Movie megastar turned politician Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife Maria Shriver have separated, they said in a statement to the Los Angeles Times.

The former California governor and Shriver -- a member of the Kennedy political dynasty -- have been living apart for a number of weeks, while they "work on the future" of their 25-year marriage, they said.

"This has been a time of great personal and professional transition for each of us," said the statement by the "Governator," who left office in January after seven years as California governor.

"After a great deal of thought, reflection, discussion and prayer, we came to this decision together. At this time, we are living apart while we work on the future of our relationship."

The LA Times added that 55-year-old Shriver, a daughter of the storied Democrat-leading Kennedy clan, had moved out of the couple's mansion in the upscale Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Austrian-born former bodybuilder Schwarzenegger, a Republican, has started to return to show business since he stepped down as governor, with plans for a "Governator" comic book and animated TV show.

Announcing the split, Schwarzenegger, 63, and Shriver said they were "continuing to parent our four children together. They are the light and the center of both of our lives.

"We consider this a private matter and neither we nor any of our friends or family will have further comment. We ask for compassion and respect from the media and the public."

A representative for Schwarzenegger did not immediately respond to a request for confirmation or further details.

Source:AFP