Patrick Schwarzenegger finds claims he landed ‘The White Lotus’ role due to his parents ‘frustrating’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Patrick Schwarzenegger, who began his acting career at just 10 years old, has landed a starring role in 'The White Lotus' Season 3. 

After auditioning in 2023 and filming in 2024, Patrick’s casting quickly sparked claims that his famous parents, action star Arnold Schwarzenegger and Kennedy heir Maria Shriver, played a role in this.

Frustrated by the nepotism accusations, Patrick has spoken out, shutting down the claims and emphasizing that people often judge him based solely on his last name, rather than the hard work he's put into his acting career.

Patrick Schwarzenegger hits back at critics

Patrick Schwarzenegger has addressed critics who claim he landed his starring role in 'The White Lotus' Season 3 due to his famous parents. 

In an interview published by The Sunday Times on February 23, he voiced his frustration, saying, “I know there are people who’ll say I only got this role because of who my dad is.”

He went on to discuss the hard work he has put into his acting career, explaining, "They’re not seeing that I’ve had 10 years of acting classes … worked on my characters for hours on end or the hundreds of rejected auditions I’ve been on." 

He added, "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."

However, Patrick quickly put this frustration into perspective, sharing, “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.” 

Patrick previously told People for February's digital cover that he takes weekly acting classes and is always striving to find new ways to learn and grow in his craft.

Patrick’s career began with a debut in 2006’s 'The Benchwarmers' before he earned a college business degree. He later took on roles in films like 'Stuck in Love' in 2012 and 'Grown Ups 2' in 2013, as well as TV shows such as 'Scream Queens', 'Gen V', 'American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez', and 'The Staircase'.

Patrick Schwarzenegger recalls how his family encouraged him to audition for 'The White Lotus'

Patrick Schwarzenegger shared with People how his family encouraged him to audition for 'The White Lotus' Season 3. He recalled that after watching the first two seasons of the dark comedy, his family pushed him to pursue an audition. 

Patrick remembered his mother and sister’s conversation, saying, “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'."

After taking their advice, he auditioned and was cast in 2024.

In ‘The White Lotus' Season 3, Patrick plays Saxon Ratliff, the eldest son of Timothy, played by Jason Isaacs, and Victoria, played by Parker Rosey, who works for his father’s company.

Saxon, along with his parents and two siblings, is among the guests vacationing at a resort in Thailand, where they encounter trouble. Patrick described his character as a complete flirt and an alpha male.

The season’s main cast also includes Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, Walton Goggins, Lalisa Manobal, Michelle Monaghan, Lek Patravadi, Natasha Rothwell, Tayme Thapthimthong, and Aimee Lou Wood.

'The White Lotus' Season 3, which premiered on February 16, airs new episodes every Sunday at 9 pm ET on HBO and Max.