When he was 13 years old, Joseph Baena discovered that his father was Hollywood star and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger. But instead of riding the fame train, he opted to keep his mother Mildred Baena’s surname – a move that was one of the most defining moments of his life.
Joseph Baena is an INBA Iron Gladiator Classic Physique Champion. Photo: @joebaena/Instagram
Baena, 28, has since followed in his father’s footsteps though – not only entering the acting industry, but also taking fitness tips from him. The resemblance between father and son is uncanny: on March 28, Baena set the internet alight when he shared a post on Instagram to celebrate winning first place in multiple divisions at the NPC Natural Colorado State competition, a drug-tested bodybuilding competition held in Denver, Colorado.
A few days later, Baena celebrated another win, taking home first place at the International Natural Bodybuilding Association’s (INBA) Iron Gladiator competition in Southern California.
Joseph Baena training with his father, Arnold Schwarzenegger, in March. Photo: @joebaena/Instagram
Just days before his competition in March, Baena shared snaps of him training with his famous father. “You have to shock the muscles!” he captioned the post.
From the moment it was revealed who his famous father was, to developing a relationship with Schwarzenegger but remaining true to his roots on his mother’s side, here’s what you need to know about Baena and his journey to fame, his own way.
Joseph Baena was raised by a single mother, Mildred Baena
Joseph Baena is close to his mother, Mildred. Photo: @joebaena/Instagram
Born on October 2, 1997, Joseph was raised by Mildred in a single-parent household. Per ABC, Mildred worked as a housekeeper in the Schwarzenegger household for more than 20 years until she retired in 2011.