Patrick Schwarzenegger Says ‘It’s Frustrating’ That People Think He Got His Role onThe White LotusBecause of His Parents

Mar. 15, 2025

Patrick Schwarzenegger (right) with his dad, Arnold Schwarzenegger, on Feb. 10, 2025.Photo:CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty

CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty

Patrick Schwarzeneggeris responding to critics who claim that he secured his starring role onThe White Lotusseason 3because of his famous parents.

The 31-year-old actor — who is the son of action starArnold Schwarzenegger, 77, and Kennedy scionMaria Shriver, 69 — shared in an interview published inThe Sunday Timeson Feb. 23 that “it’s frustrating” when people judge him solely on his last name and not the work he’s put into his acting career.

“I know there are people who’ll say I only got this role because of who my dad is,” he told the outlet. “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.”

Patrick previously toldPEOPLE for February’s digital coverthat he takes weekly acting classes to continuously find ways “to learn and grow.”

“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,” he added toThe Sunday Times. “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.”

Kevin Winter/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty

Then, his family’s love forThe White Lotusemerged. Patrick recalled to PEOPLE how his family watched the first two seasons of the dark comedy series together before they encouraged him to audition for the third season.

“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,‘ ” he added.

Patrick auditioned in 2023, got cast and then filmed season 3 in 2024.

Patrick Schwarzenegger in ‘The White Lotus’ season 3.Fabio Lovino/HBO

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Patrick told PEOPLE that Saxon is a “complete flirt” and an “alpha male.”

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This 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 Lotusseason 3, which premiered on Feb. 16, airs new episodes every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

source: people.com