Arnold Schwarzenegger's marriage to Maria Shriver ended when she found out he had a child with their housekeeper. Here's a complete timeline of their relationship and separation.

Eve CrosbieJun 8, 2023, 00:04 IST

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver were married for 25 years before they filed for divorce.Diane Freed/Getty Images

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver were married for 25 years before they separated in 2011.
Shriver filed for divorce after Schwarzenegger disclosed he had a child with their housekeeper.

The former couple met at the Robert F. Kennedy Tennis Tournament in August 1977.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver at the RFK tennis tournament in 1978.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Image

In 1981, Shriver turned down Schwarzenegger's first marriage proposal as there "was a lot she wanted to do first," according to the action star's memoir.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and future wife Maria Shriver collect donations for Senator Ted Kennedy's 1980 presidential bid in June 1980 at Flippers Roller Disco in Los Angeles, California.Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

The "Jingle All the Way" actor popped the question to Shriver again in 1985.

Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger at a Barry Manilow Concert after party in 1978.Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

Schwarzenegger and Shriver tied the knot in April 1986, nearly nine years after they first met.

The wedding of Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1986.MediaNews Group/Boston Herald via Getty Images

Between 1989 and 1997, the couple welcomed four children together.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver and their children Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher.Netflix

Less than a week after their youngest son was born, unbeknownst to Shriver, Schwarzenegger also fathered a son with their family housekeeper.

Joseph Baena (left) and Arnold Schwarzenegger.Paul Archuleta/Getty Images; Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images

In 2003, Schwarzenegger ran for governor of California, a decision Shriver "hated" but eventually came around to.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and wife Maria Shriver celebrate his win in the California recall election at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles on October 7, 2003.Steve Grayson/WireImage/Getty Images

When sexual misconduct allegations were leveled against Schwarzenegger, Shriver stood by her husband.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and wife Maria Shriver kiss at his victory celebration after winning the California recall election in Los Angeles on October 7, 2003.Lee Celano/WireImage/Getty Images

In May 2011, after 25 years of marriage, Schwarzenegger and Shriver announced they were divorcing.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and wife Maria Shriver attend the funeral Mass for Italian film mogul and Hollywood producer Dino De Laurentiis at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels on November 15, 2010, in Los Angeles, California.Reed Saxon-Pool/Getty Images

Days later, it was publicly revealed that the reason for their split was because Shriver had discovered Schwarzenegger's secret son.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver at the "Benchwarmers" Los Angeles Premiere.Jason Merritt/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Their divorce was finalized 10 years later in December 2021.

Christina Schwarzenegger, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver, and Katherine Schwarzenegger together in 2017.Phillip Faraone/Getty Images

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