Patrick Schwarzenegger Pushes Back on ‘Nepo Baby’ Claims After Breakout Role in The White Lotus: “It’s Frustrating”
Patrick Schwarzenegger is making headlines — and not just for his standout performance in The White Lotus Season 3. The 30-year-old actor, who plays the provocative and privileged Saxton Ratliff, is speaking out about the ongoing “nepo baby” discourse, and how it feels to have his hard-earned work overshadowed by his famous last name.
“I know there are people who’ll say I only got this role because of who my dad is,” Schwarzenegger told The Sunday Times. “They’re not seeing that I’ve had 10 years of acting classes… or the hundreds of rejected auditions I’ve been on.”
The son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and journalist Maria Shriver, Patrick says he’s no stranger to the assumptions that follow him. But while he acknowledges the privilege he’s been born into, he insists that his path into acting hasn’t been handed to him.
“Of course, it’s frustrating… and you think at that moment, ‘I wish I didn’t have my last name.’ But that’s a small moment. I would never trade my life with anyone.”
A Decade in the Making
Now two episodes into the new season of HBO’s hit anthology, Patrick has already emerged as one of the show’s breakout stars. His character — a cocksure, chaotic son of a disgraced corporate titan — spends much of his screen time pushing boundaries, emotionally and physically, with one already-viral nude scene lighting up social media.
Still, Patrick wants viewers to understand this didn’t happen overnight.
“I put on school plays every week. I still take weekly acting classes,” he revealed, adding that he’s constantly pushing himself “to learn and grow.”
His Famous Father — and First Inspiration
Despite wanting to forge his own path, Patrick gives credit where it’s due. Watching his father work is what first sparked his passion for the screen.
“Going to set with my dad, that’s where my first love for acting came from,” he said. “He would pull me out of school early. I’d watch him go in as Dad and come out as Mr. Freeze.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger, proud as ever, was front and center at The White Lotus Season 3 premiere, walking the red carpet alongside his son. The Terminator icon even joked about Patrick’s now-famous scene, posting on Instagram:
“I could claim to be surprised to find out he has a nude scene, but what can I say – the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
More Than a Last Name
While Patrick Schwarzenegger isn’t naive about the doors his name can open, he wants the industry — and audiences — to see what’s beyond that.
“It’s easy to dismiss people in my position,” he said. “But I’m doing the work. I’m proud of that.”
With his White Lotus arc gaining steam and critical praise already pouring in, Schwarzenegger is proving that name recognition may open a door — but talent is what keeps you in the room.