Editing Rob Lowe (section)

==Career==
===1970s===

Lowe got his first professional acting role in 1976 when he was 12 and still living in Dayton.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/405732835/|title=Boy, 12, sets his cap for stardom as actor|date=August 14, 1976|newspaper=Dayton (OH) Daily News|access-date=July 29, 2021|archive-date=July 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731061113/https://www.newspapers.com/image/405732835/|url-status=live}}</ref> He played an errand boy in a production of ''Sherlock Holmes'' at the [[Wright State University]] summer theater. He landed the part by calling every local theater and asking each if there was a part for a child in a play. Lowe was paid $150 for the role. In 1979, Lowe landed the part of Tony Flanagan in the short-lived television comedy ''[[A New Kind of Family]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=A New Kind of Family|url=http://epguides.com/NewKindofFamily/|url-status=live|website=epguides.com|access-date=August 14, 2021|archive-date=August 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814031229/http://epguides.com/NewKindofFamily/}}</ref>

===1980s===
[[File:Roblowe.jpg|thumb|upright|Lowe at the Governor's Ball party after the [[61st Academy Awards|1989 Academy Awards]]]]
One of Lowe's earliest roles came in the 1983 television film ''[[Thursday's Child (1983 film)|Thursday's Child]]'', for which he received his first [[Golden Globe Award]] nomination for Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries, or Television Film.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.goldenglobes.com/person/rob-lowe|title=Rob Lowe|publisher=[[Hollywood Foreign Press Association]]|language=en|access-date=December 21, 2017|archive-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222051601/https://www.goldenglobes.com/person/rob-lowe|url-status=live}}</ref> He also appeared in the music video for [[The Go-Go's]] song, "[[Turn to You]]".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rob Lowe Starred In Gender-Bender Go-Go's Video "Turn to You"|url=https://2paragraphs.com/2019/03/rob-lowe-starred-in-gender-bender-go-gos-video-turn-to-you/|access-date=2020-10-02|website=2paragraphs.com|language=en-US|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126173306/https://2paragraphs.com/2019/03/rob-lowe-starred-in-gender-bender-go-gos-video-turn-to-you/|url-status=live}}</ref> His breakthrough role was his big-screen debut in 1983, when he and [[Emilio Estevez]] were cast in [[Francis Ford Coppola]]'s ''[[The Outsiders (film)|The Outsiders]]''.<ref>{{Citation|title=The Outsiders (1983) - Francis Ford Coppola, Stephen H. Burum {{!}} Cast and Crew {{!}} AllMovie|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-outsiders-v36919/cast-crew|language=en|access-date=2021-08-14|archive-date=August 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814122709/https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-outsiders-v36919/cast-crew|url-status=live}}</ref> Lowe played the role of Sodapop Curtis, the brother of the main characters Ponyboy Curtis ([[C. Thomas Howell]]) and Darrel Curtis ([[Patrick Swayze]]). In 1984, he starred opposite [[Jodie Foster]] in [[Tony Richardson]]'s ''[[The Hotel New Hampshire (film)|The Hotel New Hampshire]]''.<ref>{{Citation|title=The Hotel New Hampshire (1984) - Tony Richardson {{!}} Cast and Crew {{!}} AllMovie|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-hotel-new-hampshire-v23296/cast-crew|language=en|access-date=2021-08-14|archive-date=August 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814122709/https://www.allmovie.com/movie/the-hotel-new-hampshire-v23296/cast-crew|url-status=live}}</ref> Lowe and Estevez reunited in ''[[St. Elmo's Fire (film)|St. Elmo's Fire]]'', making them the two more prominent actors from the group known as the [[Brat Pack]]. ''[[About Last Night (1986 film)|About Last Night...]]'' followed, with [[Demi Moore]] (who had starred alongside Lowe in ''St. Elmo's Fire'').<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://texasarchive.org/2016_04018 |title=The Roy Faires Collection - Interview with Rob Lowe (1986) |last=texasarchive.org |language=en |access-date=2025-03-04 |via=texasarchive.org}}</ref> He then received his second Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as the mentally disabled Rory in ''[[Square Dance (film)|Square Dance]]'' (1987).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Square Dance|url=https://www.goldenglobes.com/film/square-dance|access-date=2021-08-14|website=www.goldenglobes.com|archive-date=August 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814122710/https://www.goldenglobes.com/film/square-dance|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 1987, he performed on stage, playing Baron Tusenbach in Chekov's ''The Three Sisters'' at The Williamstown Theatre Festival.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[The Christian Science Monitor]]|title=Williamstown turns up the star power for Chekhov|first=Hilary |last=DeVries|date= August 28, 1987}}</ref> In 1993, while filming a British TV production of the [[Tennessee Williams]] play ''[[Suddenly, Last Summer]]'' with [[Dame Maggie Smith|Maggie Smith]] and [[Natasha Richardson]], he recalled in an interview that he had run into [[Paul Newman]] four years earlier at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, and that Newman had encouraged him to continue to work in theatre.<ref>{{cite news|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|title=Williams Play a Different Role for Rob Lowe|first=Susan |last=King|date= January 6, 1993}}</ref>

