Arnold Schwarzenegger is not currently married. The legendary actor and former California governor has been in a committed relationship with physical therapist Heather Milligan since 2012, but the couple has not tied the knot. Schwarzenegger’s most recent marriage was to journalist Maria Shriver, which lasted from 1986 to 2021, ending in divorce after revelations of his affair with their housekeeper.
The 77-year-old action star’s romantic journey has been marked by significant relationships, public scrutiny, and personal growth. From his early days as a bodybuilder to his current status as a Hollywood icon and grandfather, Schwarzenegger’s love life has evolved considerably. His relationship with Milligan represents a more private, stable chapter in his personal life, contrasting sharply with the high-profile nature of his previous marriage to a Kennedy family member.
Arnold Schwarzenegger (Image via Getty)
Understanding Schwarzenegger’s current relationship status requires examining both his past marriage and his present partnership. While he remains legally single, his decade-long relationship with Milligan demonstrates his commitment to love and companionship in his later years. The couple’s bond has strengthened over time, with Schwarzenegger frequently praising Milligan’s independence, work ethic, and caring nature. Their relationship also reflects a more mature approach to love, built on shared interests, mutual respect, and genuine compatibility rather than the intense public spotlight that characterized his previous marriage.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Marriage History
Marriage to Maria Shriver (1986-2021)
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most significant marriage was to journalist and Kennedy family member Maria Shriver. The couple first met in 1977 at a tennis tournament when Shriver was just 21 years old. Their relationship blossomed over nearly a decade before they married in a traditional Catholic ceremony in Hyannis, Massachusetts, in 1986.
During their 25-year marriage, Schwarzenegger and Shriver became one of Hollywood’s most prominent power couples. They welcomed four children together: Katherine (now 35), Christina (33), Patrick (31), and Christopher (27). Shriver supported Schwarzenegger through his transition from bodybuilding to acting and later to politics when he became California’s governor.
However, their marriage faced its ultimate test in 2011 when Shriver discovered that Schwarzenegger had fathered a son, Joseph Baena (now 27), with their longtime housekeeper Mildred Baena in 1996. This revelation led to Shriver filing for divorce in May 2011, though the legal proceedings weren’t finalized until 2021.
The Aftermath and Co-Parenting
Despite the painful end to their marriage, Schwarzenegger and Shriver have maintained a cordial relationship focused on their children and grandchildren. Schwarzenegger has been open about taking responsibility for the affair, stating that it was simply his mess-up. He emphasized that they always made it very clear that the kids should not suffer because of that.
The former couple continues to communicate regularly about family matters, including holidays, birthday parties, and their roles as grandparents to Katherine’s children with actor Chris Pratt. Schwarzenegger has expressed that his chapter with Maria will continue on forever, albeit in a different capacity than their marriage.
Current Relationship with Heather Milligan
How They Met
Schwarzenegger’s current relationship began in 2012 when he met Heather Milligan through professional circumstances. Following shoulder surgery while preparing for his 2013 film “Escape Plan” with Sylvester Stallone, Schwarzenegger’s surgeon recommended Milligan for his physical therapy needs. The surgeon told him that there was only one person, Heather, because any athlete he always sent them to her, as she was the only one who really knew what they were talking about.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Heather Milligan (Image via Getty)
After completing his therapy and filming, Schwarzenegger called Milligan to take her out for lunch as a thank-you gesture. As he recalls, one thing led to the next. By 2013, dating rumors began circulating as the couple was spotted on various outings in Santa Monica and other Los Angeles areas.
About Heather Milligan
Heather Milligan, 48, is a highly accomplished physical therapist who founded Elite OrthoSport, one of the largest physical therapy clinics on the West Side of Los Angeles. Her clinic specializes in orthopedic and sports physical therapy, serving elite athletes from various sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, boxing, MMA, tennis, figure skating, volleyball, soccer, track, and gymnastics.
Milligan holds both a degree in physical therapy and an MBA from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her background as a competitive gymnast for 20 years gives her unique insight into athletic performance and rehabilitation. This professional expertise initially brought her into Schwarzenegger’s orbit and continues to be a source of mutual respect in their relationship.
Their Relationship Dynamics
Schwarzenegger frequently praises Milligan’s character and professional dedication. He describes her as fantastic and notes that they have so many things in common. He loves that she’s into working, clearly independent, and just driven as hell.
One aspect of Milligan’s character that particularly impresses Schwarzenegger is her devotion to family. He mentions how she speaks with her grandmother in Nebraska for at least half an hour every night, saying that’s when you get to know a person, the heart they have.
