The White Lotus season 3 breakout star Sam Nivola says his role as Lochlan Ratliff has brought some unexpected side effects — including an avalanche of direct messages from “thirsty older men.”
In a Variety cover story, the 21-year-old — who turns 22 next month — was described as “one of Hollywood’s most promising young stars — and perhaps a new kind of sex symbol.”
“When The White Lotus was at its peak, I literally couldn’t walk down the street in Brooklyn — my hometown — without being swarmed,” Nivola recalled.
Defending a controversial character
Nivola admitted he struggled with how audiences perceived Lochlan, particularly after the character’s morally dubious moments.
“It was hard feeling like people had lost sympathy for this guy that I lived inside. I got a little defensive,” he said. “You have to love your character, otherwise you’re fucked. My character jerked off Patrick. I don’t like that. It’s a bad thing he did. But I try not to pass judgment.”
Career impact — and a risk of being typecast
Since the series, Nivola has been offered roles similar to Lochlan — characters he describes as “socially awkward, virginal kids who are a little weird.”
“I’m starting to feel a little boxed in by the characters I’ve played in my career,” he said. “But I’m also finally getting offers to do things where I’m a little more grown up. Hopefully, the next one will be something a little different.”
