Maria Owings Shriver is a distinguished American journalist, author, and member of the esteemed Kennedy family. She is widely recognized for her Peabody and Emmy award-winning career in broadcast journalism, her role as the former First Lady of California, and her dedicated advocacy for women’s health, particularly in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. As the founder of The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, she has been a pivotal force in raising awareness and funding for research into a disease that disproportionately affects women. Her work extends to empowering women and supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, reflecting a lifelong commitment to public service and social change.
Maria Shriver Overview
| Full Name | Maria Owings Shriver |
| Date of Birth | November 6, 1955 |
| Age | 69 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Family | Sargent Shriver (father), Eunice Kennedy Shriver (mother), Kennedy Family |
| Spouse | Arnold Schwarzenegger (m. 1986; div. 2021) |
| Children | Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher Schwarzenegger |
| Profession | Journalist, Author, Advocate |
| Net Worth | Estimated $200 million |
Early Life and Education of Maria Shriver
Maria Owings Shriver was born on November 6, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, into a family deeply rooted in American politics and public service. She is the second child of Sargent Shriver, a politician and diplomat, and Eunice Kennedy Shriver, an activist and the founder of the Special Olympics. As a member of the Kennedy family, her uncles included President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Senator Ted Kennedy. Shriver’s upbringing was shaped by her family’s commitment to social causes. She spent part of her middle school years in Paris, France, and later moved to Bethesda, Maryland. She graduated from high school in 1973 and went on to attend Manhattanville College for two years before transferring to Georgetown University. In 1977, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American studies from Georgetown.
Maria Shriver’s Career
Journalism
Maria Shriver’s interest in broadcast journalism was sparked in 1972 while assisting with her father’s political campaign. Her professional career began at KYW-TV in Philadelphia. She later moved to CBS, co-anchoring the “CBS Morning News.” In 1986, Shriver joined NBC News, where she held several prominent roles, including co-anchor of “Sunday Today” and anchor for the weekend editions of “NBC Nightly News.” From 1992 to 2004, she was a correspondent for the newsmagazine “Dateline NBC.” In 2003, Shriver took a leave of absence from NBC News when her then-husband, Arnold Schwarzenegger, ran for Governor of California. She officially resigned in 2004 due to potential conflicts of interest as the First Lady of California. She later returned to NBC in 2013 as a special anchor.
First Lady of California
As the First Lady of California from 2003 to 2011, Maria Shriver was a passionate advocate for various social and economic issues. She created The Women’s Conference, which grew into a premier global forum for women, featuring prominent speakers and addressing a wide range of topics relevant to women’s lives. In 2004, she established the Minerva Awards, honoring “remarkable California women” for their contributions to their communities and the world. Her initiatives also focused on supporting the working poor and promoting volunteerism throughout the state.
Author and Producer
Maria Shriver is a New York Times best-selling author of several books. Her works often focus on personal reflection, purpose, and navigating life’s challenges. One of her notable children’s books, “Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am?”, addresses the topic of Alzheimer’s disease. This book was later adapted into an Emmy-winning film as part of the HBO documentary series “The Alzheimer’s Project,” which Shriver executive produced. She also executive produced the critically acclaimed film “Still Alice,” starring Julianne Moore, which depicts the journey of a woman with early-onset Alzheimer’s. In 2016, she released “Color Your Mind,” a coloring book designed for individuals with Alzheimer’s.
Advocacy
A significant part of Maria Shriver’s work is dedicated to advocacy. Inspired by her mother’s founding of the Special Olympics, Shriver has been a lifelong supporter of people with intellectual disabilities and serves on the board of the Special Olympics. Following her father’s diagnosis with Alzheimer’s in 2003, she became a leading voice in the fight against the disease. In 2014, she founded The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement to raise awareness about the disproportionate impact of the disease on women and to fund gender-based research. Through her organization, she launched the “Move for Minds” initiative, a nationwide event to promote brain health and raise funds for research.
Maria Shriver Personal Life & Family
Maria Shriver is a member of the prominent Kennedy and Shriver families. On April 26, 1986, she married actor and bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger. Together, they have four children: Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher. In May 2011, Shriver and Schwarzenegger announced their separation. Shriver filed for divorce in July 2011, and the divorce was finalized in 2021. She maintains a close relationship with her children and is a grandmother through her daughter Katherine’s marriage to actor Chris Pratt. Shriver is known to lead a healthy and active lifestyle and is a devout Roman Catholic.
Awards and Achievements of Maria Shriver
- Peabody Award: Received in 1998 for her television journalism at NBC.
- Emmy Awards: Won two Emmy Awards as the executive producer of “The Alzheimer’s Project.” She was also part of the team that received an Emmy for NBC’s coverage of the 1988 Summer Olympics.
- Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Award: Honored for developing a “television show with a conscience” for “The Alzheimer’s Project.”
- Shinnyo-en Foundation’s Pathfinders to Peace Award: Received in 2009 for her exemplification of compassion, harmony, and peace.
- Alzheimer’s Association’s First-Ever Lifetime Achievement Award: Presented to her in 2017 for her dedicated advocacy.
Maria Shriver Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Maria Shriver’s net worth is estimated to be around $200 million. Her wealth comes from a combination of her successful career in journalism, book sales, and her divorce settlement from Arnold Schwarzenegger. She is also an investor in socially conscious businesses, such as Blaze Pizza and Lovin’ Scoopful ice cream, which donates a portion of its profits to the Special Olympics.
Legacy and Influence
Maria Shriver has built a multifaceted legacy as a respected journalist, a dedicated public servant, and a powerful advocate. Her influence extends from her groundbreaking work in television news to her transformative initiatives as First Lady of California. Through The Women’s Conference, she created a vital platform for female empowerment and dialogue. Her most significant impact may be her tireless work to combat Alzheimer’s disease. By founding The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement, she has brought global attention to the gender disparity in the disease and has championed research that could benefit millions. Her public image is that of a compassionate and determined leader who uses her platform to effect positive change.
Interesting Facts about Maria Shriver
- A rose was named after her in 2004.
- She has a nursery named in her honor at the Saint John’s Health Center.
- She was instrumental in the creation of “The Shriver Report,” a comprehensive study on the changing roles of women in American society.
- She is a member of the International Board of the Special Olympics, an organization founded by her mother.
Social Media Presence
Maria Shriver maintains an active presence on social media, where she shares information about her advocacy work, personal reflections, and engages with a wide audience.
- Instagram: Over 1.1 million followers
- X (formerly Twitter): Over 1.9 million followers
- YouTube: Her channel features interviews, discussions on health and wellness, and content related to her various initiatives.
Final Words about Maria Shriver
Maria Shriver continues to be a prominent voice in American media and advocacy. Her current work is largely focused on expanding the reach and impact of The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement and promoting brain health research. She remains an active journalist, contributing to NBC News and producing content through her media company, Shriver Media. Her future plans likely include continuing her advocacy work, writing, and producing projects that align with her mission to inform, inspire, and ignite positive change in the world. Her enduring legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and a relentless drive to make a difference.