In 1989, as part of the opening ceremony for the (critically derided) telecast of the [[61st Academy Awards]] produced by [[Allan Carr]],<ref name="Hofler">{{cite web |last1=Hofler |first1=Robert |title=The Worst Oscars Ever |url= https://www.lamag.com/longform/snow-job/ |website=[[Los Angeles Magazine]] |access-date=23 January 2019 |date=1 March 2010|df=mdy-all|ref=none}}</ref> Lowe made his musical debut singing a reworked duet of [[Creedence Clearwater Revival]]'s "[[Proud Mary]]" alongside actress Eileen Bowman,<ref name="Abramovitch">{{cite news|last=Abramovitch |first=Seth |title='I Was Rob Lowe's Snow White': The Untold Story of Oscar's Nightmare Opening |url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscars-rob-lowes-snow-white-422225 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=February 20, 2013 |access-date=June 7, 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130518013544/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/oscars-rob-lowes-snow-white-422225 |archive-date=May 18, 2013 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> who was dressed as an unauthorized depiction of [[Snow White (Disney character)|Snow White]].<ref name="Pond">{{cite web |title=And the loser is... |url=http://theenvelope.latimes.com/awards/oscars/env-worstoscars27feb27,0,2820773,full.story |first=Steve |last=Pond |work=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=February 27, 2005 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006034804/http://theenvelope.latimes.com/awards/oscars/env-worstoscars27feb27%2C0%2C2820773%2Cfull.story |archive-date=October 6, 2013 |df=mdy-all |ref=none |access-date=October 5, 2013 }}</ref>

===1990s===
Lowe appeared in 1992's [[Wayne's World (film)|Wayne's World]] and 1994's ''[[The Stand (1994 miniseries)|The Stand]]'', based on [[Stephen King]]'s [[The Stand (novel)|book of the same name]].<ref>{{Citation|title=Stephen King's 'The Stand' (1994) - Mike Garris {{!}} Cast and Crew {{!}} AllMovie|url=https://www.allmovie.com/movie/stephen-kings-the-stand-v134603/cast-crew|language=en|access-date=2021-08-14|archive-date=August 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814032510/https://www.allmovie.com/movie/stephen-kings-the-stand-v134603/cast-crew|url-status=live}}</ref>

He played [[Sam Seaborn]] in the television series ''[[The West Wing]]'' from 1999 to 2003 (and briefly in 2006). His performance in the show garnered Lowe a [[Primetime Emmy Award]] nomination<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.emmys.com/celebrities/rob-lowe|title=Rob Lowe|work=Television Academy|access-date=December 26, 2011|archive-date=March 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321204153/http://www.emmys.com/celebrities/rob-lowe|url-status=live}}</ref> and two Golden Globe nominations for Best Actor in a Drama Series.<ref>{{Cite web|title=West Wing, The|url=https://www.goldenglobes.com/tv-show/west-wing|access-date=2021-08-14|website=www.goldenglobes.com|archive-date=May 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516032242/https://www.goldenglobes.com/tv-show/west-wing|url-status=live}}</ref> Lowe was drawn to the role because of his personal love of politics, and his longstanding friendship with [[Martin Sheen]], who was cast as President [[Josiah Bartlet]].

