Patrick Schwarzenegger reacts to ‘frustrating’ nepotism rumours

Patrick Schwarzenegger sat down for an interview with The Sunday Times where he responded to the speculation that he got his role in The White Lotus through the influence of his parents, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver.

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

Speaking to People, he admitted that he takes weekly acting classes to continue growing, “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. 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.”

He also recalled how his family had watched the first two season of The White Lotus together before they encouraged him to audition for it, “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,‘“

Who does Patrick Schwarzenegger play in ‘The White Lotus’?

He plays the affluent and provocative guest staying at the White Lotus resort in Thailand, Saxon Ratliff. 

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