Patrick Schwarzenegger, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver’s son, has recently spoken out about allegations of nepotism after he was cast in the third season of HBO’s hit series, The White Lotus. In the show, which premiered its third season on February 16, 2025, Patrick plays Saxon Ratliff, the spoiled son of an affluent family staying at a high-end resort in Thailand.
While his family is famous, Patrick reiterates that he achieved the role through sheer effort and determination, not due to his relations.
In a candid interview with The Sunday Times, Patrick bemoaned how people assumed he became successful simply because of who his father was. “I know there are people who’ll say I only got this role because of who my dad is,” he said.
“They’re not looking at the fact that I’ve had ten years of acting training, performed in school plays every week, spent hours developing my characters, or the hundreds of auditions I’ve been on and been rejected.” While admitting to the occasional difficulty his surname causes, he went on, “Of course, it’s frustrating, and you can get pigeonholed, and you think at that moment, I wish I didn’t have my last name.
But that’s a fleeting moment.” In the end, Patrick was thankful for the support of his family and the values they taught him. “I wouldn’t trade my life with anybody,” he testified. “I feel very lucky to have the life and family I have, the parents that I have, and the teachings and values that they’ve shared with me.”
The White Lotus Season 3, which is based in Thailand, follows the show’s pattern of satirizing the existence of wealthy guests at the fictional White Lotus resorts.
Patrick’s character, Saxon Ratliff, is shown to be an entitled man whose behavior helps to advance the show’s exploration of privilege and moral gray areas. The supporting cast features talented actors like Jason Isaacs and Parker Posey, who play Saxon’s parents.
In regards to the contentious issue of nepotism within Hollywood, Patrick’s remarks join the larger dialogue on the benefits and drawbacks of those with celebrity family ties.
Although some purport that network access can grant one opportunity, others stress that ability, effort, and stick-to-it-iveness are responsible for success. Patrick’s decade-long dedication to refining his talent supports his zeal to create a name for himself in the film business.
As The White Lotus continues to fascinate viewers with its biting social commentary and intricate characters, Patrick Schwarzenegger’s acting as Saxon Ratliff contributes depth to the series’ exploration of issues of today. It airs on HBO, and episodes released each week are available for streaming on Max.
Ultimately, Patrick Schwarzenegger’s reaction to the 2019 allegations of nepotism shows his commitment to his career as an actor and his desire to be recognized for his own work. His appearance in The White Lotus represents his commitment to honing his craft and trying to find his own niche in Hollywood, away from his family’s shadow.