When the show premiered, Lowe was considered the lead, and the pilot centered on his character. But as other members of the cast —including [[Allison Janney]], [[Richard Schiff]], [[Janel Moloney]], [[Dulé Hill]], [[John Spencer (actor)|John Spencer]], [[Bradley Whitford]], Martin Sheen (who was initially scripted as a small role), and [[Stockard Channing]] (whose [[First Lady of the United States|First Lady]] was initially scripted as a guest role)— grew more popular, Lowe's character no longer served as the show's main focus. Lowe and series creator [[Aaron Sorkin]] soon found themselves at odds over the network's meddling with the show, most notably the network demanding changes in Lowe's character. Eventually, Lowe left the series, not long before Sorkin and director/executive producer [[Thomas Schlamme]] resigned over a dispute with [[NBC]].

During the final season of ''The West Wing'', Lowe returned to his role of Sam Seaborn, appearing in two of the final four episodes. In 2011, Lowe stated on ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]]'' that he left the show because he did not feel he was being respected, when the other lead characters received a raise and he did not.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/click/stories/1104/rob_lowe_on_west_wing_departure.html|title=Rob Lowe on 'West Wing' departure|first=Karin|last=Tanabe|website=[[Politico]]|date=April 28, 2011|access-date=November 25, 2011|archive-date=January 6, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106053830/http://www.politico.com/click/stories/1104/rob_lowe_on_west_wing_departure.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2000s===
After leaving ''The West Wing'', Lowe was the star and executive producer of a failed NBC drama, ''[[The Lyon's Den]]'' (2003).<ref>{{Citation|title=The Lyon's Den (TV Series 2003–2004)|work=IMDb|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0380124/|language=en|access-date=2021-01-19|archive-date=December 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201222021208/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0380124/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2004, he tried again in a series entitled ''[[Dr. Vegas]]'', but it also was quickly canceled.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dr. Vegas|url=http://epguides.com/DrVegas/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-14|website=epguides.com|archive-date=August 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814032511/http://epguides.com/DrVegas/}}</ref>

Lowe passed on the role of [[Derek Shepherd]] on ''[[Grey's Anatomy]]'', which eventually went to [[Patrick Dempsey]].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2006-11-16-rob-lowe_x.htm | work=[[USA Today]] | title=Lowe back in politics | first=William | last=Keck | date=November 17, 2006 | access-date=May 22, 2010 | archive-date=January 17, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110117013301/http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2006-11-16-rob-lowe_x.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>

Despite his two canceled TV series and flops like ''[[View from the Top|View From the Top]]'' and the made-for-TV movie ''[[Perfect Strangers (2004 film)|Perfect Strangers]]'' during his post–''West Wing'' run,<ref>{{Citation|title=Perfect Strangers (TV Movie 2004)|work=IMDb|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0415201/|language=en|access-date=2021-01-19|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126091608/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0415201/|url-status=live}}</ref> Lowe found success in the TV miniseries genre. In 2004, Lowe starred in the [[TNT (U.S. TV network)|TNT]] remake of the Stephen King miniseries ''[[Salem's Lot (2004 miniseries)|Salem's Lot]]'', which was the highest-rated cable program of that summer and the highest ratings TNT original programming had at the time.<ref>{{Citation|title=Salem's Lot (TV Mini-Series 2004)|work=IMDb|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0355987/|language=en|access-date=2021-01-19|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126131842/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0355987/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2005, he starred as Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee in Sorkin's London West End production of ''[[A Few Good Men (play)|A Few Good Men]]'', the first time the two had worked together since ''The West Wing''. Although Lowe had expressed unhappiness about his decreased role on that show at the time of his departure, he has now repeatedly said that any animosity between them is over and that he was pleased to be working once more with Sorkin.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}}

