Rob Lowe Then and Now

Rob Lowe Then

Robert Lowe was born on March 17, 1964, in Charlottesville, Virginia. He is the son of Chuck Lowe, a trial lawyer, and Barbara Lowe, a retired teacher.

This supportive family environment fostered his early interest in the arts, a path also followed by his younger brother, Chad Lowe. 

Chad eventually became an actor as well and was once married to Academy Award-winning actress Hilary Swank, highlighting a family deeply embedded in the entertainment industry.

Lowe’s family relocated to Southern California, where he spent his formative years. 

He attended Santa Monica High School, a well-known institution that has produced numerous celebrities. 

During his time there, Lowe’s classmates included future Hollywood stars Charlie Sheen and Sean Penn. 

This environment provided a unique backdrop for his budding career, surrounded by peers who would also rise to prominence in the film industry. 

Related Article: Elisabeth Shue Then and Now

These connections and the vibrant artistic atmosphere of Southern California played a significant role in shaping Lowe’s early aspirations and eventual success as an actor.

Growing up in such a dynamic setting, Lowe quickly made a name for himself in the acting world. 

His high school years were marked not only by his academic pursuits but also by his immersion in the burgeoning entertainment scene.

The friendships and professional relationships formed during this period laid the groundwork for his entry into Hollywood, where he would go on to achieve significant fame and acclaim.

Related Article: Bruce Springsteen Then

Rob Lowe Acting Career

Rob Lowe made his television debut in the late 1970s, playing teenager Tony Flanagan in the short-lived sitcom “A New Kind of Family” (1979–80). 

This early role marked the beginning of a prolific career in television and film. 

Lowe’s breakout role came in 1983 when he played Sam Alden, a high school baseball star diagnosed with a life-threatening heart disease, in the television movie “Thursday’s Child.”

Related Article: Eric Roberts Then and Now

The same year, he made his feature-film debut as heartthrob Sodapop Curtis in Francis Ford Coppola’s coming-of-age drama “The Outsiders.” 

This film was significant not only for Lowe but also for other young actors, including Tom Cruise, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Matt Dillon, and Emilio Estevez, marking the rise of a new generation of Hollywood talent.

In the mid-1980s, Lowe continued to build his film career with roles in several notable movies. 

He starred in the comedy-drama “The Hotel New Hampshire” (1984), the sports film “Oxford Blues” (1984), the Brat Pack film “St. Elmo’s Fire” (1985), and the romantic comedy “About Last Night” (1986).

Related Article: Mary Steenburgen Then and Now

These films cemented his status as a leading actor of the era and a member of the influential Brat Pack, a group of young actors frequently cast together in coming-of-age films.

Lowe’s career took an interesting turn in 1990 when he hosted “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) for the first time. 

This appearance helped rehabilitate his public image and led to a fruitful collaboration with Canadian actor and SNL cast member Mike Myers.

Myers cast Lowe in the comedies “Wayne’s World” (1992), “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me” (1999), and “Austin Powers in Goldmember” (2002).

Related Article: Ted Danson Then and Now

During the 1990s, Lowe continued to diversify his roles, appearing in various films before securing a significant role in Aaron Sorkin’s political drama “The West Wing” in 1999.

Lowe’s tenure on “The West Wing” ended abruptly in 2003, initially citing the diminished role of his character but later admitting that a lack of a pay increase was a contributing factor. 

After leaving “The West Wing,” Lowe joined the cast of the drama series “Brothers & Sisters” (2006–10) and the situation comedy “Parks and Recreation” (2010–15), where he played the enthusiastic and nerdy city manager Chris Traeger.

Related Article: Bryan Cranston Then and Now

Lowe, who identified with the character’s traits, revealed in a 2014 interview with The New York Times Magazine that he was a nerd in school, enjoying theater and studying.

Lowe’s television career continued with roles in the comedy-drama series “Californication” (2011–14), the legal comedy series “The Grinder” (2015–16), the medical drama series “Code Black” (2016–18), and the procedural drama series “9-1-1: Lone Star” (2020–present).

Related Article: David Schwimmer Then and Now

In addition to his acting work, Lowe has hosted the podcast “Literally! With Rob Lowe” since 2020, where he interviews friends and collaborators from the entertainment industry. 