The couple maintains a relatively low-key public profile compared to Schwarzenegger’s previous high-profile marriage. They regularly attend events together, including Oktoberfest celebrations, movie premieres, and award shows. Milligan has also developed close relationships with Schwarzenegger’s children, often appearing at family gatherings and public events with them.
Why They Haven’t Married
While Schwarzenegger and Milligan have been together for over a decade, they have not married. Several factors may contribute to this decision:
Both individuals appear content with their current arrangement. At 77, Schwarzenegger may prefer the stability of a committed relationship without the legal complexities of another marriage. Both maintain demanding careers – Schwarzenegger continues acting and business ventures, while Milligan runs a successful medical practice.
With Schwarzenegger’s complex family dynamics involving five children from different relationships, maintaining the current structure may provide stability for all involved. Having gone through a highly publicized and lengthy divorce process, Schwarzenegger may be cautious about remarrying.
Current Family Life
Today, Schwarzenegger embraces his role as grandfather to Katherine’s three children with Chris Pratt: Lyla (3), Eloise (1), and Ford. He describes being a grandfather as the easiest thing, enjoying time with his grandchildren before they head home.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Heather Milligan (Image via Getty)
The extended Schwarzenegger family continues to celebrate occasions together, demonstrating successful co-parenting and blended family dynamics. Milligan has integrated well into this family structure, appearing comfortable at family gatherings and maintaining positive relationships with Schwarzenegger’s children.
Public Appearances and Social Media
The couple makes regular public appearances together, showcasing their strong bond and mutual support. They’ve been spotted at various Hollywood events, charity functions, and family celebrations. Schwarzenegger often shares glimpses of their life together on social media, though he maintains respect for Milligan’s preference for privacy.
Their public appearances reveal a comfortable, natural chemistry between them. Whether attending movie premieres or casual outings, they appear genuinely happy and supportive of each other’s endeavors. Milligan’s presence at Schwarzenegger family events demonstrates her acceptance and integration into his extended family circle.
Professional Support and Shared Interests
One of the strongest foundations of their relationship appears to be their mutual respect for each other’s professional achievements. Schwarzenegger admires Milligan’s dedication to her physical therapy practice and her expertise in sports medicine. Meanwhile, Milligan supports Schwarzenegger’s continued work in entertainment and his various business ventures.
Their shared interest in fitness and health creates another strong bond. Both understand the importance of physical wellness, with Milligan’s professional expertise complementing Schwarzenegger’s lifelong commitment to fitness. This common ground provides them with shared activities and mutual understanding of each other’s lifestyle choices.
Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist, is currently not married . The tech mogul divorced his wife of 27 years, Melinda French Gates, in August 2021, marking the end of one of the most prominent partnerships in both technology and philanthropy. Since then, Gates has moved forward with his personal life and is now in a serious relationship with Paula Hurd, a philanthropist and businesswoman who is the widow of former Oracle CEO Mark Hurd.
The dissolution of Bill and Melinda Gates’ marriage sent waves through the business and philanthropic communities, given their combined influence through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and their estimated $130 billion net worth at the time of separation. Their relationship, which began in 1987 when Melinda joined Microsoft as a product manager, evolved from workplace colleagues to one of the world’s most powerful couples. However, beneath the surface of their public success lay personal challenges that ultimately proved insurmountable.
Gates has been remarkably candid about his regrets regarding the divorce, recently calling it “the mistake I regret the most” in interviews with major publications. Despite this admission, he has found happiness again with Paula Hurd, whom he describes as his “serious girlfriend”. Their relationship represents a new chapter for the 69-year-old tech pioneer, who continues to balance his philanthropic work with personal fulfillment. Understanding the complexities of Gates’ marital history provides insight into both his personal evolution and the challenges faced by high-profile couples guiding immense wealth, public scrutiny, and differing life priorities.
Bill Gates (Image via Getty)
Bill Gates’ Current Relationship Status
Bill Gates is currently dating Paula Hurd , a 62-year-old philanthropist and businesswoman whom he has described as his “serious girlfriend”. The couple’s relationship became public in February 2023, though they had been spotted together at various sporting events since 2022, including the Laver Cup in September 2022 and the Australian Open in January 2023.
Paula Hurd brings her own impressive background to the relationship. She is the widow of Mark Hurd, the former CEO of Oracle and Hewlett-Packard, who passed away in 2019. Hurd is recognized for her philanthropic work, particularly with Baylor University, her late husband’s alma mater, and has experience in event planning and business. The couple has been seen together at high-profile events, including their red carpet debut at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in April 2024.
