Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son Joseph Baena has opened up on why he didn’t take on his Terminator star dad’s surname.
The 26-year old appeared on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday in what was his first ever interview in the UK. Speaking to hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls, Joseph admitted that despite his decision, Arnie was a “great father” and “supportive” in everything he does.
In the 2023 Netflix documentary, Arnold, the Hollywood star admitted that his infidelity that led to Joseph being conceived, ultimately tore their family apart. Recalling the initial shock of learning the identity of his dad, Joseph explained on ITV: “As a kid you don’t really question too much. It’s just how it is. For me, I love my father. He is an amazing man. I love my mother, she is an amazing woman. So yeah, I’m just really happy and honoured to be a part of this family.”
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And speaking of the relationship between the two today, Joseph revealed: “He’s a great father. He has been nothing but amazing to me. He’s been very supportive with everything that I have chosen to do.”
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
He continued: “Going to Pepperdine, graduating from University and when it comes to my acting career and my real-estate career, my journey into bodybuilding and fitness – he is always there and he is a great support to have. He is a great dad.”
Like his superstar dad, Joseph is also an actor and bodybuilder, so its no surprise who he turns to for advice when it comes to his career. “He always has great advice,” Joseph praised. “I think for me it’s just been really funny because a lot of the things I have been pursuing, like acting and real estate, are like childhood dream jobs. Some children grow up wanting to be a firefighter or an astronaut, but I have always loved film and I have always wanted to be an actor. It’s just the way the cards have played out. We happen to do and like a lot of the same things.”
(Image: Instagram/ @joebaena)
Asked why he doesn’t use the famous Schwarzenegger name though, despite their similar traits, Joseph explained: “Yeah that’s a good question. I think the main thing is that I am trying to do things on my own and pursue my career with my will, my determination and my work ethic. It’s just doing everything through me.
“My family is very big about supporting from afar and not being so hands on. I really appreciate that and I think it is really important growing up as a man to do things on your own and to figure it out. So that’s what I’ve been doing and it’s been working so far. I’ve been working really hard.”
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Asked by Ed if he plans to enter politics just like his old man, Joseph joked: “I have always said that if my country needs me in that way, then I would love to participate in that. If my country needs me, I would love to help out in any way that I can. I’ll just leave it at that.”
Good Morning Britain weekdays from 6am on ITV1 & ITVX
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