That same year, Lowe starred in the miniseries ''[[Beach Girls (TV miniseries)|Beach Girls]]'' on the [[Lifetime (TV channel)|Lifetime]] network, based on the [[Luanne Rice]] novel of the same name.<ref>{{Citation|title=Beach Girls (TV Mini-Series 2005)|work=IMDb|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0461071/|language=en|access-date=2021-01-19|archive-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125200138/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0461071/|url-status=live}}</ref> The series premiere received the highest ratings for a movie premiere in Lifetime history.{{citation needed|date=November 2022}} Later, Lowe filmed his supporting role as a movie agent in the 2006 independent film ''[[Thank You for Smoking (film)|Thank You for Smoking]]''.<ref>{{Citation|title=Thank You for Smoking (2005)|work=IMDb|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427944/|language=en|access-date=2021-01-19|archive-date=January 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119174244/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427944/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2006, he filmed ''The Perfect Day'' for TNT, in which he took a pay cut to film in [[New Orleans]] in order to help the [[Hurricane Katrina]]-ravaged area. That same year, Lowe filmed ''[[Stir of Echoes: The Homecoming]]'', the sequel to the 1999 [[Kevin Bacon]] thriller ''[[Stir of Echoes]]'', and it was announced that Lowe would join the cast of ''[[Brothers & Sisters (2006 TV series)|Brothers & Sisters]]'' for a guest run of several episodes.

In January 2007, ABC announced that Lowe would be staying on ''Brothers and Sisters'' as a "special guest star" for the rest of Season 1 after Lowe's initial appearance on the show in November 2006 brought the best ratings and demographic showing for the show since its premiere. Soon after ABC announced an early Season 2 renewal for ''Brother & Sisters'' in March 2007, Lowe announced he would be returning for the show's second season. He continued to appear in the series until the end of the 2009–10 season. Then, Lowe announced he would leave, unhappy with the stories and his lack of screen time in the fourth season. In an episode broadcast on May 16, 2010, his character was part of a multi-vehicle crash involving a large truck and was put into a [[coma]]. The storyline was wrapped up in the first episode of the fifth season; Lowe did not appear in the episode.

In June 2006, he was the guest host for an episode in the third series of ''[[The Friday Night Project]]'' for the United Kingdom's Channel 4. Lowe has also appeared in a televised advertisement for 'Visit California' with other celebrities, including Governor [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]]. (In the advertisement campaign, he was usually pictured in a white tee-shirt printed with the California state flag.)

Lowe had a supporting role in the 2009 movie ''[[The Invention of Lying]]''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/6251536/The-Invention-of-Lying-review.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/filmreviews/6251536/The-Invention-of-Lying-review.html |archive-date=January 11, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=The Invention of Lying, review|last=Sandhu|first=Sukhdev|newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]]|date=August 29, 2014|access-date=October 16, 2017|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and a leading role in ''Too Late to Say Goodbye''.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2009/05/07/lauren-holly-ro/|title=Lauren Holly, Rob Lowe to star in Lifetime Movie Network's 'Too Late to Say Goodbye'|date=May 7, 2009|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=October 16, 2017|archive-date=October 17, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017042426/http://ew.com/article/2009/05/07/lauren-holly-ro/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2010s===
[[File:RobLoweHouse.jpg|thumb|right|Lowe testifying before the [[United States House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming|House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming]] in 2011]]
In 2010, he appeared in the biography of the [[Brat Pack]]ers called: ''Brat Pack: Where Are They Now?'' He also appeared on ''[[The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien]]''. Lowe is currently teaming up with [[44 Blue]] to produce a reality series entitled ''Potomac Fever'' about young adults living in [[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="TVGuide.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.tvguide.com/news/rob-lowe-write-1020032/|title=Rob Lowe to Write Memoir, Produce Reality TV|work=TV Guide|date=2010-06-29|access-date=June 9, 2020|archive-date=June 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609234415/https://www.tvguide.com/news/rob-lowe-write-1020032/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In July 2010, it was announced that Lowe would be providing the voice for the superhero [[Captain Marvel (DC Comics)|Captain Marvel]] in the animated series ''[[Young Justice (TV series)|Young Justice]]''.<ref>[https://www.cbr.com/cci-shazam-rob-lowe-to-voice-captain-marvel-in-young-justice/ CCI: Shazam! Rob Lowe To Voice Captain Marvel In Young Justice] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802230543/https://www.cbr.com/cci-shazam-rob-lowe-to-voice-captain-marvel-in-young-justice/ |date=August 2, 2020 }}. CBR (July 22, 2010). Retrieved June 9, 2020.</ref> It was also announced in July 2010 that Lowe would become a series regular on the series ''[[Parks and Recreation]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Rice|first=Lynette|title=Rob Lowe joins 'Parks and Recreation' as a series regular|url=https://ew.com/article/2010/07/30/rob-lowe-joins-parks-and-recreation-as-a-series-regular/|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|access-date=October 2, 2019|date=July 30, 2010|archive-date=December 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205053427/https://ew.com/article/2010/07/30/rob-lowe-joins-parks-and-recreation-as-a-series-regular/|url-status=live}}</ref> He portrayed [[Chris Traeger]], the relentlessly upbeat city manager of the fictional town of [[Pawnee, Indiana]], for four seasons, before his character was written out of the show in 2014. He was so pleased with the show and his guest appearances on season 2 that he agreed to become a full-fledged cast member. He reprised the role in the 2015 series finale, "[[One Last Ride]]", and in the 2020 special episode "[[A Parks and Recreation Special|A ''Parks and Recreation'' Special]]".

