Arnold Schwarzenegger, who turned 78 on Tuesday, has been quietly dating physical therapist Heather Milligan for over ten years, keeping their relationship largely out of the spotlight. The Hollywood star, famously married to Maria Shriver for 25 years before their divorce following his affair with Mildred Baena, has found lasting love with Milligan, 50.
Milligan is the founder of Elite OrthoSport Physical Therapy & Performance, one of Los Angeles' largest physical therapy clinics. She holds an MBA from the University of Nevada Las Vegas and has 20 years of experience as a physical therapist, along with a background as a competitive gymnast. The pair met in 2012 after Schwarzenegger underwent shoulder surgery, recommended by his surgeon to see Milligan for rehabilitation.
In a 2023 interview with People, Schwarzenegger recalled being told: 'There's only one, it's Heather – any athlete, I always send them to her, because she's the only one that really knows what they're talking about.' After his therapy ended, he invited her to lunch to say thank you, and 'one thing led to the next,' he added.
The couple have maintained a low profile but were last seen together in June at the premiere of Schwarzenegger's series FUBAR in Los Angeles. Milligan is reportedly close with his five children. Speaking on the New Heights podcast, Schwarzenegger praised her expertise in sports, noting she treats many athletes and is 'a fanatic about sports, especially about football.' In 2023, he gushed: 'We have so many things in common. I think the world of her. She’s clearly independent. She just is driven as hell.'
