Maria Shriver: The Journalist, Author, And Kennedy Family Heiress

How Much is Maria Shriver Worth?

Maria Shriver, a name that resonates with both journalism and political royalty, is worth an impressive $200 million. As a member of the Kennedy family through her mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Maria has always been surrounded by a legacy of power and influence. Eunice was one of nine children born to Joseph and Rose Kennedy, siblings that included President John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Senator Ted Kennedy. This lineage not only shaped her early life but also set the stage for her illustrious career.

Maria's journalism journey began at KYW-TV in Philadelphia before she made her mark at CBS News and NBC News. She co-anchored shows like "CBS Morning News" and "Sunday Today," and her work on "Dateline" earned her multiple Emmy and Peabody awards. Her career extended beyond broadcasting, as she served as California's First Lady from 2003 to 2011 while married to Arnold Schwarzenegger. During this time, she championed causes like women's empowerment and Alzheimer's awareness through events such as The Women's Conference. In her literary pursuits, Maria authored several bestsellers, including "Ten Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Went Out Into The Real World" and "I've Been Thinking." Today, she continues her work as a special anchor for NBC News, focusing on women's issues and societal topics.

Maria and Arnold Schwarzenegger share four children, each following their own paths. Katherine Schwarzenegger, married to actor Chris Pratt, is an author and lifestyle blogger. Christina Schwarzenegger works as a producer and filmmaker, Patrick Schwarzenegger is an actor and model, and Christopher Schwarzenegger, the youngest, graduated from the University of Michigan.

Read also:

Jonathan Lemires Net Worth In 2024 A Closer Look At His Wealth And Career

Her Beginnings

Maria Owings Shriver was born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 6, 1955, into a family that could be considered American royalty. Her father, Sargent Shriver, was a renowned politician, and her mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, was an activist and part of the iconic Kennedy family. Growing up, Maria witnessed firsthand the highs and lows of political life, watching her uncle John F. Kennedy ascend to the presidency only to tragically lose him two years later.

As the daughter of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Maria is the niece of President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Her extended family includes a who's who of American political history:

• President John F. Kennedy
• Senator Robert F. Kennedy
• Senator Ted Kennedy
• Patricia Kennedy Lawford
• Jean Kennedy Smith
• Rosemary Kennedy
• Kathleen Kennedy Cavendish

Her first cousins include Caroline Kennedy, John F. Kennedy Jr. (deceased), Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Kerry Kennedy, and Kathleen Kennedy Townsend. Raised in a devout Roman Catholic household, Maria attended high school in Maryland before pursuing her education at Manhattanville College and later transferring to Georgetown University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies.

Shriver's Journey in Media

Maria's passion for journalism ignited during her father's vice-presidential campaign in 1972. Following her graduation, she joined CBS and quickly rose through the ranks to co-anchor "The CBS Morning News." Her tenure at NBC saw her co-anchor "Sunday Today" and cover major events for "NBC Nightly News" and "Dateline NBC." Even during her time as California's First Lady, Maria remained committed to journalism, though she eventually stepped back due to potential conflicts of interest.

After becoming disillusioned with the media landscape following the death of Anna Nicole Smith, Maria took a hiatus but returned to NBC in 2013 as a special anchor, focusing on women's issues. She occasionally fills in as a substitute anchor on "Today." Beyond journalism, Maria's talents extend to acting, having appeared in films like "Last Action Hero" and TV shows like "That's So Raven." She also produced the acclaimed HBO documentary series "The Alzheimer's Project" and authored several successful books, including "I've Been Thinking…: Reflections, Prayers, and Meditations for a Meaningful Life."

The Kennedy Dynasty's Wealth

Being a direct descendant of the Kennedy family, Maria Shriver benefits significantly from the family's financial legacy. The Kennedys are often referred to as America's royal family, and Maria's connection to them translates into substantial financial advantages. Documents reveal that Maria receives income from assets such as "Vornado Realty Trust" and "Vornado Realty Inc.," each valued at $7.5 million. Since 1998, the Kennedys have amassed over $170 million in dividends alone, thanks to a sophisticated financial structure that uses partnership units instead of cash to defer capital gains taxes and depreciation.

Read also:

Exploring Richard Roundtrees Net Worth In 2024 The Journey Of A Legendary Actor

Personal Relationships

Maria Shriver's life has been marked by significant relationships, both personal and professional. She met Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1977 at a charity tennis tournament, and the two wed in 1986, going on to have four children together. Their marriage faced challenges when, in 2011, Arnold admitted to fathering a child out of wedlock with the family maid, Mildred Patricia Baena. This revelation led to their separation, and the couple finalized their divorce in 2017.

Post-divorce, Maria began dating Matthew Dowd, a political consultant who had previously worked on Schwarzenegger's reelection campaign. Despite the challenges, Maria and Arnold maintained a respectful relationship, ensuring amicable arrangements for their children, including shared custody of their two youngest.

Financial Settlement After Divorce

Following her divorce from Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria reportedly received up to $200 million, reflecting Arnold's substantial net worth. The settlement was handled with mutual respect, ensuring their children's well-being remained a priority.

Real Estate Ventures

Maria has been actively involved in real estate, especially after her separation from Arnold. In 2002, the couple purchased a 6-acre property in LA's Brentwood neighborhood for $4.8 million, featuring a luxurious 14,500-square-foot home. After their split, Arnold retained ownership of this residence. Maria, on the other hand, acquired an 11,000-square-foot home in Brentwood for $10 million post-divorce and, in June 2022, purchased a neighboring property for $12.2 million.

In 2017, Maria reportedly began exploring the idea of gifting homes to her two children who had recently graduated from university. She was rumored to be considering two Los Angeles properties collectively valued at around $5 million, showcasing her continued involvement in the real estate market.