Rob Lowe

About

Rob Lowe has been a constant presence in Hollywood for over three decades, starting out as a teenage heartthrob and rising to become one of the most respected actors of his generation. With his boyish good looks and undeniable charisma, he quickly became one of the most recognizable faces of the 1980s, gaining fame as a member of the “”Brat Pack”” and starring in iconic films like “”The Outsiders”” and “”St. Elmo’s Fire””.

However, despite his early success, Rob’s career has not been without its challenges, including a highly-publicized sex scandal and a number of professional setbacks. Despite these ups and downs, Rob Lowe has remained an integral part of the entertainment industry, with his enduring popularity and impressive body of work cementing his status as a true Hollywood icon.

1. Early Life and Career of Rob Lowe

Childhood and Family Background

Rob Lowe was born on March 17, 1964, in Charlottesville, Virginia. His mother, Barbara Lynn, was a schoolteacher, and his father, Charles Davis Lowe, was a lawyer. Rob was the youngest of four siblings, and he had a close-knit relationship with his family. However, his parents’ divorce when he was a teenager had a significant impact on him.

Rob’s Early Years in Hollywood

Rob Lowe knew from a young age that he wanted to be an actor. He started pursuing his dream after graduating from high school and moved to Los Angeles. He got his first acting job in 1979 when he appeared in a small role in the TV show “”A New Kind of Family.”” He continued to work in TV shows and made his film debut in 1983 with the movie “”The Outsiders.””

2. The Brat Pack Years: Rob’s Rise to Fame

Breakthrough Role in “”The Outsiders””

Rob Lowe’s role in “”The Outsiders”” brought him to the limelight. This movie was based on the novel by S.E. Hinton, and it featured other young actors like Tom Cruise, Emilio Estevez, and Matt Dillon. Rob’s portrayal of Sodapop Curtis in “”The Outsiders”” earned him critical acclaim, and he became a part of the group known as the “”Brat Pack.””

Rob’s Most Iconic Films

Rob Lowe’s career continued to soar, and he appeared in many successful films like “”St Elmo’s Fire”” (1985), “”About Last Night”” (1986), and “”Wayne’s World”” (1992). He also worked in TV shows like “”The West Wing”” (1999-2006) and “”Parks and Recreation”” (2010-2015).

3. The Controversies and Setbacks in Rob’s Career

The Tape Scandal

In 1988, a scandal rocked Rob Lowe’s career. A sex tape of him and two women leaked, and it caused a media frenzy. The scandal tarnished his image, and he took a break from Hollywood to focus on his personal life.

Professional Missteps and Career Lulls

Rob Lowe’s career faced its share of ups and downs. He struggled to find work in the late ’90s and early 2000s, and his roles were limited to small TV shows and movies. However, he made a comeback in the mid-2000s with his role in “”The West Wing,”” which earned him critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination.

4. Family Life and Personal Relationships of Rob Lowe

Marriages and Divorces

Rob Lowe has been married to Sheryl Berkoff since 1991. They have two sons together, Matthew and John. Before this, Lowe had several high-profile relationships, including with Melissa Gilbert, Nastassja Kinski, and Princess Stephanie of Monaco.

Rob’s Children and Fatherhood

Rob Lowe is a proud father of his two sons, Matthew and John. He has been vocal about his love for his children and his experience of being a father. In interviews, he has often spoken about his desire to be a good role model for his children and to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

5. Rob Lowe’s Successful Transition to Television

Rob Lowe’s on-screen charisma and good looks made him a popular movie star in the 80s and 90s. However, as his film career started to wane, Lowe transitioned to television and has found great success there. His most notable television role is that of Sam Seaborn on the critically acclaimed political drama series “”The West Wing.””

Role in “”The West Wing””

Lowe played the Deputy Communications Director turned White House Deputy Chief of Staff during the first four seasons of “”The West Wing.”” His portrayal of the smart, idealistic, and charming Seaborn earned him two Primetime Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.

