What Is Mildred Baena’s Net Worth: Where Life Took Her Next
You might not hear her name often these days, but at one point, Mildred Baena was the subject of an international media storm. So what is Mildred Baena’s net worth, and how did her life unfold after a highly publicized chapter involving one of Hollywood’s most powerful figures? The story behind her name is layered—about quiet resilience, public scrutiny, and a very private woman finding her way after global attention she never asked for.
Who Is Mildred Baena?
To understand where Mildred Baena is today, you first need to look at the moment her name entered public conversation—and how she got there in the first place. Baena worked as a housekeeper for over 20 years for actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his then-wife Maria Shriver. During that time, she was known as a hardworking, discreet, and loyal employee. But everything changed in 2011 when it was revealed that Baena had a son with Schwarzenegger, born in 1997, while he was still married.
The news broke after Schwarzenegger left the governor’s office and Maria Shriver filed for divorce. At the center of the story was Mildred Baena, a woman who had kept quiet for years while raising her son in near anonymity. The revelation shocked the public—not just because of the affair, but because Baena had worked in the Schwarzenegger household while pregnant, all while keeping the secret to herself.
In the days following the news, Baena found herself unwillingly thrown into the media spotlight. Paparazzi followed her, tabloids speculated about her motives, and her son, Joseph, suddenly became one of the most talked-about teens in America. Despite this, Baena gave only one major interview—to Hello! magazine—and then largely retreated from public life. She didn’t seek celebrity. She didn’t pursue television appearances or book deals. She went quiet, choosing a path of privacy in a culture that rewards confession.
Over the years, she’s remained devoted to raising her son, who has since grown into a confident young man with a growing presence on social media and in the world of fitness and acting, much like his famous father. While Joseph has leaned into the public eye, Mildred has stayed mostly out of it.
A Clear Breakdown of Mildred Baena’s Net Worth
Mildred Baena’s net worth isn’t publicly confirmed in any official documents, and she’s never spoken in detail about her finances. That said, various pieces of information allow for an informed estimate. As of 2025, her net worth is speculated to be between $250,000 and $500,000, though some sources speculate higher, depending on private financial support and property holdings.
Her Earnings Before the Public Knew Her Name
For most of her adult life, Baena worked as a housekeeper, specifically for the Schwarzenegger-Shriver household. Her employment reportedly lasted more than two decades. In California, experienced live-in housekeepers in high-net-worth households can earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, sometimes more if benefits, bonuses, or longevity are factored in.
Given her extended tenure and the importance of discretion and trust in such a position, it’s reasonable to assume she was compensated at the higher end of the spectrum. Even without headlines, that kind of steady income—if managed carefully—could support a modest but stable lifestyle.
Baena reportedly retired from her position shortly after the news of her son’s paternity broke, stepping away from domestic work to focus on her personal life. Since then, she hasn’t been publicly connected to any other employment.
Financial Support and Reported Settlements
One of the most widely speculated aspects of Baena’s net worth involves financial support from Arnold Schwarzenegger. While neither party has disclosed the full details of their financial arrangement, there are several public hints that support the idea of ongoing financial assistance.
For example, Baena and her son have lived in a Bakersfield, California home that was purchased in 2010 for approximately $250,000—reportedly in Mildred’s name. There has been speculation that Schwarzenegger helped fund the property, though no public records tie him directly to the purchase. If true, the home itself could represent a significant part of Baena’s net worth.
There have also been rumors that Baena received a financial settlement or support to help raise Joseph, particularly in the years before the truth was public. Again, these claims haven’t been verified, but it’s common for such arrangements to be handled privately, especially in cases involving high-profile families. If any such support exists, it likely came with confidentiality agreements and would not appear in public records.
It’s also worth noting that Schwarzenegger has taken an active interest in his son’s life since the revelation, attending his graduation and offering public support. That relationship suggests an ongoing connection that could include financial or material support, even if it’s not openly discussed.
Media Deals and Public Appearances (or Lack Thereof)
Unlike others who have found themselves in the midst of celebrity scandals, Mildred Baena chose to step away rather than step into the spotlight. She has not capitalized on media appearances, reality television offers, or tell-all interviews—at least, not beyond her single Hello! magazine feature in 2011. That decision has kept her profile low, but it also means she hasn’t earned additional income through traditional celebrity avenues.
There were no book deals, no paid docuseries, and no brand endorsements. Her story, though explosive in the headlines, was never commodified by Baena herself. That choice reflects her values—and explains why her net worth hasn’t skyrocketed in the way it might have if she had sought public monetization.
Current Lifestyle and Speculated Net Worth
Today, Baena appears to live a quiet, private life. Based on public property records, she still resides in the same Bakersfield home purchased in 2010. The home’s value has appreciated moderately over the years and may now be worth around $400,000 to $500,000, depending on the market. If she owns it outright, it represents a sizable asset.
She doesn’t appear to have any public-facing businesses or income streams, and she maintains an extremely low media profile. Her son Joseph, now in his 20s, has started to gain traction in acting and bodybuilding and lives independently. While Baena may not have an expansive fortune, her lifestyle suggests she lives comfortably and privately, without extravagance or media-driven income.
Most estimates place her net worth at $250,000 to $500,000, primarily tied to real estate and any personal savings or private arrangements. It’s also possible that number is slightly higher if undisclosed financial support has helped fund her life beyond what’s publicly visible.
Featured Image Source: etonline.com
