Patrick Schwarzenegger Addresses Rumors About Landing Role in White Lotus Thanks to His Parents
Patrick Schwarzenegger is dispelling rumors suggesting that his well-known parents, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, played a role in him getting cast in the third season of The White Lotus.
“I understand that some people might think I only got this part because of my dad,” Patrick, 31, stated in an interview with The Sunday Times on February 23. “They are overlooking the fact that I’ve dedicated 10 years to acting classes, performed in school plays weekly, honed my characters for hours, and gone through hundreds of auditions that didn’t pan out.”
He continued, “Sure, it can be frustrating and make you feel boxed in, and there are moments when I wish I didn’t have my last name. But that’s just a fleeting thought. I would never change my life for anyone else. I’m so grateful for my life, my family, and the lessons and values they’ve taught me.”
Ex-spouses Arnold, 77, and Shriver, 69, were wed from 1986 until 2011, during which they raised children Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher. (Additionally, Arnold has a son Joseph Baena with Mildred “Patty” Baena, whom he fathered during his marriage to Shriver.)
Despite Arnold and Shriver’s separation, they maintain a close family bond.
“I spend a lot of time with my family,” Patrick shared with The Times. “I live just a few minutes away from my dad.”
In fact, Arnold, Shriver, and most of Patrick’s siblings showed their support at the official White Lotus premiere earlier this month. Patrick portrays Saxton in the third season of the HBO anthology series, which is set in Thailand and created by Mike White.
“I thought, ‘There’s no way I’m going to get this, everybody is up for this.’ I’ve been an avid fan of the show since it premiered,” Patrick reminisced. “This was my dream role; I believe I manifested it.”
Patrick discovered he got the role just under a week after proposing to his long-term girlfriend, Abby Champion.
“I was like, ‘Oops, sorry, but I have to leave for the next seven months, so we’ll have to postpone the wedding until next year,’” he humorously recounted to the British publication.
Prior to filming White Lotus, Patrick revamped his fitness regimen—often training at the gym with his father, Arnold—to prepare for his role as Saxton.
“My dad and I work out together whenever possible,” the actor noted in Sunday’s article. “Recently, while filming in Toronto, we stayed at the same hotel and worked out together daily. People on social media who aren’t fond of me say, ‘Why aren’t you bodybuilding?’ Everyone seems to have their own expectations, but he has certainly influenced my life.”
Patrick already acknowledged his family’s influence during an exclusive chat with Us Weekly last year.
“Family remains a top priority for me, even as we grow older,” Patrick told Us in September 2024. “It’s wonderful to introduce new members, whether it’s my fiancée or Katherine with her husband, [Chris Pratt], and so forth. Our dinners often include additional guests.”
According to Patrick, his mother organizes weekly meals for their whole family.
“It’s like an open invitation for friends and family, which provides a great opportunity for everyone to gather,” he added. “In this fast-paced world, where everyone is busy with work, kids, and travel, it’s a lovely moment to come together and enjoy each other’s company.”
