White Lotus Actor Breaks Silence on 'Nepotism Child' Controversy
Actors Patrick Schwarzenegger and Sam Nivola Address 'Nepo Baby' Label in 'The White Lotus' Casting
Patrick Schwarzenegger and Sam Nivola, two rising stars in Hollywood, have found themselves at the centre of the 'nepo baby' debate following their casting in the third season of HBO's hit series, The White Lotus.
The term 'nepo baby' refers to celebrities who are perceived to have gained opportunities due to their family connections. Both Schwarzenegger and Nivola, sons of renowned actors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver, and Alessandro Nivola and Emily Mortimer respectively, have faced questions about their roles in the series.
In an interview with The Sunday Times earlier this year, Schwarzenegger emphasised his dedication to acting, citing 10 years of acting classes, school plays, and hours of character work. He acknowledged the 'nepo baby' label but dismissed it as a small moment, stating that he has faced hundreds of rejections before landing a role on the show.
Nivola, on the other hand, stated that he feels proud that he has achieved success on his own, and sometimes in spite of his parents. In a recent interview with Variety, he defended his casting, explaining that he secured his first acting job without the help of his father's agent. He appreciated The White Lotus’ casting process for focusing on talent rather than social media following or connections, saying, "You might not be Jacob Elordi, but you’re the guy."
Aimee Lou Wood and Carrie Coon are also stars in the third season of The White Lotus. The series, currently making headlines, has been a subject of discussion due to the 'nepo baby' debate surrounding Schwarzenegger and Nivola. However, both actors have openly pushed back against the label, highlighting their personal effort and merit in securing parts on the show.
[1] The Sunday Times interview with Patrick Schwarzenegger
[2] Variety interview with Sam Nivola
[3] The White Lotus Season 3 Cast
- Patrick Schwarzenegger, in an interview with The Sunday Times, dismissed the 'nepo baby' label and highlighted his commitment to acting, citing a decade of acting classes, school plays, and hours of character work.
- In a recent interview with Variety, Sam Nivola expressed pride in achieving success independently, even in the face of his parents' fame, and defended his casting in The White Lotus by appreciating the show's focus on talent over connections.
- Aimee Lou Wood and Carrie Coon, alongside Schwarzenegger and Nivola, are part of the star-studded cast of The White Lotus Season 3, a series that has been at the center of a conversation about the 'nepo baby' debate but has also highlighted the individual merit of each cast member.
