Arnold Schwarzenegger proud to see son Patrick gaining fame of his own

In a recent exclusive interview with The Times magazine, renowned Australian and American actor, businessman, and former politician Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke about his son Patrick Schwarzenegger's rising fame. In the interview published on Saturday, June 14, 2025, Arnold expressed his pride in his son's achievements.

Patrick Schwarzenegger is the eldest son of Arnold Schwarzenegger and the only one of his five siblings to pursue a career in acting. Recently, the 31-year-old gained significant popularity after starring in the acclaimed HBO series The White Lotus, which features celebrities such as Aimee Lou Wood, Walton Goggins, Jennifer Coolidge, Sydney Sweeney, Parker Posey, and Jason Isaacs.

In this series, Patrick played the role of Saxon Ratliff, marking his first significant breakthrough in Hollywood.

More details on Arnold Schwarzenegger’s reaction to Patrick’s success

Arnold Schwarzenegger has not been shy about singing praises for his first son, Patrick. Recently, the bodybuilding enthusiast spoke to The Times about fatherhood, politics, and his journey in Hollywood. He also spoke about his son’s growing popularity, stating that he is delighted that Patrick is getting the recognition he deserves.

Arnold proudly shares how people are often more interested in discussing his son than him, stating that he is now living in his son's shadow.

“Patrick never asked me a question about acting. But he came many times to me and said, 'I just did an interview with this magazine and two-thirds of the questions were about you.' But I was just in New York, and a journalist comes up and says, 'What's it like being the father of Patrick Schwarzenegger?’” Arnold said to Times.

He discusses how he is no longer the center of attention wherever he goes. When people approach him, they are more interested in getting to know his son, using him as a means to that end.

“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.’”

While others may find this new situation hard to adjust to, the Terminator actor has instead described it as "wonderful."

“If I go to my grave and know that my son has outdone me, I'm in heaven,” the 77-year-old Schwarzenegger adds.

This exclusive interview with Times follows the father and son duo's appearance on Variety’s Actors on Actors. Arnold praises Patrick’s skills, stating he was “blown away” by his acting in White Lotus.

“Your acting surprised the hell out of me. I didn't recognise you,” he told Patrick.

Read more: Sam Sulek teams up with Arnold Schwarzenegger for fitness collaboration

The White Lotus concluded its third season on Sunday, June 15, 2025. Those interested can stream the show on HBO.

Read more: "He revoked my Father's Day card" — Andy Cohen reveals how John Mayer hilariously caused a rift between him and his 6-year-old son

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