Additional Coverage:
- Arnold Schwarzenegger says women are giving him their numbers — but are not interested in him (businessinsider.com)
Arnold Schwarzenegger Is Happy to Be Living in His Son’s Shadow
Hollywood icon Arnold Schwarzenegger is embracing a new role: Patrick Schwarzenegger’s dad. The “Terminator” star recently shared his joy at his son’s rising fame, particularly following his breakout role in HBO’s hit series “The White Lotus.”
In a recent interview, Schwarzenegger recounted how the tides have turned. He jokingly described how gym-goers used to approach him with their phone numbers, but now they ask him to pass them on to Patrick.
The elder Schwarzenegger seems to take it all in stride, finding humor in the shift. He even admitted that people now approach him primarily to discuss his son, a change from his days in the spotlight.
The former California governor expressed immense pride in Patrick’s accomplishments, stating he’d be “in heaven” knowing his son had surpassed him in his career. This paternal pride comes despite Patrick’s past reservations about being labeled a “nepo baby.” The younger Schwarzenegger has previously spoken about the pressures and occasional frustrations of having a famous last name, even briefly considering using an alias.
Ultimately, both father and son seem to have embraced the family legacy. Arnold even recalled advising Patrick against changing his name, jokingly claiming he wanted to be able to take credit for his son’s success.
He compared Patrick to other successful children of famous parents, like Jamie Lee Curtis, emphasizing that talent and hard work can overcome any whispers of nepotism. The elder Schwarzenegger’s message is clear: he’s confident Patrick has the “substance” to forge his own path in Hollywood, famous last name and all.