The Way They Were: 30 Years of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver in Photos

America awoke today to the news that one of its preeminent and most enduring power couples, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, had separated after 25 years of marriage. They'd been a dedicated item for years before that as well -- the seeming odd pairing of Austrian bodybuilding supremacy and Kennedy family offspring, the blockbuster action star and his newswoman betrothed. They'd eventually be the Governor and First Lady of California. Not long after that, alas, they'd be done for.

To the extent we want them, details about their separation will no doubt emerge in the weeks and months ahead. Meanwhile, a browse through the photographic record illustrates a strange, exhilarating and ultimately sad trajectory of one of the most famous and accomplished couples of their generation.

Check out Movieline's slideshow here.