Recently, he starred alongside his son John Owen in the workplace comedy series “Unstable” (2023–), adding another dimension to his multifaceted career.

Related Article: Jon Hamm Then and Now

Rob Lowe Movies

• A New Kind of Family (1979-1980)
• Thursday’s Child (1983) 
• The Outsiders (1983) 
• Class (1983)
• Oxford Blues (1984)
• The Hotel New Hampshire (1984)
• St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)
• Youngblood (1986)
• About Last Night (1986) 
• Square Dance (1987) 
• Illegally Yours (1988) 
• Masquerade (1988) 
• Bad Influence (1990) 
• If the Shoe Fits (1990) 
• Wayne’s World (1992) 
• The Finest Hour (1992) 
• Frank and Jesse (1994)
• Tommy Boy (1995)
• The Late Shift (1996)
• Mulholland Falls (1996) 
• First Degree (1996) 
• Hostile Intent (1997) 
• Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999) 
• The West Wing (1999–2003)
• Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002) 
• View from the Top (2003)
• Salem’s Lot (2004) 
• Dr. Vegas (2004-2006)
• Thank You for Smoking (2005) 
• Stir of Echoes: The Homecoming (2007) 
• In the Presence of Mine Enemies (2007) 
• A Perfect Day (2006)
• Beautiful & Twisted (2015) 
• You, Me and the Apocalypse (2015) 
• The Grinder (2015-2016) 
• How to Be a Latin Lover (2017) 
• Monster Trucks (2017)
• Holiday in the Wild (2019)
• The Bad Seed (2018) 
• 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020) 
• The Bad Seed Returns (2022)
• Unstable (2023)
• Dog Gone (2023)
• Brats  (2024)

Rob Lowe’s Wife and Children

Rob Lowe’s personal life took a significant turn in 1991 when he married makeup artist Sheryl Berkoff. 

Their union has stood the test of time, spanning over three decades and becoming a cornerstone of Lowe’s life. 

Together, they have welcomed two sons into the world: Edward Matthew, born in 1993, and John Owen, born in 1995.

Related Article: Helen Hunt Then and Now

The Lowe-Berkoff family’s enduring bond is evident in their shared experiences and commitment to each other, reflecting a strong foundation built on love, respect, and mutual support. 

Throughout his career, Lowe has often credited his family as a source of inspiration and stability, highlighting the importance of their presence in his life.

Rob Lowe Now

At 60 years old, Rob Lowe stands as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry, known for his contributions as an actor, filmmaker, and podcast host. 

His versatile career has earned him numerous accolades, including Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series and a Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series.

Related Article: James Earl Jones Then and Now

Lowe’s ability to captivate audiences across various mediums underscores his enduring appeal and versatility as a performer.

In 2024, Lowe continued to showcase his acting prowess with his role in the movie “Brats.” 

This recent addition to his filmography demonstrates his ongoing commitment to his craft and his willingness to explore diverse roles and projects.

Related Article: Angela Bassett Then and Now

Throughout his career, Lowe has consistently delivered compelling performances that resonate with audiences, solidifying his status as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Beyond his acting career, Rob Lowe’s financial success is evident with an estimated net worth of $100 million. 

This substantial wealth reflects not only his talent and hard work but also his savvy business ventures and investments.

Related Article: Tim Allen Then and Now

Lowe’s entrepreneurial spirit and strategic choices have contributed to his long-term financial stability and positioned him as a savvy businessman in addition to his creative pursuits.

As a podcast host, Lowe has also carved out a unique niche, providing audiences with insights into the entertainment industry and engaging conversations with fellow industry professionals. 

His podcast serves as a platform for sharing stories, experiences, and perspectives, further cementing his status as a versatile and influential figure in Hollywood.

Related Article: Laurence Fishburne Then and Now

Overall, Rob Lowe’s enduring career, financial success, and ongoing contributions to the entertainment industry highlight his remarkable journey as a celebrated actor, filmmaker, and podcast host. 

With a wealth of experience behind him and a continued dedication to his craft, Lowe remains a dynamic force in Hollywood, captivating audiences across generations with his talent and charisma.

Related Article: John Cusack Then and Now