The emergence of Patrick Schwarzenegger as one of this season's most captivating scene-stealers presents an intriguing question: how far does the apple fall from the tree? Known for his roles in "The Staircase" and "Scream Queens," Patrick has taken a markedly different approach to his craft compared to his father, Arnold Schwarzenegger. While the former California Governor and action movie legend is currently captivating audiences in "FUBAR" and lending his voice to "Secret Level," he remains best known for his iconic performances in blockbusters such as "True Lies," "Twins," and "Terminator." In contrast, Patrick is embracing his identity as a character actor, showcasing a diverse range of emotions in his recent portrayal of Saxon Ratliff, a complex character in Mike White’s acclaimed series "The White Lotus."
In a recent dialogue, Arnold expressed his astonishment at Patrick's success in "The White Lotus," stating, "Your acting surprised the hell out of me. I didn’t recognize you. I was blown away." Patrick responded with humility, acknowledging the surreal nature of this recognition. He emphasized how gratifying it is to finally have his work acknowledged, especially after numerous roles in lesser-known productions. "One of the best parts about being on the show is the amount of people that get to recognize my work," he shared.
Arnold added a touch of humor, noting that people in the gym frequently approach him to compliment Patrick, with some even stating, "I hated your son in the series." Patrick chimed in, reflecting on how viewers' perceptions of his character fluctuated throughout the series: "The biggest learning experience is how much people associate you with your character." He recounted how initial reactions to his role were negative, only to shift towards empathy as the series progressed.
As their conversation continued, Arnold referenced an article from an Austrian magazine that highlighted the challenges Patrick faces due to their shared surname. "Explain that to me," Arnold prompted. Patrick elaborated, acknowledging that having renowned parents like Arnold and Maria Shriver brings both opportunities and obstacles. He recounted instances where people doubted his talents, attributing his success solely to his family name. "Mike White said that it comes with baggage," Patrick explained, revealing his initial thoughts about perhaps using an alias to carve out his own path.
Arnold, proud of his son's decision to keep the family name, encouraged Patrick, stating, "I’m glad you kept the name, because now I can take credit." He drew parallels between Patrick's journey and that of other successful actors. "You know, Jamie Lee Curtis — I think she’s one of the greatest actors in history," Arnold noted. "If you show you have the substance, you can get rid of the whole idea of nepotism."
Patrick expressed gratitude for the opportunities his parents provided and the invaluable lessons they imparted. "The biggest advice you gave us kids is to work hard," he acknowledged. Arnold then turned the conversation toward Patrick's auditioning experience, revealing that he had only auditioned once — for the role of Lucille Ball. This led to a discussion about the pivotal moment in Arnold's career when he landed the role in "Terminator," which marked a significant shift in his acting trajectory.
Arnold reminisced about the early days of his career, noting the skepticism he faced due to his physique. "I was discouraged; everything was impossible," he admitted, but he maintained a clear vision of success, stating, "That's all I cared about." Patrick affirmed this drive, acknowledging the importance of aiming high in one's pursuits.
As the conversation shifted to directing, both Arnold and Patrick emphasized the value of collaborating with talented filmmakers. Patrick spoke highly of Mike White, lauding his ability to create a unique working environment where actors can contribute creatively while also adhering to the script. Arnold echoed this sentiment, recalling his experiences with legendary directors like James Cameron and how their clear visions shaped the films they produced.
Arnold's own journey was filled with challenges, including being typecast in action roles. He shared how he and his co-stars took a significant risk by working for little to no salary on "Twins" in order to produce the film. This gamble paid off, allowing him to explore a wider range of roles, including comedies.
As their conversation drew to a close, Patrick fondly reminisced about the joy of visiting movie sets with his father during his childhood. Arnold's candid acknowledgment of his parenting style brought a heartfelt moment to the discussion. "You have never asked me to call a studio or to call an agent," Arnold stated with pride. "You’re a rare breed, and I’m very, very proud of you." This exchange highlighted not only the deep bond between father and son but also the generational evolution of their careers in the entertainment industry.
In conclusion, Patrick Schwarzenegger's rise in Hollywood reflects his unique talent and determination to carve out his own identity while navigating the complexities of his family legacy. As he continues to thrive in roles that challenge him, audiences can expect to see much more from this promising actor.
