How Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Kids Hated His Political Pivot
Arnold Schwarzenegger is known for blasting through walls and saving the world on screen but even the Terminator couldn’t dodge criticism from his own kids when he swapped Hollywood for politics.
In a heartfelt and humorous conversation for Variety’s Actors on Actors, Arnold, 77, and his son Patrick, 31, opened up about their very different journeys through fame, family, and finding purpose. It was the first time a father-son duo had been featured on the iconic interview series and they didn’t hold back.
Patrick recalled the magic of his childhood, growing up on movie sets while his dad played legendary roles like the Terminator and Mr. Freeze. “You would pick me up and take me out of school early in your Hummer,” he recounted.
Arnold agreed, adding, “I said, ‘Don’t tell your mother.’ Your mother was in charge of education.”
The pair would raid the snack table, cruise around in golf carts, and explore movie lots between takes. For Patrick, it was heaven.
But that movie magic came to a halt in 2003, when Arnold ran for the governor’s seat in California and won. “There were several [movie] parts I was supposed to play that never ended up being done because… in 2003, as you remember, I ran for governor and became governor, which you guys-” Arnold recalled, with Patrick adding, “Hated!”
Though the family had deep political roots — his mom, Maria Shriver, comes from the Kennedy dynasty — Patrick’s heart stayed in Hollywood. Slowly but steadily, he carved out his own path in the industry, building a résumé through indie films and supporting roles before landing a breakout part in The White Lotus season 3.
Still, the Schwarzenegger name came with weight.
“There were times earlier in my career where I was wondering, does it make sense to go under an alias?” Patrick admitted, adding, “It took a while for me to get to a point where I was less worried about living in your shadow versus wanting to do it the way I thought I should do it. “
He went on to reveal that even White Lotus creator Mike White had some initial doubts, saying the name “comes with baggage.”
Yet Patrick never leaned on his dad’s fame to open doors. “You have never asked me to call a studio or call an agent…You’re a rare breed, and I’m very, very proud of you,” Arnold said with pride.
Patrick said carrying the family name is no longer a burden but a badge of honor. He told Arnold, “I understand how hard you and Mom have worked throughout your life to give me the opportunities that I’ve had. The biggest advice you gave us kids is to work hard. I’ve tried to honor that.”
Arnold couldn’t help but joke, “I’m glad you kept the name, because now I can take credit.”
