Patrick Schwarzenegger Joins the Nepo-Baby Conversation: What It Means for Legacy and Opportunity

A new season of The White Lotus is here, bringing fresh faces to the screen. One standout is Patrick Schwarzenegger, who takes on the role of Saxon Ratliff, a bold and carefree frat boy from North Carolina. In a recent chat, Patrick opened up about the challenges of being in the spotlight, especially with such famous parents. His dad is Arnold Schwarzenegger, a well-known actor and former California governor, while his mom, Maria Shriver, is a bestselling author and the niece of John F. Kennedy.

Patrick expressed the frustration he feels when people think he owes his success to his family name. He shared, “I know there are people who’ll say I only got this role because of who my dad is. They’re not seeing that I’ve had ten years of acting classes, put on high school plays every week, and worked on my characters for hours on end.” Those countless auditions, many of which resulted in rejection, have shaped his career.

While he understands why some might see it this way, he admitted it can be tough. “It’s frustrating, and sometimes I wish I didn’t have my last name,” he said. “But that’s just a small moment. I’m grateful for my life and the values my parents have taught me.”

Watching Patrick breathe life into Saxon, the carefree southern character, makes it clear that his training has paid off. He truly captures the essence of the role, making it believable and entertaining.