Additional Coverage:
- ‘The White Lotus’ producers didn’t want to hire Patrick Schwarzenegger because of his famous last name (businessinsider.com)
Patrick Schwarzenegger’s famous last name almost cost him his role on “The White Lotus.” Producers initially hesitated to cast him due to his connection to Hollywood royalty, his father being Arnold Schwarzenegger.
However, his talent ultimately won them over. “He was just so good,” producer David Bernad stated.
Ironically, Schwarzenegger plays Saxon Ratliff, a “nepo baby” himself, working at his father’s hedge fund. Saxon joins his family for a vacation at a luxurious Thailand hotel in the show’s third season. Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of the spoiled and obnoxious character was so convincing it prompted his mother, Maria Shriver, to publicly clarify that her son is nothing like Saxon in real life.
Schwarzenegger credits the show’s creator, Mike White, for allowing him creative freedom on set, including improvising some of Saxon’s more memorable moments. He describes his character as “weird and creepy,” and even revealed that he went fully nude in one scene, a decision he felt was authentic to Saxon’s personality. He shared the experience of watching the premiere with his parents, noting his father found the nudity humorous, while his mother seemed bewildered.
While acknowledging the advantages and disadvantages that come with his last name, Schwarzenegger emphasizes his dedication to his craft, citing years of acting classes and countless auditions. Although he sometimes wishes he had a different surname to avoid accusations of nepotism, he wouldn’t trade his life for anything.