Arnold Schwarzenegger, the iconic actor, former bodybuilder, and ex-Governor of California, has openly discussed a curious shift in public attention. In a recent interview, he revealed that women are now approaching him in the gym to hand over their phone numbers—but not for him. Instead, they want him to pass those numbers on to his son, Patrick Schwarzenegger, who has become a breakout star in the HBO series 'The White Lotus.'
Schwarzenegger, 77, is no stranger to being the center of admiration. From his early days as a Mr. Universe bodybuilder to his legendary role as the Terminator and his tenure as the 38th Governor of California, he has spent decades in the limelight. Yet, he now finds himself happily living in his son's shadow. 'I walk into the gym now and it used to be the girls would come up and give me their contact. And then after 'White Lotus' comes out, the girl comes up and says, 'Here's my contact, give it to Patrick,'" he recalled with a smile.
Patrick Schwarzenegger, 31, is the eldest son of Arnold and Maria Shriver, a journalist and member of the Kennedy family. He has carved his own path in Hollywood, most notably with his role as a wealthy, troubled young man in the third season of 'The White Lotus.' The series, created by Mike White, has garnered widespread acclaim for its sharp satire and ensemble cast, and Patrick's performance has been praised as a breakout moment.
Arnold's pride in his son is palpable. In the interview, he said, 'If I go to my grave and know that my son has outdone me, I'm in heaven.' This sentiment is a far cry from the competitive nature often associated with the entertainment industry. Instead, Arnold views Patrick's success as a personal triumph.
The transition from being the star to the star's father hasn't been entirely seamless, but Arnold embraces it. He noted that even journalists now ask him, 'What's it like being the father of Patrick Schwarzenegger?' a question that once would have been directed the other way. The roles have reversed, and Arnold is genuinely delighted.
Patrick's rise, however, has not been without its challenges. The younger Schwarzenegger has faced the 'nepo baby' label, a term that refers to celebrities whose careers owe a debt to their famous relatives. In February, Patrick admitted that he sometimes wished he had a different last name to avoid the criticism. 'Of course, it's frustrating and you can get boxed in and you think at that moment, I wish I didn't have my last name. But that's a small moment. I would never trade my life with anyone,' he said.
The 'White Lotus' producer David Bernad also revealed that the show almost didn't cast Patrick because of his surname. 'We were hesitant. You don't want a casting to look like a stunt,' Bernad said. Ultimately, Patrick's audition won them over, proving he had the talent to separate himself from his father's legacy.
Arnold, who built his career on sheer determination and charisma, has a simple attitude toward the nepotism debate. During a joint appearance on Variety's 'Actors on Actors,' he told Patrick, 'I'm glad you kept the name, because now I can take credit. You joined a very short list of people: Jamie Lee Curtis—I think she's one of the greatest actors in history. If you show you have the substance, you can get rid of the whole idea of nepotism.'
This perspective aligns with Arnold's own journey. Born in Austria, he overcame a challenging upbringing to become the world's greatest bodybuilder before transitioning to acting, despite early skepticism about his accent and name. He then moved into politics, winning the recall election in 2003. His career is a testament to hard work and reinvention, a lesson he hopes his children will embrace.
Patrick Schwarzenegger has spoken about his desire to establish his own identity. In addition to acting, he has launched clothing lines and ventured into business. His role in 'The White Lotus' is a significant step, allowing him to showcase his range outside of his father's shadow. The series, which explores the lives of wealthy vacationers and resort staff, has become a cultural phenomenon, and Patrick's character—a privileged young man grappling with family secrets—has resonated with audiences.
Arnold's family life has been complex. He and Maria Shriver separated in 2011 after it was revealed he had fathered a child with their housekeeper, Mildred Baena. Despite the scandal, Arnold has maintained close relationships with his children, including Patrick, Katherine, Christina, and Christopher. He also has a son, Joseph Baena, from his relationship with Baena.
In recent years, Arnold has focused on fatherhood and his own creative projects, including the Netflix series 'FUBAR' and the 'Terminator' franchise. He continues to be a vocal advocate for fitness and environmental issues. But his greatest joy now seems to come from watching his children succeed on their own terms.
Patrick's growing fame has also meant that Arnold's interactions with fans have changed. 'I used to get all the attention in the gym, but now it's all about Patrick,' he said. 'It's wonderful to see.' The elder Schwarzenegger's humility about being overshadowed is refreshing, especially in an industry where egos often collide.
The conversation around nepotism in Hollywood is persistent, but Patrick's trajectory suggests that talent can indeed overcome any advantages of birthright. His performance in 'The White Lotus' has earned him critical nods, and he is now being considered for other major roles. Arnold, for his part, is content to take a backseat. 'I'm just the proud father now,' he said.
As for the numbers being passed on, Arnold joked that he might not always deliver them. But he's supportive of Patrick's romantic life, even if it means women are no longer approaching him for himself. 'I've had my time,' he shrugged. 'Now it's his turn.'
The father-son duo have also appeared together publicly, including at red-carpet events and in joint interviews, where their chemistry and mutual respect are evident. Arnold often teases Patrick about his choice of roles, but it's clear there's a deep bond between them. Patrick has said that Arnold taught him to work hard and never give up, lessons that have guided him through the ups and downs of the industry.
In the end, Arnold Schwarzenegger's legacy is not just his own accomplishments but also the foundation he has provided for his children to excel. As he put it, 'If Patrick ends up more successful than me, I'll be the happiest man on earth.' With that attitude, the former Terminator proves that even the biggest stars can find joy in passing the torch.
Source: Yahoo Entertainment News