Bodybuilding Legend Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver share a deep history, and their marriage finally ended in 2021 after the revelation of the actor’s previous affair with their housekeeper. In his most recent Netflix documentary, the 7x Mr. Olympia actively expressed that undergoing such a significant collapse was incomparable to any previous encounters in his career. Moreover, he accentuated the unique and unmatched intensity of this specific failure.

Additionally, the three-part series, which premiered on Netflix on June 7, delves into the life and career of the iconic actor and former California governor.In a recent interview with Cinema Online, Lesley Chilcott, the director of the documentary series “Arnold,” sheds light on why the Austrian Oak’s ex-wife, Maria Shriver, did not make an appearance in the docuseries.

The absence of Maria Shriver

Chilcott disclosed that she had several conversations with the veteran Journalist while documenting the Hollywood action star’s captivating story. However, when the director extended an invitation to Shriver to participate in the project, the former first lady of California politely declined. Chilcott emphasized that despite the couple’s separation and subsequent divorce, Shriver and Schwarzenegger maintain a strong and amicable bond.

All of them maintain frequent contact and share a strong friendship. They have spent a significant part of their lives together, continuing to participate in family events and maintaining a close bond, as Chilcott elaborated. “You know, they can’t be together, but they’re very close and they’re very friendly.” 

Prioritizing family: Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver’s commitment to their children

Despite facing numerous challenges, the couple successfully prioritizes their four children—Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher—ensuring a strong family bond. Interestingly, the documentary did not feature interviews with any of their children on camera. In addition, Joseph Baena, Schwarzenegger’s son from his affair with the housekeeper, Mildred “Patty” Baena, made a brief appearance towards the end of the docuseries but refrained from providing an on-camera interview.

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Lesley Chilcott, an acclaimed director and producer known for her work on documentaries like “An Inconvenient Truth” and “Waiting for ‘Superman,'” approached the project with sensitivity and a commitment to capturing the multifaceted aspects of Schwarzenegger’s life. The docuseries provides viewers with a comprehensive exploration of his rise to fame, his transition from bodybuilding to acting, and his later foray into politics as the governor of California.

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