Maria Owings Shriver (Maria Shriver), born in Chicago, Illinois on November 6, 1955, is a renowned American journalist, author, and activist. She gained prominence as the ex-First Lady of California and belongs to the distinguished Shriver and Kennedy families.
Early Life and Education
Shriver comes from a family of political and diplomatic background. Her parents are Sargent Shriver, a diplomat and politician, and Eunice Kennedy, a member of the Kennedy family. Her family tree includes prominent figures like President John F. Kennedy, as well as Senators Robert F. Kennedy and Ted Kennedy.
During her early years, she resided in Paris before coming back to the United States. In 1977, she completed her Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Georgetown University.
Career in Journalism
Shriver initiated her journalism career at KYW-TV, a CBS station, and later became a co-anchor for CBS Morning News. In 1986, she joined NBC News, serving as a correspondent for Dateline NBC and co-anchoring different shows, including the weekend editions of Today and NBC Nightly News. Her exceptional work garnered various honors, including the prestigious Peabody Award for her coverage of the 1988 Summer Olympics.
Shriver temporarily stepped away from her journalism career in 2004 to prioritize her duties as the First Lady, as her spouse, Arnold Schwarzenegger, assumed the position of Governor of California. She resumed her role as a special anchor at NBC in 2013.
First Lady of California
Shriver served as the First Lady from 2003 to 2011, where she passionately championed women’s causes. She established The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, with the goal of increasing awareness surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and its specific effects on women. Additionally, she orchestrated the Women’s Conference in California each year, which emerged as a prominent forum for engaging conversations about women’s empowerment and rights.
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Achievements and Legacy
Shriver has established herself as a successful writer, having authored multiple highly popular books. Her literary works frequently delve into the realms of individual development and shifts within society. Additionally, Shriver remains engaged in the media industry through her organization, Shriver Media, which actively advocates for constructive transformations in the community.
Age
Maria Shriver’s age is currently 69, as of 2025. Her date of birth is November 6, 1955.
Height
Maria Shriver stands at a height of 5 feet 5 inches, which is roughly equivalent to 165 cm.
Parents
Maria Shriver, the offspring of Sargent Shriver, a renowned American politician and the inaugural leader of the Peace Corps, and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a significant advocate and sibling of President John F. Kennedy.
Husband and Children
Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger tied the knot on April 26, 1986. During their 25-year marriage, they had four children: Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher. However, in May 2011, they made public their decision to separate after it was revealed that Schwarzenegger had fathered a child with their housekeeper.
Shriver initiated the divorce process shortly thereafter, although the divorce was not officially concluded until December 2021. Despite facing difficulties in their relationship, they have managed to uphold a friendly rapport and actively engage in co-parenting their children.
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Net Worth
Maria Shriver’s estimated net worth is $200 million as of 2024.
Social Media Presence
Maria Shriver is active on several social media platforms. Here are her official links:
- Facebook: MariaShriver
- Instagram: @mariashriver
- Threads: @mariashriver
- Twitter: @mariashriver
Additionally, you can explore her work and publications at her official website: mariashriver.com.
FAQs about Maria Shriver
Who is Maria Shriver?
Maria Shriver is an American journalist, author, and activist, known for her role as the former First Lady of California and her work in television journalism, particularly with NBC News. She is a member of the prominent Shriver and Kennedy families.
Who was Maria Shriver married to?
Maria Shriver was married to Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former Governor of California and actor, from 1986 until their separation in 2011. Their divorce was finalized in 2021.
How many children does Maria Shriver have?
Maria Shriver has four children: Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher.
What awards has Maria Shriver received?
Maria Shriver has received several awards throughout her career, including a Peabody Award and multiple Emmy Awards for her journalism work.
What organizations has Maria Shriver founded or supported?
She founded The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement and has been involved in various initiatives promoting volunteerism and women’s empowerment, including the WE Invest program to support women entrepreneurs.
