Patrick Schwarzenegger, the rising star of The White Lotus Season 3, recently revealed he once considered changing his famous last name to escape comparisons with his legendary father, Arnold Schwarzenegger. In a candid conversation for Variety’s Actors on Actors 2025 edition, Patrick opened up about the challenges of growing up in the shadow of one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars.
The 31-year-old actor admitted that early in his career, he thought about using an alias to avoid nepotism accusations. He shared that The White Lotus creator Mike White initially hesitated to cast him due to concerns about public perception. Patrick said, “Mike was worried about, if he cast me, what other people would think. Which they did—they did care about that; people said I got the role because of you and Mom.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger, known for iconic roles in The Terminator and Predator, responded with pride, saying, “I’m glad you kept the name, because now I can take credit.” He compared Patrick’s journey to that of Jamie Lee Curtis, who overcame the “nepotism baby” label to establish herself as a respected actor.
Patrick’s breakthrough role as Saxon Ratliff in The White Lotus Season 3 has finally given him recognition beyond his family name. The HBO series, set in Thailand, has been praised for its sharp satire and standout performances, with Patrick’s portrayal of a privileged yet troubled young man earning critical acclaim.
Before The White Lotus, Patrick had smaller roles in films like Grown Ups 2 and Midnight Sun, as well as a recurring part in Gen V, the spin-off of Amazon’s The Boys. His journey to stardom wasn’t instant—he worked for years in supporting roles before landing his breakout part.
Beyond acting, Patrick is also a successful entrepreneur. In 2020, he co-founded MOSH, a brain-health-focused protein bar company, with his mother, Maria Shriver. The brand has grown significantly, with sales reaching $12 million in 2024. Despite his business success, Patrick remains committed to acting, proving he’s more than just a famous last name.
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