Patrick Schwarzenegger's 'faith' has helped him overcome acting challenges
Patrick Schwarzenegger credits being "a man of faith" for allowing him to forge an acting career in a cut-throat industry.
Patrick Schwarzenegger claims that being "a man of faith" has helped him come through the challenges of building an acting career.
The White Lotus star believes that prayer has been pivotal for him as he stressed that he is on Earth for a "greater purpose" than just his profession.
Patrick, the son of Terminator legend Arnold Schwarzenegger and journalist Maria Shriver, told Variety at the Sundance Film Festival: "I’m here on this earth for a greater purpose and greater meaning than just working in acting.
"The film industry is a rollercoaster. I’ve seen it firsthand with my own family members, with friends. What’s really important is that as you go up, down, whichever way you go, your faith is still there."
Patrick revealed that he and his wife, model Abby Champion, pray together on a daily basis and he thinks it is something that is genuinely helpful.
The 32-year-old actor said: "My prayers are something that helped me each and every day in my life. It’s something that helps me and my wife. We do it together. I think there was some crazy stat of husband and wives that pray together have a 67 per cent less likely to get divorced or separated. I don’t want to be the person that’s telling everyone to go and pray every day and everything will be okay, but it’s something that is a centre point for my faith and gratitude… It’s a refreshing moment for me in my day."
Patrick played the sex-crazed Saxon Ratliff in the third season of The White Lotus last year and confessed that he felt frustrated that some assumed that he only got the part because of his family connections.
He told The Sunday Times newspaper: "I know there are people who'll say I only got this role because of who my dad is.
"They're not seeing that I've had 10 years of acting classes, put on (high) school plays every week, worked on my characters for hours on end or the hundreds of rejected auditions I've been on."
Patrick continued: "Of course, it's frustrating and you can get boxed in and you think at that moment, I wish I didn't have my last name. But, that's a small moment.
"I would never trade my life with anyone. I'm very fortunate to have the life and family that I have, the parents I have and the lessons and values they've instilled in me."
