As HBO's Season 3 of "The White Lotus" captivates global audiences, Patrick Schwarzenegger pushes past the limits of legacy with individuality.
By Celebrity Editorial Staff
Basking in the brilliant Thai light of_HBO’sThe White Lotus_,Patrick Schwarzeneggerhas become one of this season's most compelling figures. As Saxon Ratliff—the privileged, Duke-educated finance bro whose casual nudity hasignited social media—Schwarzenegger, 31, is experiencing a career-defining moment.
"My character leads with his private parts—that’s how he walks. He thinks he’s good-looking and has a great body and that all the girls are looking at him. He has no regard for the other people in the room,"Schwarzenegger sharedin a recent_Hollywood Reporter_interview. His portrayal of Saxon—a privileged finance bro, based on a mix of "a person from high school," a reality TV personality, and "Bradley Cooper in_Wedding Crashers_"—has sparked controversy and conversations.
The role marks a significant turning point for Schwarzenegger, who has steadily built his career through notable TV roles in_HBO'sThe Staircase_and Seth Rogen's_Gen V_spinoff of_The Boys_. Readers may remember Patrick from ourexclusive interviewduring the release of his psychological thriller_Daniel Isn't Real_in our Fall 2019 issue. But it was_The White Lotus_that topped last year's career wishlist—an aspiration that came to life when creatorMike Whiteoffered him the dynamic role.
As the son ofArnold SchwarzeneggerandMaria Shriver, Patrick has moved beyond his famous lineage to forge his own path in Hollywood. His collaborations with brands like_Tommy Hilfiger_and_Armani_—campaigns he flew back from Thailand to shoot during filming—also capture his rising status in fashion circles. His style reflects his varied lifestyle with his effortless shifts between casual luxury and formal sophistication while maintaining an authentic California ease.
"I don't have an ego about it. If a great director called me tomorrow and said I've got a one-page scene for you in my movie, I'd do it," he told_The Hollywood Reporter_. "I'm trying to be picky about what I do now, but that just means working with great directors and writers, so I'll take anything that lets me keep learning." After nine years of rigorous acting classes and theater work, Schwarzenegger has embraced his craft with a dedication that defies categorization about nepotism in Hollywood. He dreams of a future role working with legendary directors likeChristopher NolanandSteven Spielberg.
Beyond his acting breakthrough, fashion's fascination with Schwarzenegger goes deeper. He represents a fresh image of modern masculinity for the industry—vulnerable yet self-assured, ambitious yet grounded. While Saxon may lead with provocative bravado, Patrick leads with something much more enduring: a commitment to growth, authenticity, and the power of playing the long game—both in his career and his personal style.