Patrick Schwarzenegger, born September 18, 1993, is the eldest son of actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and journalist Maria Shriver. At 31, he’s often labeled a “nepo baby” — but insists his career wasn’t handed to him.
He’s spent over a decade in acting classes, auditioned hundreds of times, and faced rejection long before landing his big roles. “It’s frustrating… I’ve had 10 years of acting classes and hundreds of rejected auditions,” Patrick told The Times of India. Still, he acknowledges the privilege of his background while emphasizing the work he’s put in.
The “White Lotus Scene” That Got Everyone Talking
Patrick Schwarzenegger portrayal of Saxon Ratliff in The White Lotus Season 3 (2025) has been one of his most talked-about roles to date:
- Full nude scene: Patrick shocked viewers (and his dad) with a bold, fully nude moment to highlight Saxon’s dominant, unapologetic nature — something he said was “very much this character.”
- Controversial kiss & threesome: His character shares an incestuous kiss and a threesome scene that intentionally made audiences squirm. The show’s producers leaned into ambiguity, leaving viewers debating the morality and intent of these moments. Patrick called it “crazy, hilarious, absurd.”
- Even Arnold Schwarzenegger weighed in: “I was so excited… I could pretend to be surprised that he has a nude scene… the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
Patrick Schwarzenegger Movie & Tv Show
Patrick’s career has been on a steady climb, with notable appearances in both TV and film:
| Year | Project | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | The Staircase (HBO miniseries) | Todd Peterson |
| 2023 | Gen V (Prime Video, The Boys spin-off) | Luke Riordan / Golden Boy |
| 2024 | American Sports Story (TV) | TBA |
| 2025 | The White Lotus Season 3 | Saxon Ratliff |
He’s also expressed interest in doing an action film with his father, saying: “I definitely want to do it… I’ve talked to my dad about it.”
Audience & Critical Reception
Fans from reddit have praised his performance in The White Lotus:
“Patrick Schwarzenegger is absolutely CRUSHING the role… He’s slaying the acting.”
“His character has become one of the most compelling for sure… He absolutely elevated his whole game.”
While the “nepo baby” tag follows him, viewers are starting to see him as more than just Arnold’s son — he’s proving his acting chops in bold and risky roles.
Patrick Schwarzenegger has turned the “nepo baby” conversation on its head, showing that talent, dedication, and taking creative risks can redefine a career. With The White Lotus Season 3 shaking things up, plus projects like Gen V and The Staircase, he’s not just in Hollywood because of his last name — he’s here to make his own mark.
