Patrick Schwarzenegger is making waves as Saxon Ratliff in the hit HBO series, "The White Lotus". The actor has recently gained attention not only for his performance but also for his familial connections to Hollywood royalty, being the son of legendary actor Arnold Schwarzenegger and journalist Maria Shriver. The show's third season, which premiered on February 16, 2025, features Patrick as part of the ensemble cast, where his character navigates complex, often uncomfortable familial interactions.
One scene, in which Saxon converses with his younger brother Lochlan (played by Sam Nivola), has stirred discussions among viewers and within his family. Maria Shriver, reflecting on the episode, noted, “My kids were like, ‘Did you see this?’ And I was like, ‘No. What?’” This remark emphasizes the nature of her motherly focus, or perhaps avoidance, of the more graphic components of the series. Shriver’s admission showcases her ability to separate her parental instincts from the on-screen performance of her son.
At the show’s Los Angeles premiere, Arnold Schwarzenegger's reaction was light-hearted. He commented on Instagram, “I could claim to be surprised to find out he has a nude scene, but what can I say — the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” This camaraderie highlights the family’s ability to navigate the ups and downs of Hollywood with humor, something Patrick seems to have inherited.
Schwarzenegger took to interviews to discuss some of the quirks of his character and the setup during filming. Laughing, he said, “I think there’s a couple episodes or scenes where I think I’ll go to the bathroom, or I’ll take a few minute break, or something.” This comment reflects his comfort and the supportive family dynamic he has, making the often bizarre scenes of his character more relatable. When describing Saxon's unusual behavior, he stated, “I think the relationship with his brother—although it's very odd and weird, which is what Mike [White, creator] wanted—it's still very loving at the same time.” This insight offers viewers depth and nuance about what might appear as comedic or unsettling family interactions on the surface.
On the subject of his career, Patrick has been candid about his aspirations and the influences of his family. He reminisced about watching "The White Lotus" with his family, stating, “It was funny because every time we would watch it, my family would always just say, 'Why didn’t you audition for this show? Why aren’t you in this?'” This humorous reflection adds personality to his narrative as he pursued his place within Hollywood, showing both the pressure and support he feels from his family.
Before his role on "The White Lotus", Patrick Schwarzenegger had already made strides within the industry. He appeared as Luke Riordan/Golden Boy on the Amazon series "Gen V", which is rooted within the superhero genre. Interestingly, he revealed his experience auditioning for prominent superhero roles, including the coveted Superman role, stating, “I don’t think I got any feedback. I think it was like, ‘No, not for you.'” Despite not securing the role of Superman, he found success with the character of Luke, which showcased his ability to adapt and excel within various characters.
While many continue to view him through the lens of his family lineage, Patrick is carving out his own path as he tackles varying roles. From his early debut in "The Benchwarmers" to his recent works, he has continually demonstrated his capacity to step away from the shadows of his father’s legacy as he finds his own voice and place within the sphere of acting.
Even as he garners attention for his work, he remains focused on growth, balancing his on-screen duties with the challenges and triumphs of living up to his family’s storied legacy. Patrick Schwarzenegger’s career is just beginning to flourish, with each role he takes presenting new opportunities for growth and visibility within the industry.