Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver: Behind the split

(CBS News) 

A Hollywood and political dynasty is ending.

Bodybuilder-turned-actor-turned-governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver, say they are separating after a quarter century of marriage.

As CBS News National Correspondent Ben Tracy reported on "The Early Show," they were all smiles as recently as Saturday, when they celebrated the graduation of their nephew. But -- Shriver wasn't wearing her wedding ring.

Pictures" Maria Shriver
Pictures: Celebrity splits
Pictures: Children of Camelot

"They have been leading rather separate lives" since Schwarzenegger's term as California governor ended," says TheWrap.com Editor in Chief Sharon Waxman. " ... What has emerged is that Maria has chosen to leave their Brentwood (California) home."

Schwarzeneger, Shriver separating
Arnold Schwarzenegger to return to "Terminator"

The quintessential California power couple entered a new phase of their marriage when Schwarzenegger was elected Governor. But since his term ended, the two have been apart more than they've been together, Tracy says. Schwarzenegger has been making plans to re-start his film career with another "Terminator" movie. And Shriver worked as an editor at Oprah Winfrey's magazine while considering her future career options.

In a March 28 YouTube video, Shriver says, "It's so stressful to not know what you're doing next. I'd like to hear from other people in transition -- personal, professional, emotional, spiritual, financial. How did you get through it?"

The couple issued a joint statement announcing their separation, saying in part, "This has been a time of great personal and professional transition for each of us... We ask for compassion and respect from the media and the public."

They said nothing about divorce -- only that they are living apart while they work on the future of their relationship.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger

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[nb8189]

This year so many high profile men have been cheating on their wives. I wonder if it is because of social media and our inter-connectedness on the web that all this is coming out in to the open. The song "A Real Man" by Agnes-Nicole seems to be a perfect fit for this situation and exactly what all these women need!

[katiedid1950katiedid1950]

I am sick and tired of these men that take the best years of these women's lives ... how would they feel if it were done to them?? What is wrong with them??? They must be socially & emotionally demented somehow at birth ... OR, feel insufficient somehow ... maybe the Kennedy name intimidated him!! He needs a psychiatrist ... therapy!! Never liked him NOR did I ever see one of his movies - he was always kind of a weirdo in my book!! Sorry Arnold ... you will not be back!!!!! And, Maria ... take this as a sign from both your Mom & Dad to move on!

[Damari44]

I am sorry I voted for him. I had written him for help once, only to get false letters of hope. I guess he was too busy being a jerk. What a poor excuse for a man. I say we boycott all future films and investigate his post as a governor. When I needed help with Jeff Ursino, he must have just laught about it. That guy, Jeff Ursino is also scum, with no regards for a working mother. Google his name and read all about. Damari Stratford, I will keep you in my prayers

[marvinthemoth]

Maria may want to insert a house into his buttocks:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/pajaroentertainmentltd/maria-shriver-may-want-to-shove-a-house-up-arnold-31ii

[pfrancis42]

I think that separation in families are very hard but sometimes necessary for the couple to clear the air of any complications that may be confronting them at the time. For this couple they are very prominent people in our communities and I respect their decision, children have a tendency to be take sides but if the parents are sincere about the welfare of their children they will do what is best for them all. I pray that God will continue to give wisdom, knowledge and understanding to both Maria and Arnold as they go their separate ways at this time and give them a peace that only God can give. Stay away from the negativity and remain positive, see the guidance of the God and creator of the universe, He is the answer to all our problems.

[ccccarlos]

This is junk news. Who cares?

[Celina485]

Wow, I can only imagine how Maria feels. Now displaced in more ways than one, and probably by now she's also been "replaced".

[jwilsonte]

SHE deserves better he is a sick man . Guess she stayed till he left gov. job . hes nothing but a roid FREAK!!!!!!

[babooph]

With their $$,& lifestyle,how would even they know there was now a separation-why bother?

[Deardj]

Makes one wonder what serving in public office really does to marriages. I hope that President and Mrs. Obama hold to their relationship with God; and, keep Him first in all that they do; so that the pressures of the public service will not tear up their family life.

Danita