Maria Shriver is a journalist, author, activist, and former First Lady of California, whose multifaceted life blends political legacy with personal achievement. Born into the iconic Kennedy family, Shriver carved out her own identity as a Peabody and Emmy Award-winning journalist and as a tireless advocate for women’s empowerment and Alzheimer’s awareness. With her sharp intellect and compassionate nature, she has long inspired audiences through her television work, bestselling books, and social initiatives.
Shriver’s journalistic career soared during her time with NBC News, where she co-anchored programs like Sunday Today and served as a correspondent for Dateline NBC. Her work often focused on real-world stories that blended human interest with serious reporting, earning her praise for her insightful storytelling.
Despite being raised in a political dynasty—her mother Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics and her uncle was President John F. Kennedy—Maria crafted a path that combined public service with personal purpose. As the former wife of actor and former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, she balanced her duties as First Lady of California with her commitment to journalism and social activism.
Maria’s deep involvement in Alzheimer’s advocacy stems from her father’s battle with the disease. She has since become a leading voice in brain health research, founding The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement. Her books, including I’ve Been Thinking… and Ten Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Went Out into the Real World, showcase her thoughtful reflections on life, purpose, and faith.
Even after stepping back from daily television journalism, Shriver remains active through speaking engagements, philanthropy, and her digital platform, “The Sunday Paper”, which inspires readers with uplifting, insightful stories.
Personal Life
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Original/Real Name | Maria Owings Shriver |
| Other/Nickname | N/A |
| Profession/Occupation | Journalist, Author, Activist |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Age | 69 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | November 6, 1955 |
| Hometown | Chicago, Illinois |
| Caste/Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Scorpio |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Height (Centimeters) | 166 cm (5’5”) |
| Weight (Kilograms) | Approx. 56 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye’s Color | Hazel |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Sargent Shriver |
| Mother’s name | Eunice Kennedy Shriver |
| Brother’s name | Anthony, Timothy, Mark, Bobby Shriver |
| Sister’s name | N/A (She has multiple brothers) |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Boyfriend | N/A |
| Dating | N/A |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse/Husband | Arnold Schwarzenegger (m. 1986–2011) |
| Son | Patrick Schwarzenegger, Christopher Schwarzenegger |
| Daughter | Katherine Schwarzenegger, Christina Schwarzenegger |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Westland Middle School, Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart |
| College/University | Georgetown University |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in American Studies |
Controversies
Maria Shriver has largely stayed clear of personal controversies, though her divorce from Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2011 made headlines worldwide due to his admission of fathering a child with their housekeeper. Despite the public scrutiny, she handled the situation with grace and focused on her family and advocacy work.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Fresh salads, seafood |
| Favorite Movie | Not Publicly Known |
| Favorite Actor | Not Publicly Known |
| Favorite Actress | Meryl Streep |
| Favorite Color | Blue |
| Favorite Designer | Carolina Herrera |
| Favorite Destination | Cape Cod, Massachusetts |
| Favorite Cafe | Not Publicly Known |
| Favorite daily wear brand | Theory, Vince |
| Favorite Book | Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl |
| Favorite Athlete | Not Publicly Known |
Money/Net Worth
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Salary | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Net Worth | Estimated $200 million (2025) |
Contact Information
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Website | www.mariashriver.com |
| E-Mail Address | Not Publicly Available |
| Phone Number | Not Publicly Available |
| House Address | Brentwood, Los Angeles, California |
Social Media
| Platform | Handle/Info |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Maria Shriver |
| @mariashriver | |
| Official Maria Shriver Page | |
| @mariashriver |
Personal Quote:
“We’re all a work in progress. We’re all evolving. I am, you are, we all are.”
Early Life and Career:
Maria Shriver was born into American royalty. As the niece of President John F. Kennedy and daughter of Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, her life was steeped in politics, philanthropy, and public service. However, Maria sought to step out of the shadow of her iconic lineage.
She began her journalism career at CBS, later joining NBC where she rose through the ranks. Her empathetic reporting style and eloquent presence made her a household name. She hosted several Olympic Games, contributed to major news coverage, and earned accolades including a Peabody Award.
Her career shifted during her time as California’s First Lady. Maria launched initiatives to empower women, improve education, and highlight the importance of unpaid caregiving. She paused her journalistic work to avoid conflicts of interest, but post-governorship, she returned to writing and activism with renewed energy.
Current Life/Events:
Maria is now a powerful voice in brain health and gender equality. She leads The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, funds brain research, and promotes preventive health. Her digital newsletter, “The Sunday Paper,” continues to spread thought-provoking content weekly. She also regularly appears on TV, podcast panels, and at global forums, continuing her mission to inform and inspire.
Facts: Here’s some interesting lesser-known facts about Maria Shriver
- She is the only woman to have been both a Kennedy and a Schwarzenegger.
- Maria was inspired to study American Studies to better understand her country and family’s legacy.
- She is a practicing Catholic but also embraces spirituality and meditation.
- She coined the phrase “Architect of Change” to describe individuals driving meaningful social impact.
- Maria is a close friend of Oprah Winfrey, and the two have collaborated on multiple empowerment projects.
- She once played herself in the comedy Last Action Hero, starring her then-husband Arnold.
- Despite being media royalty, she’s famously private and deeply grounded in family values.
- She delivered the eulogy at her mother Eunice’s funeral and was praised for her poise and emotion.
- She is the founder of Shriver Media, which produces films, books, and digital content focused on social change.
- She maintains strong ties with the Kennedy family and is often involved in legacy and memorial events.