In 2011, Lowe guest starred in a recurring role on [[Showtime (TV channel)|Showtime]]'s comedy ''[[Californication (TV series)|Californication]]''. Lowe featured as the troubled but in-demand actor Eddie Nero – a character based upon "about ten people," according to Lowe<ref name=LoweCalif>Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/8WpT8Tbthts Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20101217160738/http://www.youtube.com//watch?v=8WpT8Tbthts Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite AV media|title=Californication: Rob Lowe on Californication|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WpT8Tbthts|work=Californication|publisher=Showtime|via=YouTube|access-date=August 11, 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref> but somewhat contradicted by sources at Showtime itself<ref name=zap2it>{{cite web|last=Porter|first=Rick|title=Rob Lowe IS Brad Pitt on 'Californication'|url=http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2010/05/rob-lowe-is-brad-pitt-on-californication.html|work=From Inside the Box|publisher=Zap2It|access-date=August 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110909014007/http://blog.zap2it.com/frominsidethebox/2010/05/rob-lowe-is-brad-pitt-on-californication.html|archive-date=September 9, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> – employed to portray Hank in a film version of his book, ''Fucking and Punching''.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Bierly|first=Mandi|title=Rob Lowe to guest on 'Californication': Another reason to be happy he's leaving 'Brothers & Sisters'|url=https://ew.com/article/2010/04/26/rob-lowe-californication/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=October 2, 2019|date=April 26, 2010|archive-date=February 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228043627/https://ew.com/article/2010/04/26/rob-lowe-californication/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2011, Lowe wrote a memoir titled ''Stories I Only Tell My Friends'', which was released in May 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oprah.com/showinfo/Rob-Lowe-Opens-Up-The-Brat-Pack-Love-Sex-Scandal-Sobriety |title=Exclusive: Rob Lowe Opens Up: The Brat Pack, Love, Sex, Scandal, Sobriety |publisher=[[Oprah.com]] |date=April 28, 2011 |access-date=November 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905194320/http://www.oprah.com/showinfo/Rob-Lowe-Opens-Up-The-Brat-Pack-Love-Sex-Scandal-Sobriety |archive-date=5 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/rob-lowes-memoir-stories-i-only-tell-my-friends/2011/04/18/AFOlOW8E_story.html |title=Rob Lowe's memoir "Stories I Only Tell My Friends" |last=Bartell |first=Gerald |author-link=Gerald Bartell |date=28 April 2011 |access-date=1 August 2018 |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |archive-date=August 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180801155136/https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/rob-lowes-memoir-stories-i-only-tell-my-friends/2011/04/18/AFOlOW8E_story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> During his promotional tour for ''Stories I Only Tell My Friends'', Lowe told [[Australia]]n radio show ''[[The Kyle & Jackie O Show]]'' that during his five-day press visit to Australia in 1990, he was so badly affected by the overuse of [[analgesic|painkillers]] that the only two things he remembers from the trip were being at the [[Taronga Zoo|Sydney Zoo]] and getting a [[tattoo]],<ref>{{cite interview|last=Lowe|first=Rob|interviewer=The Kyle & Jackie O Show|title=Celebrity interview|work=[[Today Network]]|publisher=[[2DayFM]]|location=Sydney, Australia|date=May 31, 2011}}</ref> although he states in his book that he does not remember getting the tattoo. In 2014, Lowe wrote a second book titled ''Love Life'', which was released in April that year. He uses stories and observations from his life in a poignant and humorous series of true tales about men and women, art and commerce, fathers and sons, addiction and recovery, and sex and love.

