Rob Lowe, originally named Robert Hepler Lowe and born on March 17, 1964, is an American performer, filmmaker, producer, author, and podcast presenter. He gained recognition in the 1980s as a youthful icon and member of the Brat Pack, featuring in films such as The Outsiders (1983), St. Elmo’s Fire (1985), and About Last Night… (1986). Following a widely publicized scandal in 1988 that temporarily hindered his career, Lowe achieved fresh success on television. He received acclaim and award nominations for his portrayal of Sam Seaborn on The West Wing (1999–2003, 2006). Later, he acted in series like Brothers & Sisters (2006–2010), Parks and Recreation (2010–2015), and 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020–2025). In 2018, Lowe directed the TV film The Bad Seed and has been hosting the podcast Literally! With Rob Lowe since 2019.
Age
Rob Lowe entered the world on March 17, 1964, in Charlottesville, Virginia. As of March 2026, he will be 61 years of age.
Biography Update
Rob Lowe spent his formative years in Dayton, Ohio, after his family relocated from Virginia. His parents, Barbara, who was a teacher, and Charles Davis Lowe, a trial attorney, divorced during his childhood. For the majority of his upbringing, he was raised by his mother. He has a younger sibling, Chad Lowe, who is also in the acting profession. As an infant, Rob lost complete hearing in his right ear due to undiagnosed mumps. He attended Oakwood Junior High School in Dayton, and later moved to Malibu, California, with his mother and brother. He graduated from Santa Monica High School, where he developed a friendship with Charlie Sheen and became fascinated with acting.
Lowe began his professional acting journey during his teenage years, securing roles in television movies and series. His breakthrough came in 1983 with Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders, where he performed alongside Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze, Ralph Macchio, and other future Brat Pack celebrities. He continued with St. Elmo’s Fire (1985), which established him as a teen sensation. In 1988, a scandal involving a sex tape with a 16-year-old (the legal age of consent in Georgia then was 14) damaged his reputation, yet he rebounded during the 1990s with television and comedy roles in films like Wayne’s World, Tommy Boy, and Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.
Lowe’s career experienced a resurgence with The West Wing (1999–2003), bringing him Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. He subsequently starred in Brothers & Sisters, portrayed Chris Traeger in Parks and Recreation, and assumed the character of Captain Owen Strand in 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020–2025). Additionally, Lowe has directed projects, including The Bad Seed (2018), and produced various ventures. He has authored four memoirs, including Stories I Only Tell My Friends (2011), and has hosted the podcast Literally! With Rob Lowe since 2019, where he engages with celebrities and shares insights about his life and career.
In more recent times, Rob has concentrated on family, promoting sobriety, and contributing to media. He has maintained sobriety since attending rehab in 1990 and frequently discusses mental health and recovery. As of 2026, he continues to podcast, sporadically acts, and enjoys a balanced lifestyle with his wife and sons.
Net Worth
By 2026, Rob Lowe’s estimated net worth is projected to range from $60 to $80 million, derived from various avenues:
- Acting remuneration (peak earnings during The West Wing, Parks and Recreation, 9-1-1: Lone Star, reportedly $100,000–$300,000+ per episode)
- Producing and directing credits
- Royalties from his four popular memoirs
- Income from his podcast and sponsorships (Literally! With Rob Lowe)
- Endorsements and public engagements
- Real estate investments (longtime residence in Montecito, California, along with other properties)
- Residual income from decades of film and television work
His fiscal stability reflects the achievements of a long-lasting career alongside prudent financial management.
Wife
Rob Lowe has been united in marriage to makeup artist Sheryl Berkoff since 1991. Sheryl, born in 1961, is a successful interior designer and founded Sheryl Lowe Jewellery. Their first encounter was on a blind date in 1983, arranged by Emilio Estevez, and they reconnected while collaborating on Bad Influence in 1990. They wed on June 22, 1991. Rob credits Sheryl with aiding him in attaining sobriety and stability. They have shared over 34 years together and are regarded as one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples. Sheryl opts to remain out of the limelight but provides support to Rob at events and during his recovery journey.
Kids
Rob Lowe and Sheryl Berkoff are parents to two sons:
- Matthew Edward Lowe (born September 24, 1993) – Involved in the entertainment industry, engaging in small acting roles, production, and creative projects.
- John Owen Lowe (born November 6, 1995) – Actor and writer; featured in Unstable (2023, co-created by Rob) and other initiatives.
Both sons are engaged in the entertainment field. Rob frequently speaks about their independence and creativity, and the family shares a close bond. He has no additional children.
Family & Relationships
Rob Lowe and Sheryl Berkoff are the parents of two sons, Matthew and John Owen. He maintains a close relationship with his brother Chad Lowe and keeps connections with his wider family.
Prior to his marriage to Sheryl, Rob had relationships with numerous prominent women in the 1980s, such as Melissa Gilbert, Nastassja Kinski, and Fawn Hall. The 1988 scandal involving a sex tape with a 16-year-old (the legal age of consent in Georgia at that time) resulted in significant public fallout but did not lead to any criminal charges. Rob has characterized the incident as a pivotal moment that initiated his path to sobriety beginning in 1990.
Career
Rob Lowe embarked on his acting career as a teenager in television movies and series. His significant breakthrough was through The Outsiders (1983), followed by Brat Pack fare like St. Elmo’s Fire (1985) and About Last Night… (1986). The 1988 scandal caused a slowdown in his film career, yet he experienced a revival with comedies like Wayne’s World (1992), Tommy Boy (1995), and Austin Powers (1999).
His prominent comeback materialized with The West Wing (1999–2003), which earned him Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. He subsequently acted in Brothers & Sisters (2006–2010), Parks and Recreation (2010–2015), and 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020–2025). He directed The Bad Seed (2018) and presents the Literally! With Rob Lowe podcast (2019–present). Recent endeavors include Unstable (2023) and ongoing work in media.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Robert Hepler Lowe |
| Date of Birth | March 17, 1964 |
| Age (March 2026) | 61 |
| Net Worth (2026 est.) | $60–80 million |
| Wife | Sheryl Berkoff (married 1991–present) |
| Kids | Two sons: Matthew (b. 1993), John Owen (b. 1995) |
| Career Highlights | Brat Pack films (1980s); The West Wing (1999–2003); Parks and Recreation (2010–2015); 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020–2025); I’m a Celebrity winner (2018) |
| Current Status | Active in podcasting, acting, producing; sober since 1990; family-oriented life in Montecito, California |
