Entertainment
Patrick Schwarzenegger Defends His Role as Saxon in The White Lotus: “Do You Think I Would’ve Raised a Saxon?”
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Patrick Schwarzenegger, son of Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger, is stepping into the spotlight in a big way with his role as Saxon Ratliff in the third season of HBO’s hit series The White Lotus. While Saxon is a highly memorable and toxic character in the show, Patrick is eager to distance himself from any similarities between his portrayal and his own life, especially when it comes to his upbringing.
In an interview, Patrick humorously addressed the stark contrast between his personal life and his character on The White Lotus. Saxon Ratliff, the privileged and self-centered character he plays, has become notorious for his pompous demeanor and manipulative tendencies. However, when asked about the role, Patrick was quick to point out that Saxon is far from a reflection of how he was raised by his mother, Maria Shriver, and father, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
“Do you think I would’ve raised a Saxon?” Patrick quipped, highlighting the differences between his real-life values and those of his on-screen counterpart. In fact, Patrick’s family background—rooted in philanthropy, discipline, and a strong work ethic—couldn’t be more different from Saxon’s entitled attitude.
The third season of The White Lotus brings a new cast of characters, with Patrick’s portrayal of Saxon as one of the standouts. Despite the character’s unsavory traits, Patrick has received praise for his nuanced performance. While Saxon’s behavior might come across as over-the-top and exaggerated, it taps into deeper themes of privilege and societal expectations, which is something Patrick brings to life with depth.
But for those wondering how Patrick reconciles playing a character like Saxon with his own values, he makes it clear: The White Lotus is fiction, and his portrayal of Saxon is just that—a performance. He further explained that his personal beliefs and upbringing shaped who he is, which is vastly different from the toxic, privileged persona of Saxon.
In an era where social media and reality TV often blur the lines between real life and fiction, Patrick’s remarks offer a refreshing reminder that actors are just that—actors. The character of Saxon, like all others in The White Lotus, is a product of careful writing, direction, and acting, rather than an extension of the actor’s personal life.
However, Patrick’s role in The White Lotus has sparked considerable discussion on social media. Some critics have taken issue with his performance, questioning whether his status as a “nepo-baby”—a term used to describe someone who has gained opportunities due to their family connections—has played a role in his casting. A recent video of Patrick, visibly emotional after receiving the call welcoming him to the White Lotus cast, further fueled these discussions. Many online users took to social media, commenting on his privileged background and the growing conversation surrounding nepotism in Hollywood.
Despite these criticisms, Patrick remains confident in his abilities and his journey in the entertainment industry. His diverse career—spanning acting and entrepreneurship—shows that he is far more than just the son of famous parents. His work continues to prove that he’s carving his own path, far removed from the toxic behavior of Saxon Ratliff.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Central Florida News
“Clare and the Chocolate Nutcracker” Brings Diversity and Magic to Orlando’s Holiday Stage
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) – When you hear the word “disability,” it’s easy to imagine limits, restrictions, and barriers. But for Jeffery Lorenzo Williams, those words have no place in his vocabulary. Paralyzed at 13, Williams identifies as a person of determination — a term that reflects strength and capability, not limitation. His life has become a masterclass in turning adversity into empowerment, proving that the most powerful movement begins in the mind.
During an exclusive interview with FNN News, Williams reflected on the event that changed his life and the mindset that carried him forward.
“I never focused on what I couldn’t do,” Williams said. “I focused on what I could and I just kept moving forward.”
That perspective has shaped a career defined by reinvention. Today, Williams is an accomplished New York City real estate broker, motivational author, pilot, and footwear designer. Each title tells part of the same story — one of perseverance, creativity, and purpose.
Through his footwear brand JLorenzo’s, Williams designs adaptive sneakers that merge fashion with motivation. His collections feature empowering inscriptions such as “Be somebody nobody thought you could be.” He laughs as he recalls me being his first customer. “Each inscription represents walking not just physically, but walking in purpose,” he said.
His work has not only built a stylish, inclusive brand but has also redefined what representation in fashion can look like. Earlier this year, Williams brought that message to Daniel’s Leather’s Inclusive Fashion Show during New York Fashion Week 2025, joining nearly 40 wheelchair-using models, including Ms. Wheelchair America 2026, Latavia Sturdivant. The event was more than a showcase — it was a celebration of visibility and empowerment. “The energy was incredible,” Williams said. “It wasn’t about being different, it was about being seen.”
Kareen Kennedy wearing her JLorenzos in 2019
Beyond fashion, Williams takes his passion for breaking barriers to the skies. As a licensed pilot, he flies glider planes, something he calls the ultimate expression of freedom.
“Flying gives me freedom,” he said. “It’s proof that even when life grounds you, you can still soar.”
His memoir, “My Feet Are Off the Ground: Turning Tragedy Into Triumph,” chronicles his remarkable journey from paralysis to success. Proceeds from the book fund nursing scholarships, extending his lifelong commitment to giving back. Looking ahead, Williams plans to bring his story to new audiences through a documentary and a stage play, with his son, Jeff Jr., potentially portraying him on screen.
Photo Courtesy of Jeffery Williams
When asked if he would change his past, Williams paused thoughtfully before answering.
“Of course, I’d love to walk,” he said. “But if I hadn’t gone through what I did, I wouldn’t have been able to touch and change lives the way I have. That’s worth more than anything.”
Jeffery Lorenzo Williams doesn’t just live with determination — he embodies it. Through his work, his story, and his example, he continues to challenge the world’s perception of ability. His life is a vivid reminder that real barriers often exist only where others place them, and that courage, when paired with purpose, can truly move mountain.
In a world quick to define people by their obstacles, Jeffery Lorenzo Williams is a compelling reminder that true limitation exists only where we allow it.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
