Patrick Schwarzenegger Addresses Nepotism Claims Head-On
Patrick Schwarzenegger is pushing back against critics who claim he landed his role in The White Lotus season 3 because of his famous parents. The 31-year-old actor, son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, admitted that it’s frustrating when people assume he hasn’t worked hard for his success.
“I know there are people who’ll say I only got this role because of who my dad is,” Patrick shared in an interview with The Sunday Times. “They’re not seeing that I’ve had 10 years of acting classes… worked on my characters for hours, or the hundreds of rejected auditions I’ve been on.”
Despite the criticism, Patrick is proud of his journey. He previously told PEOPLE that he takes weekly acting classes to continue improving. “Of course, it’s frustrating, and you can get boxed in…,” he admitted.
“But that’s a small moment. I would never trade my life with anyone. I’m very fortunate to have the life and family that I have, the parents I have and the lessons and values they’ve instilled in me,” he added.
Patrick’s acting career started early, landing his first role at age 10 in 2006’s The Benchwarmers. He later pursued a business degree in college while acting in films like Stuck in Love and Grown Ups 2. His television credits include roles in Scream Queens, Gen V, American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez, and The Staircase.
His family has always been big fans of The White Lotus, and they encouraged him to audition for season 3. “Every time we would watch the show … my mom was always like, ‘Why haven’t you auditioned for this? Why didn’t you go out for this?’ And my sister’s like, ‘You need to call your agents right now. This is ridiculous that you’re not on the show, that you didn’t even audition,‘” Patrick recalled.
In 2023, he auditioned, got the part, and filmed the third season in 2024. Patrick plays Saxon Ratliff, the eldest son of Timothy (Jason Isaacs) and Victoria (Parker Posey), who works for his father’s company. Saxon and his family are among the guests at a luxurious resort in Thailand, where trouble soon follows.
Patrick describes Saxon as a “complete flirt” and an “alpha male.” This season’s cast also features Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, Lalisa Manobal, Michelle Monaghan, Lek Patravadi, Natasha Rothwell, Tayme Thapthimthong, and Aimee Lou Wood.
