Maria Shriver

Maria Shriver by Gage Skidmore

Maria Shriver
Born	Maria Owings Shriver Birth date -1st March 1966 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation	Journalist, author
Years active	1977–present
Children	4, including Katherine Schwarzenegger
Parent(s)	Sargent Shriver (father)
Relatives	Kennedy family

Maria Owings Shriver (born November 6, 1955) is an American journalist, author, and former First Lady of California. She is a member of the Kennedy family, being the daughter of Sargent Shriver and Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Shriver has received a Peabody Award and was co-anchor for NBC's Emmy Award-winning coverage of the 1988 Summer Olympics. She is also known for her work as a correspondent for Dateline NBC.

Early life and education

Maria Shriver was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Sargent Shriver and Eunice Kennedy Shriver. She is a niece of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, and Robert F. Kennedy, a former United States Attorney General. Shriver attended Manhattanville College and later transferred to Georgetown University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies.

Career

Journalism

Shriver began her career in journalism at CBS station KYW-TV in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She later joined NBC News in 1986, where she served as a correspondent and anchor for various programs, including NBC Nightly News, Dateline NBC, and The Today Show. Shriver's work in journalism has earned her several awards, including a Peabody Award and multiple Emmy Awards.

Author

In addition to her journalism career, Shriver is a best-selling author. She has written several books, including Ten Things I Wish I'd Known Before I Went Out Into the Real World and What's Heaven?. Her books often focus on themes of personal growth, spirituality, and family.

First Lady of California

Shriver served as the First Lady of California from 2003 to 2011 during the tenure of her then-husband, Arnold Schwarzenegger, the 38th Governor of California. In this role, she was an advocate for various social causes, including women's rights, poverty alleviation, and support for individuals with disabilities. She also spearheaded the creation of the California Hall of Fame.

Personal life

Maria Shriver married Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1986, and they have four children: Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher. The couple separated in 2011 and finalized their divorce in 2021. Shriver is also known for her philanthropic work, particularly in the areas of Alzheimer's disease research and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Legacy and honors

Shriver has been recognized for her contributions to journalism, literature, and public service. She has received numerous awards and honors, including a Peabody Award, multiple Emmy Awards, and the Shriver Report, a multi-platform nonprofit media initiative that seeks to modernize America's relationship to women.

See also

• Kennedy family
• Sargent Shriver
• Eunice Kennedy Shriver
• Arnold Schwarzenegger
• California Hall of Fame