Rob’s Other Television Projects and Awards

In addition to “”The West Wing,”” Lowe has appeared in various other television shows and movies. He starred in the short-lived series “”Dr. Vegas”” and “”The Lyon’s Den,”” as well as in the hit drama series “”Brothers & Sisters.”” Lowe has also gained recognition for his work in television movies such as “”Killing Kennedy,”” “”Behind the Candelabra,”” and “”Holiday in the Wild.”” For his outstanding performances in these roles, he has earned nominations for Golden Globe Awards, Primetime Emmy Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

6. Philanthropy and Political Activism of Rob Lowe

In addition to his successful acting career, Rob Lowe is also known for his philanthropic and political activism work.

Rob’s Involvement in Charitable Organizations

Lowe has been passionate about giving back to the community and has been involved in a number of charitable organizations. He served as the spokesperson for the Lee National Denim Day, which raises funds for breast cancer research. Lowe also supports organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. John’s Health Center, and the Prince’s Trust.

Rob’s Political Views and Activities

Rob Lowe has never shied away from voicing his political views and supporting candidates who align with them. He has been an advocate for environmental causes and supported President Barack Obama during his two presidential campaigns. In 2016, Lowe endorsed Ohio Governor John Kasich in the Republican presidential primary.

7. Rob Lowe’s Legacy and Impact on Hollywood

Rob Lowe’s talent, good looks, and acting skills have left a lasting impact on Hollywood.

Rob’s Influence on Acting and the Entertainment Industry

Lowe’s performances have been inspiring to many aspiring actors in Hollywood. He has influenced the entertainment industry with his style, looks, and the way he carries himself on screen. Lowe’s willingness to take risks as an actor has inspired others to take on challenging roles and explore their potential.

Rob’s Enduring Popularity and Cultural Relevance

Despite being in the industry for over three decades, Rob Lowe’s popularity and relevance have not faded. His roles in classic movies like “”The Outsiders,”” “”Class,”” “”About Last Night,”” and “”St. Elmo’s Fire”” remain memorable, and his television performances are highly regarded. Lowe’s fan base continues to grow, and he has over 2 million followers on Twitter and Instagram.

8. Future Projects and Plans of Rob Lowe

Rob Lowe has many upcoming projects to look forward to and is always on the move.

Rob’s Other Ventures and Ambitions

Apart from acting, Rob Lowe has a passion for writing and has authored two books, “”Stories I Only Tell My Friends”” and “”Love Life.”” He is also a businessman and has launched his skincare line, PROFILE® by Rob Lowe. Furthermore, Lowe has expressed his desire to direct movies and is currently working on a project based on the memoir “”The Bad Guys Won.”” In conclusion, Rob Lowe’s career has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations, but his place in Hollywood history is secure. From his early days as a teen idol to his later work as a respected actor and television personality, Rob has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. As he looks towards the future, fans and critics alike eagerly await the next chapter in the Rob Lowe story, and the continued contributions he will make to the world of film, television, and beyond.

FAQ

1. What is Rob Lowe’s most famous role?

Rob Lowe is perhaps best known for his role as Sodapop Curtis in the 1983 film “”The Outsiders””. He also gained fame for his starring roles in films like “”St. Elmo’s Fire””, “”About Last Night…””, and “”Wayne’s World””.

2. What was the sex scandal that Rob Lowe was involved in?

In 1988, a videotape surfaced showing Rob Lowe engaging in sexual activity with two women, including one who was underage. The scandal garnered widespread media attention, and had a significant impact on Rob’s career and personal life.

3. How has Rob Lowe transitioned into television?

Rob Lowe has had a successful career in television, with his breakthrough role coming in the drama series “”The West Wing””, where he played White House Deputy Communications Director Sam Seaborn. He has also starred in a number of other TV shows, including “”Brothers & Sisters””, “”Parks and Recreation””, and “”9-1-1: Lone Star””.

4. What is Rob Lowe’s philanthropic work?

Rob Lowe is involved with a number of charitable organizations, including the American Cancer Society, the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He has also been active in political causes, supporting candidates from both major political parties.

Last Updated: 3rd April 2023