Maria Shriver Talks To Oprah About Being First Lady: "I Cried A Lot... I Still Cry"

Maria Shriver told Oprah Wednesday that she was a reluctant First Lady of California, and felt "lost" when she left her job as a journalist after her husband Arnold Schwarzenegger took charge in California.

"I thought I was supposed to do what they told," Shriver told Oprah.

The daughter of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver, Maria had a successful career as a journalist before her husband entered politics. Shriver worked as as an anchor and reporter for CBS News and NBC News before serving as a contributing anchor on Dateline NBC from 1989 to 2004.

To avoid a conflict of interest, Shriver left NBC News when her husband took office.

"I was happy being a journalist," Shriver told Oprah. "I didn't realize losing my job, my identity went with it."

"I lost myself in the process, and I realized how much I had identified myself with Maria Shriver, newswoman," she said. "When that was gone, I had to really sit back and go, 'Well, actually, who am I today?'

She added that the emotional effects of feeling "lost" still cause her to cry some days.

Watch the exchange with Oprah:

Comments

[molly2007]

You've got to be kidding me. With the economy the way it is and men dying in Iraq everyday I have no sympathy for this privalaged woman. No wonder Oprahs show is sinking. One more elitest that we should ignore.

[MouthFountain]

It's hard to identify with people different than ourselves. Perhaps, the concept of sympathy would help us all, the next time we want somebody to identify with us.

Having kids, losing jobs, being first lady... they all have their challenges. Get a grip and and try to find the commonality between us. Odds are she, or most people, don't have to give a sh*t about you either.

[ENK727]

I couldn't agree more... watching this clip made me nautious. She's got it so rough...

[SharonB]

Good GOD! I am heart broken for poor Maria Shriver!
Who cares about the people in California who cannot afford a home of their own because the real estate prices are so over-inflated you have to be a millionare to afford a 1200 sq ft house in El Segundo????
Who cares about women who cannot find a job because she cannot afford daycare??????
Who cares about the teenager who cannot afford to get a job because he can't afford the gas it takes to drive to that job???
Who cares about parnets whose sons and daughters are risking life and limb in Iraq????
I don't care about any of them they are just pathetic nobodies. Maria Shriver feels lost without her face on the tv as a "reporter". OH THEY HUMANITY!!!!!!!!!
Get serious, Maria. What on earth is wrong with you? There are millions of women who manage to feel fulfilled in life and we have never been on tv. You will live.

[Killa4luv]

Amen, get over yourself. Get a therapist, get a freaking hobby.
There are millions of woman raising kids alone, and working
who dont even have time to cry, and I'm a man saying this. Get
over yourself. Oh it hurt so much to be the first lady.

[happydayz]

I actually feel bad for Maria, and I like her. When politicians climb the ladder, wives make so many sacrifices, in her case, regardless of her wealth and family fame, she had to give up her entire career. Imagine as a woman who worked so hard how that would feel. I feel sympathy for you. Go Maria! When Arnold retires from politics, I hope you go back into the newsroom, you're a role model!

[JustanAmericanview]

The more I see her the more I like her. She had done a lot with here life before she married, and has managed to keep her political integrity, as she supports Senator Obama for President. If the Governor could, I really think he would to. He is not your typical head in the sand California Republican. He has certainly done his share of pandering though. I trust her political insights way more than his.

[enoughalready13]

This is the dumbest story - super privileged women complaining and boo-hooing - I have zero sympathy.

[Steverino46]

I know it's hard to understand or to believe deep down, but the wealthy can be just miserable as the poor.

Everybody thinks that they would be happier with more money...bu­t that's proven to be untrue.

I know SO many rich people who are totally screwed up.

Rich or poor, everyone needs fulfillment in their lives. Material things don't make up for that.

[rlspear3]

I don't believe she is looking for your approval or your sympathy. Many non-privileged people may relate to her experience of losing part of her identity when giving up her own career to support her husband's.

[GeoLee]

Why did she give up her career for Arnold's dream? I suspect she could still be working if she wanted to. There is absolutely nothing in the job description of the Governor that says the wife has to be byhis side doing...wh­atever. For crissake, Jerry Brown was not even married when he was Governor. Go back to work somewhere or quit your griping, lady. It is a choice you made. It is a choice you can undo.