Summary
- Joseph Baena refuses to use the Schwarzenegger last name to build his own legacy in Hollywood.
- He values independence and hard work, determined to succeed without his father's famous name.
- Baena is unbothered by doubters who believe he only succeeds due to his father's iconic status.
Although some celebrities have children who prefer living a private life, several stars have talented children eager to follow in the footsteps of their well-known parents, and some celebs' kids become more famous than their parents. Kids of celebrities who pursue a career in the entertainment industry might get some help from their parents, and/or will even work with them on one or more projects.
How Did Arnold Schwarzenegger Find Out About His Son Joseph Baena?
It took a couple of years for Arnold Schwarzenegger to finally realize that Joseph Baena was indeed his son.
Arnold Schwarzenegger's son, Joseph Baena, could be using his father's world-famous name and prominent connections to get ahead, and gain more recognition in Hollywood. However, he refuses to use his dad's well-known last name. Instead, Joseph Baena wants to make it on his own, without taking and/or using Schwarzenegger's name or connections to help him further his career.
Joseph Baena Refuses To Use The Schwarzenegger Last Name In An Attempt To Build His Own Legacy
Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of Hollywood's top celebrities. After getting his start as an incredibly successful bodybuilder, he next became an actor and has since starred in several films that have grossed over $100 million at the box office, including Terminator 2, True Lies and Total Recall. In 2003, he was elected Governor of California, and remained in office until he reached the term limit in 2011. He then resumed his acting career.
Schwarzenegger married Maria Shriver, an award-winning journalist, in 1986. The couple have four children, and their marriage seemed perfect. Suddenly, in 2011, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who eventually confessed to multiple affairs, announced he had fathered a child, Joseph Baena, outside his marriage with a member of his household staff, Mildred Baena. He and Shriver separated in 2011, and officially divorced in 2021. Baena (26 years) reportedly has a tense relationship with his siblings, but gets along with his dad.
The Predator actor's name is iconic, and Baena could rely on it to land parts. Using the famous last name could give his career a boost. Fans might recognize Baena more often and show interest in his work because he is Arnold Schwarzenegger's son.
Is Arnold Schwarzenegger Upset That His Son Joseph Baena Uses His Mom's Last Name?
Arnold Schwarzenegger doesn't believe in handouts and that includes his own son Joseph Baena.
However, the Bully High actor prefers finding success through his own efforts and talent. During an interview with Good Morning Britain, he explained why he prefers to use his own name to make it in the industry, instead of his famous father's. "I think the main thing is I'm trying to do things on my own and pursue my career with my will, my determination, my work ethic."
"My family is very big in supporting from afar and not being so hands-on, I really appreciate that. I think it's really important growing up as a man to do things on your own. To figure it out, that's what I've been doing," he added, per E! News.
How Joseph Baena Feels About Being A 'Nepo Baby'
Joseph Baena said most kids in Hollywood with celebrity parents will probably be doubted. "I think with anyone that's had a high-succeeding parent, it's going to be difficult. People always discredit them, say, 'You only got that because of your parents, you only got that because of X, Y and Z.' It's hard, but it's just something that you have to live with. Know within yourself that if you're putting in the work and you're actually doing it, then none of that should matter," per E! News.
Most public figures have read something harsh about themselves. At one time, some of the more negative remarks people made about Joseph Baena (like insisting he only got ahead in Hollywood because of his iconic father), truly irked him. However, the Gunner actor has learned not to pay too much attention to those opinions.
Baena said, "It was really bothering me that anytime I would get any kind of role or press, or I would post a physique picture on Instagram, I would always get comments of, 'You're only there because of your dad' or whatever. Thankfully, I am mentally strong enough to not let the scrutiny get to me," per E! News.
While speaking with Sophia and Sistine Stallone on their podcast, Unwaxed, in January 2022, Baena explained he eventually formed a good connection with The Terminator actor, a little-known fact about Baena, but he didn't want to use Schwarzenegger's name to boost his own career.
"I never had the Schwarzenegger name. I think really the thing is that I haven't focused on changing it. I have a last name already. I'm already doing so much and succeeding and moving forward with my goals. That's the last thing on my mind," he said, per E! News.
Why Isn't Arnold's Son Joseph Baena's Last Name Schwarzenegger?
Joseph Baena has a very specific reason for not using the Schwarzenegger last name.
Baena also revealed some advice the Kindergarten Cop actor gave him: "The key thing that he said is hard work, doing the reps, doing the practice, and always prepare."
Joseph Baena Revealed Arnold Didn't Hand Him Anything
During an interview with Men's Health, the Chariot actor said he and his father share similar values when it comes to work.
"My dad is old-school; he doesn't believe in handouts. He believes hard work pays off, and so do I. If I use my dad's contacts or ask him for favors, I wonder what honor is that gonna bring me? When I go to auditions, they don't know who I am because we don't have the same last name," per People.
This way, whenever Baena gets a part, "he will 'know it's all me.'"
