Why Arnold Schwarzenegger's Son Joseph Baena Won't Use His Last Name
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Originally appeared on E! Online
Joseph Baena doesn't want to be seen as just another nepo baby.
That's why the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger has avoided using his father's iconic last name, instead favoring mom Mildred Baena's surname, as he forges his own path in Hollywood.
"I think the main thing is I'm trying to do things on my own," Joseph told Good Morning Britain March 13. "My family is very big in supporting from a far and not being so hands-on, I really appreciate that. I think it's really important growing up as a man to do things on your own. To figure it out, that's what I've been doing."
And while he got his real estate license after graduating from California's Pepperdine University in 2019, he's also been following in his dad's acting footsteps, most recently with his upcoming movie Gunner.
"I've been working really hard," he continued, "It was such an honor to be on the same film as Morgan Freeman, as Luke Hemsworth. Luke is amazing, they're both amazing actors."
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Joseph previously shared insight into navigating Hollywood as the Terminator star's son.
"I think with anyone that's had a high-succeeding parent, it's just going to be difficult," the 26-year-old told E! News last year. "People always discredit them, say, 'You only got that because of your parents, you only got that because of X, Y and Z.' It's hard, but it's just something that you have to live with. Know within yourself that if you're putting in the work and you're actually doing it, then none of that should matter."
And while there were times when the negative comments online would get to him, he's getting better at ignoring them.
"It was really bothering me that anytime I would get any kind of role or press, or I would post a physique picture on Instagram, I would always get comments of, 'You're only there because of your dad' or whatever," Joseph added. "Thankfully, I am mentally strong enough to not let the scrutiny get to me."
He isn't the only celebrity offspring who's gotten into the acting and modeling game. Keep reading to see which other kids caught the bug from their parents.
<p>Corinne Foxx</p>
Jamie Foxx's daughter walks the runway at Dolce & Gabbana's show during Milan Fashion Week in 2017.
<p>Natalia Bryant</p>
The eldest daughter of the late Kobe Bryant and wife Vanessa Bryant made her runway debut at Versace’s spring/summer 2024 show during Milan Fashion Week in September 2023.
Grace Burns
Grace Burns, the 19-year-old daughter of supermodel Christy Turlington and filmmaker Ed Burns, made her runway debut in the British Vogue X LuisaViaRoma show in Florence, Italy in June 2023.
Jasper Polish
As part of the Race to Erase MS: Drive-In Gala, Michael Polish's daughter sports Alice + Olivia in a star-studded fashion show.
Paris Jackson
The late Michael Jackson's daughter is a "P.Y.T." herself! The young model just signed with a top agency, IMG Models.
Hailey Bieber
The wife of Justin Bieber and daughter of Stephen Baldwin (and niece of Alec Baldwin) has graced many a runway, including Tommy Hilfiger's.
Lily-Rose Depp
Before she starred on Max series The Idol, Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis' daughter took the modeling world by storm, walking for Chanel at Paris Fashion Week 2017.
Dakota Lohan
Lindsay Lohan's little bro is a well-seasoned model in the fashion world, having signed with IMG models and modelling for brands like Gucci.
Sofia Richie
Lionel Richie's daughter said "Hello" to high fashion, walking in NYFW 2016.
Kaia Gerber
Cindy Crawford's mini-me became the face of Young Versace in 2012 and has since gone on to walk the runway for numerous designer labels.
Kendall Jenner
The second-to-youngest of the Kardashian-Jenner clan had a whirlwind few years in the modeling world: From Dolce & Gabbana to Chanel, Kendall dominates some of the most exclusive catwalks in fashion. (And let's not forget that little Estée Lauder deal, shall we?)
Gigi Hadid
Yolanda Foster's eldest daughter has followed in mom's footsteps by making her mark in the modeling world. Campaigns under Gigi's belt include an ultra-hot nude spread for Tom Ford's Velvet Orchid fragrance and her own clothing line under Tommy Hilfiger.
Bella Hadid
The little sister of Gigi Hadid has proven to be a force to reckon with in the modeling world.
Kenya Kinski-Jones
Quincy Jones has created quite the family dynasty, with daughter Rashida Jones being a well-recognized actress and Kenya being a fashion model.
Christian Combs
Diddy's son walked the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana show during Milan Men's Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2018 on June 17, 2017 in Italy.
Roberto Rossellini
Isabella Rossellini's son takes to the catwalk at the Dolce & Gabbana show during Milan Menswear Fashion Week on Jan. 14, 2017 in Milan, Italy.
Levi Dylan
Jakob Dylan's son (and Bob Dylan's grandson) struts his stuff at the Dolce & Gabbana show during Milan Menswear Fashion Week on Jan. 14, 2017 in Milan, Italy.
Patrick Schwarzenegger
The son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver has modeled for several years.
Ava Phillippe
Ryan Phillippe and Reese Witherspoon's daughter made her modeling debut at age 18 the Rodarte fall/winter 2018 show.
Jack Marsden
James Marsden's son wears a colorful ensemble when he makes his Dolce & Gabbana debut on Jan. 13, 2018 in Milan.
Karsen Liotta
Shades of Blue star Ray Liotta's daughter took to the runway during the Chanel Collection des Metiers d'Art 2016/17 show at Hotel Ritz on Dec. 6, 2016 in Paris, France.
Mathilda Ereni Gianopoulos
Molly Ringwald and Panio Gianopoulos' daughter poses during the J.Crew presentation at New York Fashion Week at Spring Studios on Feb. 12, 2017 in New York City.
Liv Freundlich
Julianne Moore's daughter posed during the J.Crew presentation at New York Fashion Week at Spring Studios on Feb. 12, 2017 in New York City.
Myles O'Neal
Shaquille O'Neal's son took to the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana show during Milan Men's Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2018 on June 17, 2017 in Italy.
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