The life of Arnold Schwarzenegger and his family members changed irrevocably in 2011. The bodybuilding legend’s wife Maria Shriver had then filed for divorce when it came to light that he had fathered a child with their housemaid, Mildred Patricia Baena. Over a decade after the incident, the Shriver-Schwarzenegger household has found their peace and moved on with their lives. Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger also developed a great relationship with his youngest son, Joseph Baena. Ever since the world discovered Baena as the icon’s son, he has been the easy target of fierce judgment and criticism.

The 25-year-old, who is working hard to fulfill his Hollywood dreams, opened up about facing negativity. He also confessed that, in the beginning, the comments “bothered” him a lot. However, the bodybuilding enthusiast has found a way to rise above.

Baena is seeking to carve his own path to success

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a global icon who came from poverty and built his name into a brand. From winning seven Mr. Olympias and starring in some of the biggest Hollywood movies of all time to becoming the Governor of California, Schwarzenegger has done it all. So, as Joseph Baena tries to carve his own path to Hollywood, his efforts often don’t find a mention in his own right. 

“I think with anyone that’s had a high-succeeding parent,” has faced judgment, said the 25-year-old. It’s no different for Baena. “People always discredit them, say, ‘You only got that because of your parents,'” Baena told E! News. The budding actor also confessed such comments got the better of him in the past and revealed how he dealt with it. 

“It’s hard, but it’s just something that you kind of have to live with,” said Baena.

Schwarzenegger’s son said he has learned to accept his situation and moved on. Baena also said, “None of that should matter,” if one works hard, and that’s exactly what he is doing. Instead of taking help from his father, he is working toward building his career. “No one can take that away from me.” 

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During the interview, the actor also revealed how his bodybuilding goals are different from his father’s.

Joseph Baena has his own set of bodybuilding goals

While Arnold Schwarzenegger became famous through bodybuilding, Joseph Baena has other plans. Instead of dreaming about dominating the bodybuilding stage, Baena is using his hobby to advance his acting career. “My training lately has been a little more athletic,” said the young actor.

While he is training harder than ever in the gym, it’s to pull off physically demanding roles. According to Baena, building his physique is both about aesthetics and to help “learn these new things, like fighting (on-screen).”

What did you make of Joseph Baena’s confession? 

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While Baena is doing his own thing, the Austrian Oak himself still lives for the pump. Only this time, he is motivated to bring his fans to build a healthier lifestyle. Take a look at this video that details Arnold’s Pump Club, which has brought in over 310,000 subscribers in less than five months!