Gates has expressed genuine happiness about his current relationship, telling NBC’s TODAY show, “I’m lucky to have a serious girlfriend named Paula. We’re having fun, going to the Olympics and lots of great things”. He even acknowledged Hurd in his memoir “Source Code,” including her among the trusted friends who provided feedback during the writing process. Their relationship appears to be serious and committed, with Gates stating he has “moved past the divorce” and is enjoying this new phase of his life.
The Marriage to Melinda French Gates: A 27-Year Partnership
Bill Gates married Melinda French on January 1, 1994, at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Manele Golf Course on the Hawaiian Island of Lānaʻi. Their relationship began in 1987 when they met at a Microsoft trade fair in New York, where Melinda was working as a product manager. After six years of dating, during which Gates famously created a pro/con list about whether to propose, they decided to marry.
The couple built an extraordinary partnership that extended far beyond their personal relationship. Together, they founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000, which became one of the world’s largest charitable organizations focused on combating global poverty, disease, and inequality. They raised three children together: Jennifer (now 28), Rory (25), and Phoebe (22). Jennifer is married to Olympic equestrian Nayel Nassar, and the couple has blessed Bill and Melinda with two granddaughters.
During their marriage, Gates often credited Melinda with keeping him grounded during Microsoft’s explosive growth period. “When Melinda and I met, I was fairly successful but not ridiculously successful — that came during the time that we were together. So, she saw me through a lot,” Gates reflected. Their partnership was characterized by shared values in philanthropy and a commitment to using their wealth for global good, making their eventual separation all the more surprising to the public.
Bill Gates (Image via Getty)
The Divorce: Reasons and Aftermath
The Gates announced their divorce on May 3, 2021, after 27 years of marriage, though they had been privately separated for about a year prior. In their joint statement, they explained they could no longer “grow together as a couple in this next phase of life” but would continue collaborating on their philanthropic work.
Several factors contributed to their marriage’s breakdown. Jeffrey Epstein’s influence played a significant role, with Melinda expressing strong disapproval of Bill’s meetings with the convicted sex offender. “I did not like that he had meetings with Jeffrey Epstein, no. I made that clear to him,” Melinda stated in a CBS interview, describing Epstein as “abhorrent” and “evil personified”. She met Epstein once herself but “regretted it from the second I stepped in the door”.
Trust and honesty issues also plagued their relationship. Melinda revealed that Bill had acknowledged he “wasn’t always faithful” to her, and she emphasized that “both partners have to be honest with one another, and if you can’t, you can’t have intimacy and you can’t trust”. The lack of trust ultimately became insurmountable, leading to her decision to end the marriage.
The divorce process was emotionally devastating for both parties. Gates described it as “miserable for me and Melinda for at least two years,” while Melinda experienced panic attacks and sought therapy to cope with the stress. The divorce was finalized on August 2, 2021, with financial details remaining confidential, though it’s considered one of the most expensive divorces in history due to their massive wealth.
Financial Implications and Settlement
The Gates divorce stands as one of the most financially significant separations in history, primarily due to the couple’s estimated $130 billion net worth and the absence of a prenuptial agreement. Filed in Washington, a community property state, the divorce required equal division of assets acquired during their marriage under state law.
While specific financial details remain confidential due to a separation agreement, the settlement included the division of their substantial art collection valued at over several billion dollars, multiple properties, and various investments. Melinda received billions in the settlement, though exact figures have not been disclosed publicly. The couple’s approach to privacy during the proceedings meant that many terms remained sealed from public view.
The financial complexity extended beyond personal assets to their philanthropic empire. Following the divorce, Melinda stepped away from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, though both continue their charitable work separately. Gates expressed disappointment about her departure from the foundation, stating, “I was disappointed that she took the option to go off”.
Bill Gates (Image via Getty)
Current Co-Parenting and Professional Relationship
Despite their divorce, Bill and Melinda Gates maintain a functional relationship for the sake of their children and shared philanthropic interests. “Melinda and I still see each other — we have three kids and two grandchildren, so there are family events,” Gates explained. He describes their current relationship as “friendly” but notes they are not friends in the traditional sense, acknowledging that “there’s still healing that needs to happen”.
Both have moved on romantically while maintaining their co-parenting responsibilities. Melinda is currently in a relationship with Philip Vaughn, an entrepreneur and founder of Tavour, a craft beer delivery company. Meanwhile, Gates continues his relationship with Paula Hurd, expressing contentment with his current life situation.
The former couple’s ability to maintain civility has been crucial for their children’s well-being. Gates notes that “the kids are doing well” and “have good values,” suggesting their collaborative parenting approach has been successful despite the personal challenges they faced.
