Maria Shriver has an estimated net worth of $200 million, thanks to her extensive career in journalism, her connection to the Kennedy family, and a significant divorce settlement from Arnold Schwarzenegger. As a former First Lady of California and an accomplished author and producer, Shriver has earned both public admiration and substantial wealth.
Early Life and Kennedy Legacy
Born on November 6, 1955, in Chicago, Illinois, Maria Shriver is the daughter of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver. That makes her the niece of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Senator Ted Kennedy. Raised Roman Catholic, Maria attended high school in Maryland before earning a B.A. in American Studies from Georgetown University.
Career in Journalism and Media
Shriver began her journalism career at KYW-TV in Philadelphia, then moved to CBS News, where she co-anchored the CBS Morning News. She later joined NBC News, reporting for Dateline and hosting Sunday Today. Over the years, she won multiple Emmy and Peabody Awards for her work.
She returned to journalism after her time as California’s First Lady, later becoming a special anchor at NBC, focusing on women’s issues and social change. Shriver also launched The Sunday Paper, a digital newsletter that shares thought leadership on empowerment and purpose.
Outside traditional media, she has authored bestselling books, including:
- Ten Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Went Out Into The Real World
- I’ve Been Thinking
- Just Who Will You Be?
Divorce Settlement and Real Estate Assets
Shriver married Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1986 and had four children, including Katherine Schwarzenegger, who is married to actor Chris Pratt. In 2011, they separated after it was revealed Arnold had fathered a child with the family maid. Their divorce was finalized in 2017.
According to reports, Maria received up to $200 million in the divorce. This significant figure was tied to Arnold’s net worth, which was estimated at more than double hers at the time.
Post-divorce, Shriver invested in real estate, including:
- $10 million Brentwood mansion (11,000 sq. ft.)
- $12.2 million adjoining property purchased in 2022
- An earlier $4.8 million family estate still occupied by Schwarzenegger
She also considered gifting homes to her children after they completed college.
Kennedy Family Wealth
Being a direct descendant of the Kennedy dynasty, Maria benefits from family trusts and inherited assets. She earns dividends from Vornado Realty Trust and Vornado Realty Inc., each valued at around $7.5 million. The Kennedy family has reportedly received over $170 million in dividends since 1998 alone.
Their wealth is managed through carefully structured investment vehicles that allow tax advantages and long-term wealth accumulation.
Philanthropy and Advocacy

Maria has long championed Alzheimer’s awareness, women’s rights, and mental health. While First Lady of California, she organized The Women’s Conference, the nation’s premier forum for women. She also executive-produced The Alzheimer’s Project, a four-part HBO documentary that raised national awareness about the disease.
Summary: Maria Shriver Net Worth
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $200 Million |
| Profession | Journalist, Author, Producer |
| Major Roles | First Lady of California, NBC Anchor |
| Kennedy Ties | Niece of JFK, cousin to RFK Jr. |
| Real Estate | Properties in Brentwood, LA |
| Marital Status | Divorced from Arnold Schwarzenegger |
| Children | 4, including Katherine Schwarzenegger |