In 2014, Lowe starred in a [[Television pilot|pilot]] for the [[Single-camera setup|single-camera]] comedy ''The Pro'' as Ben Bertrahm, a former professional [[tennis]] player.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://downriversundaytimes.com/2014/02/16/celebrity-extra-238/|title=Celebrity Extra|last=Elavsky|first=Cindy|publisher=[[King (publisher)|King]]|date=February 16, 2014|access-date=May 8, 2014|archive-date=May 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512214045/http://downriversundaytimes.com/2014/02/16/celebrity-extra-238/|url-status=live}}</ref> The pilot was not picked up for series.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2014/05/19/rejected-pilots-look-whos-out-of-work-for-now/|title=Rejected pilots: Look who's out of work (for now)|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=April 5, 2019|access-date=October 12, 2018|archive-date=October 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012214555/https://ew.com/article/2014/05/19/rejected-pilots-look-whos-out-of-work-for-now/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blog.fyitelevision.com/2014/05/when-tv-pilots-are-not-picked-up-2014.html#sthash.QfMdf5Pd.dpbs|title=When TV Pilots are Not Picked Up – 2014 Edition|publisher=[[FYI (TV network)|FYI]]|access-date=October 12, 2018|archive-date=October 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012214542/http://blog.fyitelevision.com/2014/05/when-tv-pilots-are-not-picked-up-2014.html#sthash.QfMdf5Pd.dpbs|url-status=live}}</ref> He also narrated ''The '90s: The Last Great Decade?'' on the [[National Geographic Channel]], which aired in July of that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/04/23/rob-lowe-to-narrate-national-geographic-channels-miniseries-event-the-90s-the-last-great-decade/256737/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140427051030/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2014/04/23/rob-lowe-to-narrate-national-geographic-channels-miniseries-event-the-90s-the-last-great-decade/256737/|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 27, 2014|title=Rob Lowe to Narrate National Geographic Channel's Miniseries Event 'The '90s: The Last Great Decade?'|website=TVbytheNumbers|date=April 23, 2014}}</ref> In 2015, Lowe starred in the satirical thriller ''[[Pocket Listing (film)|Pocket Listing]]''<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/pocket-listing-954731|title='Pocket Listing': Film Review|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|access-date=October 12, 2018|language=en|archive-date=October 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013014314/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/pocket-listing-954731|url-status=live}}</ref>

Lowe has been a commercial spokesman for [[DirecTV]] since fall 2014. Commercials featuring Lowe contrast him with some alternate, less appealing form of Lowe, who instead has [[cable television|cable]].<ref>[http://www.mediabistro.com/agencyspy/grey-ny-introduces-yet-another-rob-lowe-for-directv_b75575 Grey NY introduces yet another Rob Lowe for DirecTV] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141228114306/http://www.mediabistro.com/agencyspy/grey-ny-introduces-yet-another-rob-lowe-for-directv_b75575 |date=December 28, 2014 }}. ''Mediabistro.com''. Retrieved January 11, 2015.</ref> The advertisements were pulled in April 2015 after the [[National Advertising Division]], acting on a complaint by [[Comcast]], found DirecTV's claims about its customer satisfaction, quality, and ranking to be less than truthful.<ref name="rob lowe">{{cite news|title=Rob Lowe DirecTV ad campaign nixed|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/04/08/rob-lowe-directv-ad-campaign-nixed/|first=Justin Wm.|last=Moyer|newspaper=[[Washington Post]]|date=April 8, 2015|access-date=September 10, 2017|archive-date=May 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170507133924/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/04/08/rob-lowe-directv-ad-campaign-nixed/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In February 2015, Fox announced they had greenlit a pilot for the comedy ''[[The Grinder (TV series)|The Grinder]]'' starring Lowe and [[Fred Savage]], and directed by [[Jake Kasdan]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Wagmeister|first1=Elizabeth|title=Fox Orders Rob Lowe Comedy 'The Grinder' To Pilot|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/the-grinder-fox-pilot-rob-lowe-jake-kasdan-1201432474/|magazine=Variety|date=February 12, 2015|access-date=December 11, 2017|archive-date=December 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171225092142/https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/the-grinder-fox-pilot-rob-lowe-jake-kasdan-1201432474/|url-status=live}}</ref> The series, in which Lowe starred as a washed-up actor starting a new career as a lawyer, was cancelled after one season.

