Patrick Schwarzenegger is making his mark in the entertainment world, notably with his role in the third season of *The White Lotus*. As the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger, he has embraced the industry with determination and hard work, mentored by figures like Jason Isaacs. Patrick’s recent projects include *The Staircase* and *Gen V*, showcasing his growth as an actor. He emphasizes his desire to build his own career while cherishing the familial connections formed on set.
For over four decades, the name Schwarzenegger has resonated through popular culture. Now, Patrick Schwarzenegger is carving out his own niche in the entertainment industry, a realm he’s been familiar with since his youth. Recently, he celebrated the premiere of the highly anticipated third season of *The White Lotus*, the cult-favorite HBO series that many in Hollywood aspire to be part of. Proudly sharing the moment, his father, Arnold Schwarzenegger, posted on Instagram, *’What a series! I could pretend to be surprised to learn that he has a nude scene, but what can I say? He takes after his father. Don’t miss it, believe me,’* as he posed alongside Patrick on the red carpet.
Lessons from Dad: ‘Determination and Hard Work’
As the third child of Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger, the former governor of California, Patrick had a world of opportunities at his fingertips. Yet, he chose to follow in the footsteps of the Terminator himself. Patrick made his acting debut in the comedy *The Rebound of Losers* during his teenage years, even though his character lacked a name. This initial foray reassured him of his aspirations to pursue acting. He shared, *’He gave me tons of advice about the acting profession, starting with determination and hard work.’*
Taking a deliberate approach, Patrick waited six years before returning to the screen, taking on roles in series like Ryan Murphy’s *Scream Queens*. In 2016, he graduated from the prestigious University of Southern California with a degree in Cinematic Arts, majoring in entrepreneurship and minoring in film. His striking smile and engaging demeanor caught the eye of IMG, leading to modeling opportunities. He played a heartfelt role in *Midnight Sun* and starred in the feminist teen film *Moxie* on Netflix.
A Supportive Big Brother on Set
In 2022, Patrick’s career gained significant momentum. He portrayed the son of Colin Firth in the miniseries *The Staircase*, based on a true story. He also starred alongside his brother-in-law Chris Pratt in the action series *The Terminal List* and took on the role of a superhero student in *Gen V*, a spinoff of *The Boys*. When the chance to audition for *The White Lotus* arose, Patrick kept it under wraps until the last moment, revealing to his mother that he would be spending several months in Thailand.
His followers on Instagram were delighted by the video capturing this revelation. In *The White Lotus*, Patrick plays Saxon Ratliff, a wealthy young man with a fixation on indulgence. His character stands out as particularly troublesome, embodying the ‘annoying’ sibling stereotype. Off the screen, Patrick took on a nurturing role for his co-stars, Sarah Catherine Hook and Sam Nivola, stating, *’I think we all played that role during the seven months of filming.’*
Patrick appreciates the value of mentorship, citing Jason Isaacs, who portrayed Draco Malfoy in *Harry Potter*, as a guiding figure during filming. He recalled, *’We created a real family dynamic to the point that after the third or fourth week, the show’s creator Mike White invited me to dinner. I told him I was already having dinner with my family.’* This sense of connection was evident as they worked together, mirroring the complexities of family dynamics.
Reflecting on the possibility of acting alongside his legendary father, Patrick expressed, *’It would be great to have the opportunity to work with him one day. I wanted to focus on building my own resume and start by working without him.’* His commitment to establishing his own career path is commendable.
During his time in Thailand, Patrick also discovered the locals’ affinity for spicy food, humorously noting, *’That was the biggest lesson; the level is much higher than what we have in America.’* With a promising career trajectory already in motion, it’s clear that Patrick Schwarzenegger’s journey in the entertainment industry will continue to be vibrant and full of exciting challenges.
Don’t miss the latest episodes of *The White Lotus*, airing every Monday starting February 17 on Max!