Maria Shriver Discusses Patrick Schwarzenegger’s Casting in HBO’s The White Lotus
Unexpected News During Vacation
During a recent vacation, Maria Shriver, along with her son Patrick Schwarzenegger and his fiancée Abby Champion, experienced a surprising family moment that was later discussed on Oprah Winfrey’s podcast. Shriver sensed something was amiss when she observed the couple whispering at a restaurant, prompting her curiosity.
Exciting Career Milestone
Initially, Shriver assumed the whispers indicated a pregnancy announcement. However, she was unprepared for the news that Patrick had secured a role as Saxon Ratliff in the third season of HBO’s acclaimed series, The White Lotus. Expressing her surprise, Shriver recalled, “I was just beside myself because I was like—I was just so happy for him.”
The Role of a Lifetime
Patrick shared his excitement about the casting, deeming the day he learned he was selected for The White Lotus as “the greatest day in history.” However, the announcement came with the condition that he keep the news confidential until its official release. Just a week prior to this moment, Patrick had become engaged to Champion, making the timing especially significant.
A Family’s Reaction
On February 16, Patrick captured the emotional moment of his family’s reaction to the news on social media. He humorously mentioned that while they suspected a pregnancy was involved, the revelation of his casting garnered Happiness from Shriver. “She might have been happier than I was!!” he remarked, highlighting the family’s joy.
Commitment to Acting
Maria Shriver elaborated on Patrick’s dedication to his craft, noting he has been committed to acting classes for over a decade. She emphasized that Patrick is keen on carving out his own path in the industry, separate from the legacy of his father, Arnold Schwarzenegger. “He wanted to do independent films. He wanted to find his own way,” Shriver articulated.
Facing Challenges in the Industry
In interviews, Patrick expressed his frustration over being judged for his last name rather than his talent. He remarked, “I know there are people who’ll say I only got this role because of who my dad is,” underscoring his years of hard work and continuous auditions. Despite challenges, he cherishes his accomplishments, stating, “I’m very fortunate to have the life and family that I have.”
Viewing Arrangements for the Series
As the series progresses, Patrick has opted to watch the finale of The White Lotus away from his family due to the content. He quipped about his concerns regarding some scenes, mentioning, “I do take some clothes off,” indicating the personal nature of the series’ themes.
