Mildred Patricia Baena is a household employee who worked as a housekeeper and assistant for actor and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his family for over 20 years. She entered the public spotlight in 2011 when it was revealed that she had a secret affair with Schwarzenegger over a decade earlier, resulting in a son named Joseph.
Who is Mildred Patricia Baena?
Mildred Patricia Baena was born on October 13, 1961 in Guatemala. Not much is publicly known about her early life or her journey to immigrating to the United States. In the late 1980s or early 1990s, Baena settled in California and began working as a household assistant.
Mildred Patricia Baena Biography
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mildred Patricia Baena |
| Birthday | October 13, 1961 |
| Birth Place | Guatemala |
| Age | 62 years old (as of 2023) |
| Net Worth | Unknown, believed to be modest |
| Son with Arnold Schwarzenegger | Joseph Baena, born 1997 |
| Years Working for Schwarzeneggers | 1990s to 2011 (over 20 years) |
| Current Relationship Status | Single/not publicly reported |
| Current Location | Unknown, lives private life |
Employment with the Schwarzeneggers
In the 1990s, Baena was employed as a housekeeper and assistant by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver. Shriver is a journalist and the niece of former President John F. Kennedy. At the time, Schwarzenegger was a Hollywood star and would later enter politics, serving as the Governor of California from 2003 to 2011.
Baena worked inside the Schwarzenegger household for over 20 years. Her job duties included cleaning, laundry, cooking, and helping to care for Schwarzenegger’s children. The family came to trust Baena, considering her almost like extended family.
Secret Affair and Love Child
In 1996, when Schwarzenegger was 49 and Baena was 35, the two engaged in an affair that lasted several years. At the time, Schwarzenegger had been married to Shriver for nearly a decade and the couple had three children together.
The affair resulted in a pregnancy. In 1997, Baena gave birth to a son named Joseph. The child’s birth certificate did not list a father, but he bore a striking resemblance to Schwarzenegger.
For over a decade, Schwarzenegger and Baena managed to keep the affair and love child a secret from Schwarzenegger’s wife and family. Joseph was raised by Baena and would often visit and play alongside the Schwarzenegger children, blissfully unaware that Schwarzenegger was his biological father.
Affair Comes to Light
In 2011, Schwarzenegger ended his term as Governor of California. That same year, after 25 years of marriage, Schwarzenegger and Shriver announced they were separating.
Soon after, the Los Angeles Times broke the story about Schwarzenegger’s affair with Baena and Joseph, now a teenager, being his illegitimate son. The news caused an enormous public scandal and embarrassment for the former governor.
While Shriver filed for divorce, she and other family members were reportedly quite angry with Baena. Schwarzenegger has taken financial responsibility for Joseph’s upbringing and the two have worked on forming a close father-son relationship.
Where is Mildred Baena Now?
Following the revelation of the affair, Baena retired from her job with the Schwarzeneggers. Tabloids followed her for some time, but she has since managed to live outside of the public eye.
Joseph reportedly graduated from Pepperdine University in 2019. His father Schwarzenegger helped pay for the schooling and often visits Joseph.
Baena is believed to be 62 years old as of 2023. While her net worth is unknown, it can be assumed that retirement payments from her many years working with the Schwarzenegger family provide her with financial support.
Baena maintains a private personal life. Other details about her current location or romantic relationships are not publicly reported. Despite her past affair making international headlines, she has moved forward while working to build an amicable relationship with the Schwarzenegger family for her son’s sake.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mildred Patricia Baena
How old was Mildred Baena when she had an affair with Arnold Schwarzenegger?
Baena was 35 years old when she began an affair with the 49-year old Schwarzenegger in 1996. The affair lasted several years.
How old was Mildred Baena when she gave birth to Joseph?
Baena was 36 years old when she gave birth to Joseph in 1997. The child was a result of her affair with Schwarzenegger.
What is Mildred Baena’s net worth?
Baena’s exact net worth is unknown publicly. It is assumed retirement funds from her long-term employment with the Schwarzeneggers provides financial support.
Where does Mildred Baena live now?
After retiring from the Schwarzeneggers’ employment in 2011, Baena has maintained a private personal life outside of tabloid spotlight. Her exact location of residence is not reported.
How old is Mildred Baena’s son Joseph today?
Joseph Baena, the son born from Schwarzenegger’s affair, is reported to have been born in 1997. As of 2023, he is believed to be 26 years old. His father remains actively involved in his life.
