Patrick Schwarzenegger Calls Out His Dad’s Career-Focused Values: ‘I Learned More From My Mom’

Patrick Schwarzenegger, best known for his roles in The White Lotus and The Staircase, recently opened up about how his definition of success differs from that of his father, Arnold Schwarzenegger. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine’s Real Pod podcast, Patrick reflected on his values, the lessons he’s taken from his parents, and his determination to carve his own path in both his personal and professional life.

Finding a New Definition of Success

For Patrick, success isn’t measured solely by professional milestones. “To me, one of the things that I’ve learned probably the most—and probably from my mom more than my dad—is just: what is success to you?” he shared. While Arnold, 77, is known for his relentless drive to become the best bodybuilder, movie star, and politician, Patrick takes a more holistic approach. He places equal emphasis on family, faith, friendships, and his relationship with fiancée Abby Champion.

“I’m not worried so much about how successful my dad is or was, and same with my mom,” Patrick explained. “I just really care about carving my own path.” For him, it’s about balancing a thriving career with a fulfilling personal life, a perspective that stands in contrast to his father’s career-driven legacy.

Maria Shriver’s Influence

While Arnold’s name is synonymous with hard work and ambition, Patrick credits his mother, Maria Shriver, with shaping the majority of his value system. In the podcast, he noted that 95% of his life philosophy comes from her, with only 5% from his dad. Shriver’s emphasis on family, relationships, and community has profoundly influenced Patrick’s approach, steering him toward a more balanced and introspective outlook.

Career Ambitions and Facing Perceptions

Despite his desire to balance life and work, Patrick is still serious about his career. He has expressed aspirations of becoming a major movie star and building successful brands, but not at the expense of his personal happiness. He also acknowledged the challenges of growing up in the public eye, particularly in facing perceptions of nepotism. Patrick addressed these assumptions head-on, revealing his frustration at the notion that his achievements are simply a result of his family name.

“I want to be seen for who I am and for the work that I do,” he said, adding that carving out his own identity has been a priority since the start of his career.

Looking Ahead

As Patrick continues to navigate his acting career and personal life, his candid reflections reveal a thoughtful, deliberate approach to success—one that honors his family’s legacy while forging his own unique path. By focusing on what matters most to him, he’s setting an example for how the next generation of Hollywood figures can thrive, not just in their work, but in their lives as a whole.