In November 2015, Lowe voiced [[Simba]] in the television pilot movie ''The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar''. Lowe continued to voice Simba for its subsequent series ''[[The Lion Guard]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2015/08/11/lion-king-spinoff-voice-cast-rob-lowe-gabrielle-union|title=Lion King spin-off taps Rob Lowe as Simba, Gabrielle Union, James Earl Jones and more|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=August 12, 2015|access-date=August 12, 2015|archive-date=August 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813163623/http://www.ew.com/article/2015/08/11/lion-king-spinoff-voice-cast-rob-lowe-gabrielle-union|url-status=live}}</ref>

In December 2015, Lowe was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His star is located in front of the Musso and Frank Grill on [[Hollywood Boulevard]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://abc7.com/entertainment/rob-lowe-gets-star-on-hollywood-walk-of-fame/1114879/|title=Rob Lowe gets star on Hollywood Walk of Fame|date=December 8, 2015|access-date=December 17, 2015|archive-date=December 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222162104/http://abc7.com/entertainment/rob-lowe-gets-star-on-hollywood-walk-of-fame/1114879/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, Lowe launched Profile™,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.profilebyroblowe.com/|title=Skin Care Products for Men|website=Profile by Rob Lowe|access-date=January 11, 2021|archive-date=January 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121040700/https://www.profilebyroblowe.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> a men's skincare product line. The line features a collection of five antiaging products specially formulated for men. It is currently sold at [[Nordstrom]] stores and online.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profile4men.com/products/skin-care//|title=Profile 4 Men Skincare Line|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127033556/http://www.profile4men.com/products/skin-care/|archive-date=January 27, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The product collection includes a cleanser, a shave gel, an aftershave serum, a moisturizer, and an eye serum in the price range of $24.50 to $59.50.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Naughton|first1=Julie|title=Rob Lowe Launching Profile Skin Care Line|url=http://wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/people/rob-lowe-profile-skin-care-10130790/|publisher=WWD|date=May 19, 2015|access-date=January 19, 2016|archive-date=January 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160127162408/http://wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/people/rob-lowe-profile-skin-care-10130790/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, Lowe launched a fragrance product line called 18 Amber Wood with the Profile™ brand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mimifroufrou.com/scentedsalamander/2016/03/profile_18_amber_wood_rob_lowe.html|title=Profile 18 Amber Wood: bois d'ambre - Rob Lowe's Perfume & Hair Evolutions are Meshed|date=March 1, 2016|access-date=June 21, 2016|archive-date=May 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160527034704/http://www.mimifroufrou.com/scentedsalamander/2016/03/profile_18_amber_wood_rob_lowe.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

On August 27, 2016, a [[Comedy Central Roast]] TV special was recorded and aired on September 5, 2016, with Rob Lowe as the Roastee and [[David Spade]] as Roast Master. Amongst the Roasters were [[Jewel (singer)|Jewel]], [[Nikki Glaser]], [[Ralph Macchio]], [[Pete Davidson]], [[Peyton Manning]], [[Rob Riggle]], [[Jimmy Carr]], [[Ann Coulter]] and the "Roast Master General" [[Jeff Ross]].<ref>[http://www.cc.com/shows/roast-of-rob-lowe "ALL THE ROB THAT'S FIT TO ROAST"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108235018/http://www.cc.com/shows/roast-of-rob-lowe |date=November 8, 2018 }} Retrieved September 6, 2016.</ref>

