Additional Coverage:
Patrick Schwarzenegger, son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, recently addressed the “nepo baby” label in an interview with the Sunday Times, expressing frustration over assumptions that his role in the popular HBO series White Lotus was solely due to his famous parents. While acknowledging the advantages his family name provides, Schwarzenegger defended his dedication to acting, citing years of training, character development, and numerous auditions.
“I know there are people who’ll say I only got this role because of who my dad is,” he stated, emphasizing the hours invested in honing his craft. “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.” He further admitted the frustration of being typecast: “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.”
Public reaction to Schwarzenegger’s comments has been mixed. Some social media users mocked his complaints, highlighting the perceived privilege of being born into a prominent family.
Others criticized his acting abilities, while some acknowledged the hard work he likely puts in while still benefiting from nepotism. Several commenters suggested that simply acknowledging his privilege would go a long way in mitigating the criticism, and that the real issue lies in the missed opportunities for talented individuals without famous connections.
One user pointed out that Schwarzenegger could have chosen a stage name, but likely recognizes the advantages his surname offers, adding, “As long as you actually use it to your advantage to work and not just sit around collecting hand outs, then why not?”