“What Honor Is That Gonna Bring”: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Son, Who Rejected Using His Name, Once Opened Up on the Real Reason Behind the Decision

Arnold Schwarzenegger won Mr. Olympia seven times and Mr. Universe four times. The Terminator made his name in acting after accomplishing careers in bodybuilding and modeling. His son, Joseph Baena, also follows in his footsteps but refrains from using his father’s name and fame.

Joseph Baena has made his name with appearances in acting and reality shows. The 25-year-old actor and dancer recently revealed why he didn’t take his father’s influential name, ‘Schwarzenegger.’

Why Joseph Baena refrains from using his father’s name

In an interview with Men’s Health, Baena revealed that he and his father did not believe in handouts. The father-son duo believes in earning a name through hard work, which is what Baena is after.

Baena said, “I love the word honor, and I’m very prideful in the sense that if I use my dad’s contacts or ask him for favors, I wonder what honor is that gonna bring me?“

READ MORE: “They Compare Me and Contrast”: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Son Joseph Baena Opens Up on Shadow of His High-Achieving Father

Using his father’s last name, Baena could have amassed many films to his name. According to Joseph Baena, he conceals his identity during auditions and is cast in movies based only on his talent. Baena said, “When I go to auditions, they don’t know who I am, because we don’t have the same last name.” 

The relationship between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Joseph

Joseph Baena was born in 1998 and is the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and his former housekeeper, Mildred Baena. Baena’s mother hid his father’s identity throughout his childhood. 

In 2011, Baena’s and Schwarzenegger’s resemblance finally leaked the secret of his identity. Baena was 13 when this happened. He claimed that everyone’s body and mind were changing at that age, but for him, his whole life transitioned.

WATCH THIS STORY: From Arnold Schwarzenegger to Ronnie Coleman Here Are the Top Bodybuilders With the Best Nicknames

Joseph Baena has claimed that he and Arnold Schwarzenegger share a strong bond. Although it took them a few years to get comfortable, the two now share a lot in common. Baena has taken after his father’s physique and is often seen recreating Schwarzenegger’s famous poses on social media.