A major chunk of bodybuilding legend, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s success ought to be credited to his now ex-wife, Maria Shriver. The former First Lady of California stood by him through thick and thin, extending her constant support and vice versa. However, after the power couple started dating in 1977, Shirver faced serious stigma from her family friends, especially older women. 

In Schwarzenegger’s autobiography, Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story, this phase of their relationship was once shed light upon. It revealed that she was persuaded by her elite Kennedy Friends and other older women to consider better options. 

Maria Shriver’s ordeal for being in a relationship with Arnold Schwarzenegger

According to the book, the 75-year-old icon was steadily rising to fame when he met Shriver through a mutual friend. They eventually hit it off. However, Shriver belonged to an aristocratic political family, The Kennedys. All her acquaintances and friends were posh individuals. Thus, the sight of a Kennedy dating a mere bodybuilder didn’t seem convincing to them. “Why are you going out with that bodybuilder? Let me introduce you to this wonderful producer,” friends of her mother would say. 

Furthermore, the 67-year-old journalist’s Kennedy friends in Hollywood urged her to switch to a more fitting boyfriend. Even friends of Peter’s ex-wife, Pat Kennedy Lawford, often remarked, “Do I have the man for you! He’s a little older, but he’s a billionaire. Let me set you up with him.” Successful businessmen were also among the convenient options for acquiring a partner. 

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The world perceived Maria Shriver as another of Schwarzenegger’s accomplishments. He won 7x Mr. Olympia titles, signed a Hollywood movie, and then developed a close relationship with a Kennedy. Nevertheless, the Austrian Oak refuted the perception in his book. He claimed that her family’s status never influenced their bond. They only had been together, and soon married nine years later in 1986, because their feelings were mutual.  

How did Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger meet?

Around 1977, The Terminator star first caught sight of Shriver at the RFK Pro-Celebrity Tennis Tournament. Shriver was a journalist then, and the event was organized to tribute to her late uncle, Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Likewise, the powerlifting icon was also invited among other prominent celebrities. 

Former NBC anchor, Tom Brokaw, a mutual acquaintance, introduced them to each other. Evidently, there was an instant spark. Fast forward to the present, they grew into a beautiful family of six.

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Unfortunately, the star couple divorced in 2011 after 35 years of marriage and more than 50 years of being together. Regardless of the situation, the duo overwhelm their children with love and have aligned priorities on the same. What did you think of this story? Tell us in the comments.