Joseph Baena was 13 when he finally learned that his biological father was Arnold Schwarzenegger, who years-prior had an affair with the his mother, Mildred Patricia "Patty" Baena; a housekeeper for Schwarzenegger and his then-wife, Maria Shriver. But now at 26, Baena has since embraced his famous paternity, and is following in his dad's footsteps as a successful bodybuilder and fitness model.
On his Instagram account, where he regularly appears shirtless, Baena likewise bears more than a passing resemblance to Schwarzenegger. Coincidentally enough, Baena is around the same age that his father was when he skyrocketed to fame in the '70s and '80s.
"Competing with myself to be better everyday!" the Dancing with the Stars alum captioned a video posted to the platform on Monday, in which he flexed for the camera after stripping down to a pair of grey sweatpants and black and white checkered Vans slip-ons.
The similarity was not lost on those who commented on the post. "Wow some of the best genes on the planet! Keep going brotha," wrote one user, while others quipped "Arnold 2.0" and that Baena "looks like Arnold more than Arnold."
"Get this guy a role as young Conan! A prequel!" noted one user, referencing the role that made Schwarzenegger famous. "He is perfect! Just will have to to work in the voice!
But aside from bonding over the sport of bodybuilding, Baena has also grown close to Schwarzenegger in recent years after a rocky start. Just days prior, the 20-something posted a series of photos from the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum in Thal, Austria.
"It’s not a trip to Austria without visiting the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum right?" he captioned the post, in which he proudly posed with the collection of memorabilia from his father's life and career.
But while the father-son pair may be working on their relationship, Schwarzenegger was candid when recently discussing the affair that ended his 25-year marriage.
"Remember, it’s not like we had a feud. We didn’t have a fight. It’s just my fuck-up, right?" Schwarzenegger told People last month. "My chapter with Maria will continue on forever. Even though it’s a different relationship, there’s no reason for me to feel anything other than love for her."
