Arnold Schwarzenegger shocked fans all over the world when he announced that he had a secret son as a result of an adulterous affair with housekeeper Mildred Baena. The affair reportedly started when the family was on vacation and the actor stayed behind to shoot a movie.

Joseph Baena was born on October 2, 1997. Arnold, at first, was convinced that Mildred’s husband was his father. But the Terminator star quickly realized that Joseph was starting to resemble him. Mildred, also known as Patty, worked for the Schwarzenegger's for nearly 20 years before retiring in 2011. Mildred told the LA Times that she received a severance payment and “left on good terms with them”.

The affair was kept on the low until 2011 when the Los Angeles Times uncovered the sensational story. Arnold’s wife of 25-years Maria Shriver, was suspicious about his relationship with Mildred and her son Joseph. Shriver confronted Arnold in a tense therapy session. Schwarzenegger recalled the meeting in his book Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story. “The minute we sat down, the therapist turned to me and said, ‘Maria wanted to come here today and to ask about a child — whether you fathered a child with your housekeeper Mildred.'" Schwarzenegger wrote: “I told the therapist, ‘It’s true.'”

After the news broke, Schwarzenegger issued an apology to Shriver and their children. The former Governor of California described the moment he told his four children Patrick, 29, Katherine, 32, Christopher, 24, Christina, 31, to People: “They cried. It tears your heart out.” But he added: “The important thing that everyone should know is that I take care of [Baena] and I take care of [Mildred]. And I fulfill my responsibility and I’m glad to do that.”

Despite his unconventional introduction to the world, Joseph Baena is determined to make a name for himself on his own terms. He recently became a contestant on the latest season of Dancing with the Stars.

Joseph Baena Describes His Upbringing As 'Humble'

Despite Arnold Schwarzenegger being worth an estimated $450 million, his son, Joseph Baena, had a modest upbringing. Baena grew up Guatemalan household in Bakersfield, California, about 100 miles north of Los Angeles. He told Men's Health: "It was a humble home and we didn’t have much.” He learned to speak Spanish and all about his Guatemalan heritage through cooking, learning the culture, and music. He said: “That’s a huge part of me. My mom’s whole side is Guatemalan; we have a lot of Colombian family. Nearly everyone on that side is Latin American.”

Baena didn't know who his father was until he was 13 years old. He recalled the day he learned of the life changing news: “I remember the day very vividly. I was in the eighth grade. Fifth or sixth period. And I get called out of class to leave. And my mom’s there, and she’s like, ‘We gotta go—everyone is finding out about you and who your father is.'" He continued, “I’m 13. Your body’s transforming; your mind is transforming. And now my life transformed before my eyes.”

Joseph Baena Does Not Want To Use His Father's Name To Further His Career

Despite the confirmation that Joseph Baena is Arnold Schwarzenegger biological child, Baena doesn't want to rely on his famous father's last name. The 24-year-old featured on the cover of the Men's Health March 2022 issue, and explained why he chooses not to use Schwarzenegger as his last name when pursuing his acting career.

"My dad is old-school; he doesn't believe in handouts. He believes hard work pays off, and so do I. 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?"

The Pepperdine University graduate added: "When I go to auditions, they don't know who I am because we don't have the same last name," he continued, adding that when he lands a role he will 'know it's all me."'

Joseph Baena Has Followed His Father's Footsteps

Arnold Schwarzenegger began lifting weights at the age of 15 and went on to win the Mr. Universe title at age 20. He is widely regarded as one of the best body builders in the world. It's something that has bonded Schwarzenegger and his son Baena - who also has an interest in bodybuilding. When Joseph went to his father to ask him for advice, he gave him The Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding, a book he co-authored which would help in Joseph's training.

Related: A Woman Scorned? Sources Say Maria Shriver Had A Lover Before Divorcing Arnold Schwarzenegger

Baena told Men's Health: “Even though I could call him anytime, I was too proud. I went straight to the book. I wanted to figure it out myself.” After he got the basics, Baena reached out to ask for tips on building his shoulder muscles, and when he turned 18, Schwarzenegger started training with him. Baena said, “I was so nervous.

I was being observant, trying to see what he was doing and the way he was acting."

Related: What Happened Between Arnold Schwarzenegger And Dwayne Johnson?

The Conan The Barbarian star taught his son how to properly do dumbbell curls, employ a deeper squat, and learn how the burning feeling in his muscles signified growth. He said: "I was able to acquire a bodybuilding mentality — that I could shape my body however I want."