married Arnold, Shriver was confident she would exit the world of politics for good. Having spent 16 years away from politics, the thought of going back to what she ran from would have been the last thing on her mind. But in 2003, Shriver revisited her nightmare as Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his election campaign.

Upon hearing the news, all her childhood scares returned. The world of politics was again ready to take Maria in its arms and not let go. Contrary to what Schwarzenegger expected, Maria was far from enthused. But some wise words from her mother, Eunice Shriver, composed her. But later, not only was Shriver on board with the campaign, but she also stood at the helm of it and led Arnold to success.

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From 2003 to 2011, Maria served as the first lady of California. Standing beside Schwarzenegger, Shriver took revolutionary steps that changed the perception of the first lady forever.