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Arnold Schwarzenegger and Patrick Schwarzenegger© Maya Dehlin Spach

Arnold's son Patrick Schwarzenegger says he 'worked' hard on 'White Lotus' role amid 'frustrating' claims he got the job due to his dad

“I’m very fortunate to have the life and family that I have," he added.


Daniel Neira
Daniel Neira - Los Angeles
Senior WriterLos Angeles
FEBRUARY 25, 2025 1:44 PM EST

Patrick Schwarzenegger is opening up about his hard work and dedication following the comments that claim he was given his latest role due to his dad's name in the entertainment business. The son of Maria Shiver and Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in season 3 of the fan-favorite series 'The White Lotus,' following his role in 'The Boys' spin-off series 'Gen V.'

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Patrick Schwarzenegger attend the Los Angeles Premiere of HBO Original Series "The White Lotus" Season 3© Emma McIntyre
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Patrick Schwarzenegger attend the Los Angeles Premiere of HBO Original Series "The White Lotus" Season 3

Patrick plays Saxton Ratliff, described as the privileged son of a corporate criminal, and the 31-year-old actor wants to make it clear that he got the job after dedicating his life to the craft. 

“I know there are people who’ll say I only got this role because of who my dad is,” Patrick told The Sunday Times in an interview published Feb. 23. “They’re not seeing that I’ve had 10 years of acting classes, put on school plays every week, worked on my characters for hours on end or the hundreds of rejected auditions I’ve been on.”

Patrick Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver arrive at the Los Angeles Premiere Of HBO Original Series "The White Lotus" Season 3 © Maya Dehlin Spach
Patrick Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver arrive at the Los Angeles Premiere Of HBO Original Series "The White Lotus" Season 3

Patrick described the claims as "frustrating" and says he sometimes wishes he did not have his last name. "Of course, it’s frustrating and you can get boxed in and you think at that moment, I wish I didn’t have my last name. But that’s a small moment," he said to the publication.

Abby Champion, Christina Schwarzenegger, Chris Pratt, Katherine Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver and Patrick Schwarzenegger © Michael Kovac
Abby Champion, Christina Schwarzenegger, Chris Pratt, Katherine Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver and Patrick Schwarzenegger

“I would never trade my life with anyone,” Schwarzenegger continued. “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.” Patrick also told People that he continues to "learn and grow" and takes weekly acting classes. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Patrick Schwarzenegger attend the European Premiere of "The Last Stand" on January 22, 2013 in London, England.  © Gareth Cattermole
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Patrick Schwarzenegger attend the European Premiere of "The Last Stand" on January 22, 2013 in London, England.

However, the actor explained that his love for acting comes from seeing his dad on set. “Going to set with my dad, that’s where my first love for acting came from,” Schwarzenegger said. “He would always pull me out of school early. I would get to go to Universal Studios — I’d watch him go in as Dad, come out as Mr. Freeze. I would sit there all day and just be fascinated with everything about film.”

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