Arnold Schwarzenegger dismisses ‘nepo baby’ accusation against son Patrick: “You never asked me to call a studio”

Arnold Schwarzenegger has hit back at claims that his son Patrick is a ‘nepo baby’, insisting that he has never been asked for help with his acting career.

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The Terminator star is an action icon with over 40 years as one of Hollywood’s top stars. Patrick is the third eldest of his five children, and carved a successful career in TV and movies since making his acting debut in 2006. His most recent and notable role has been as Saxon Ratliff in the third season of The White Lotus.

The show has made him a star in his own right, but not without criticism. Many current stars who were born to famous people and continued in their footsteps have earned the ‘nepo baby’ label, with some critics arguing the path to success has been made easier with those connections to the industry.

In a discussion between Patrick and Arnold Schwarzenegger for Variety, the younger actor said he felt continuing the family business was a natural thing. “We talked about this idea of nepotism,” he said, “but when you grow up and your parents do a specific job, it makes sense that you go and work in that world”.

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Arnold replied: “You have never asked me to call a studio or to call an agent. You never asked me for advice when it comes to acting itself. You’re a rare breed, and I’m very, very proud of you”.

Patrick Schwarzenegger has said recently that he found nepotism criticism “frustrating”, saying at certain moments he thinks: “I wish I didn’t have my last name”. However, his father has said he is glad he used the family name.

“I’m glad you kept the name, because now I can take credit” he joked. “You joined a very short list of people: You know, 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”. Jamie Lee Curtis is the daughter of Hollywood stars Janet Leigh and Tony Curtis.

In February, Arnold Schwarzenegger supported his son Patrick by turning up at the premiere of the latest season of The White Lotus, and reacted to his son’s nude scene in the show.

The post Arnold Schwarzenegger dismisses ‘nepo baby’ accusation against son Patrick: “You never asked me to call a studio” appeared first on NME.