Rob Lowe, originally Robert Hepler Lowe, was born on March 17, 1964, and is an American actor, filmmaker, producer, author, and podcast host. He rose to prominence in the 1980s as a teenage icon and Brat Pack member, appearing in films such as The Outsiders (1983), St. Elmo’s Fire (1985), and About Last Night… (1986). Following a highly publicized scandal in 1988 that hampered his career, Lowe discovered renewed success on television, earning acclaim and award nominations for his portrayal of Sam Seaborn on The West Wing (1999–2003, 2006). He later featured 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 movie The Bad Seed and has been hosting the podcast Literally! With Rob Lowe since 2019.
Age
Rob Lowe was born on March 17, 1964, in Charlottesville, Virginia. As of March 2026, he is 61 years of age.
Biography Update
Rob Lowe spent his childhood in Dayton, Ohio, after his family relocated from Virginia. His parents, Barbara, an educator, and Charles Davis Lowe, a trial attorney, divorced during his early years. Primarily raised by his mother, Rob has a younger sibling, Chad Lowe, who is also involved in acting. At a young age, he lost all hearing in his right ear due to undiagnosed mumps. He attended Oakwood Junior High School in Dayton before moving to Malibu, California, with his mother and brother. He completed his education at Santa Monica High School, where he befriended Charlie Sheen and developed an interest in acting.
Lowe began his acting career as a teenager, securing roles in television movies and series. His significant breakthrough occurred in 1983 with Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders, where he starred alongside Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze, Ralph Macchio, and other Brat Pack luminaries. He continued his ascent with St. Elmo’s Fire (1985), which established him as a teen idol. In 1988, a scandal involving a sex tape with a 16-year-old (with the legal age of consent in Georgia back then being 14) tarnished his image, but he made a comeback in the 1990s with comedy roles in films like Wayne’s World, Tommy Boy, and Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.
Lowe’s career experienced revitalization with The West Wing (1999–2003), earning him nominations for the Emmy and Golden Globe awards. He went on to star in Brothers & Sisters, portrayed Chris Traeger in Parks and Recreation, and took on the role of Captain Owen Strand in 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020–2025). Lowe has also directed, including The Bad Seed (2018), and produced a variety of projects. He has authored four autobiographies, such as Stories I Only Tell My Friends (2011), and has been hosting the podcast Literally! With Rob Lowe since 2019, where he converses with celebrities and discusses his life and career.
In recent years, Rob has concentrated on his family, promoting sobriety, and engaging in media. He has maintained sobriety since entering rehab in 1990 and frequently speaks about mental health and recovery. As of 2026, he continues to podcast, acts occasionally, and enjoys a stable life with his wife and sons.
Net Worth
As of 2026, Rob Lowe’s estimated net worth ranges between $60 and $80 million, amassed from various avenues:
- Acting earnings (notable years on The West Wing, Parks and Recreation, 9-1-1: Lone Star, reportedly between $100,000 and $300,000+ per episode)
- Credits in producing and directing
- Royalties from his four best-selling autobiographies
- Podcast income and sponsorships (Literally! With Rob Lowe)
- Endorsements and public engagements
- Property investments (his longstanding home in Montecito, California, and other real estate)
- Residuals from decades of film and television projects
His financial security reflects the fruits of a long, steady career and 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 decorator and established Sheryl Lowe Jewellery. They initially crossed paths on a blind date in 1983, arranged by Emilio Estevez, and reunited while collaborating on Bad Influence in 1990. They wed on June 22, 1991. Rob credits Sheryl for helping him achieve sobriety and stability. They have remained together for more than 34 years and are regarded as one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples. Sheryl prefers to avoid the limelight but stands by Rob at events and supports his recovery.
Kids
Rob Lowe and Sheryl Berkoff are the parents of two sons:
- Matthew Edward Lowe (born September 24, 1993) – Involved in the entertainment industry, with minor acting roles, production, and creative endeavors.
- John Owen Lowe (born November 6, 1995) – Actor and writer; appeared in Unstable (2023, co-created by Rob) and other works.
Both sons are engaged in the entertainment sector. Rob often shares insights about their independence and creativity, and the family maintains a strong bond. He has no additional children.
Family & Relationships
Rob Lowe and Sheryl Berkoff are parents to sons Matthew and John Owen. He maintains a close relationship with his brother Chad Lowe and keeps connections with his extended family.
Prior to his marriage to Sheryl, Rob was romantically linked with numerous notable women during the 1980s, such as Melissa Gilbert, Nastassja Kinski, and Fawn Hall. His 1988 scandal involving a sex tape with a 16-year-old (the legal age of consent in Georgia at the time) generated significant public backlash but did not result in legal action. Rob has described the episode as a catalyst that prompted his sobriety journey, which began in 1990.
Career
Rob Lowe commenced his acting journey as a teenager in television films and series. His breakthrough role was in The Outsiders (1983), followed by Brat Pack films like St. Elmo’s Fire (1985) and About Last Night… (1986). The scandal in 1988 impeded his film career, yet he rebounded with comedies like Wayne’s World (1992), Tommy Boy (1995), and Austin Powers (1999).
His notable resurgence arose with The West Wing (1999–2003), earning him nominations for the Emmy and Golden Globe awards. He subsequently starred 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 hosts the podcast Literally! With Rob Lowe (2019–present). Recent endeavors include Unstable (2023) and ongoing media projects.
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-centered life in Montecito, California |