On April 21, 2017, [[KFC]] released a campaign featuring Lowe as [[astronaut]] [[KFC advertising#Colonel Sanders|Colonel Sanders]] giving a [[We choose to go to the Moon|JFK speech]] [[parody|spoof]]/[[homage (arts)|homage]] about launching the Zinger chicken sandwich into space.<ref>Rob Lowe as astronaut Col Sanders in JFK homage advert,{{Citation|last=KFC|title=KFC {{!}} Announcement {{!}} Zinger|date=April 21, 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YY4RfeX2Z4|access-date=April 21, 2017|archive-date=April 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421151336/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YY4RfeX2Z4|url-status=live}} (KFC YouTube channel, 6,895,336 views in 1 month, as of May 21, 2017)</ref> Lowe said in a statement that when he was a child, his grandfather took him to meet [[Colonel Sanders|Harland Sanders]].<ref>{{cite press release | title =KFC Explores The Final Frontier With Colonel Rob Lowe | date =April 21, 2017 | publisher =PR Newswire | url =http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kfc-explores-the-final-frontier-with-colonel-rob-lowe-300443216.html | access-date =May 21, 2017 | archive-date =April 29, 2017 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20170429172256/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kfc-explores-the-final-frontier-with-colonel-rob-lowe-300443216.html | url-status =live }}</ref>

In late autumn 2017, Lowe began a reality series with his two sons, 24-year-old Matthew and 22-year-old Jon Owen, on [[A&E (TV network)|A&E]] titled ''[[The Lowe Files]]''. With the exception of the hour-long pilot, the series featured 30-minute road trips with the Lowe boys, and occasional TV guest stars known in the field, investigating common urban myths and legends that Rob has loved since he was a young boy and has shared with his boys throughout their growth. Some of the topics being explored are Bigfoot/Sasquatch, the alleged unidentified "submerged" objects that may have a base off the coast from Los Angeles, alien abduction, and ghosts and their direct responses to stimuli. The series debuted on August 2, 2017, and lasted one season. Lowe has said he hadn't planned on more than one season because of scheduling difficulties.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lowe |first=Rob |date=October 21, 2017 |title=We hadn't planned on more than one, special season. |url=https://x.com/RobLowe/status/921908093952262144 |access-date=July 30, 2024 |website=X.com}}</ref>

On January 3, 2018, [[Atkins Nutritionals]] announced Lowe as a new brand spokesperson. Due to his "low carb lifestyle," Lowe was selected for a series of multimedia ads that were still appearing in 2024.<ref>{{cite news |title=Atkins Nutritionals, Inc. Enlists Rob Lowe as Brand Spokesperson to Drive Lifestyle Messaging |url=https://www.atkins.com/newsroom/2018/atkins-nutritionals-inc-enlists-rob-lowe-as-brand-spokesperson-to-drive-lifestyle-messaging |access-date=2019-05-30 |publisher=Atkins |date=2018-01-03 |location=Denver, CO |archive-date=April 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424000501/https://www.atkins.com/newsroom/2018/atkins-nutritionals-inc-enlists-rob-lowe-as-brand-spokesperson-to-drive-lifestyle-messaging |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Oswald |first1=Anjelica |title=Rob Lowe has some enlightened takes on eating: 'I'm not a big fan of diets' |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/rob-lowe-healthy-eating-and-when-he-cheats-atkins-2018-2 |access-date=2019-05-30 |agency=Business Insider |publisher=Insider, Inc. |date=2018-02-09 |archive-date=May 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530201548/https://www.businessinsider.com/rob-lowe-healthy-eating-and-when-he-cheats-atkins-2018-2 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In October 2018, it was announced that Lowe would star in an [[ITV (TV network)|ITV]] series, ''[[Wild Bill (TV series)|Wild Bill]]'', about an American policeman who moves to [[Boston, Lincolnshire]] with his daughter.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2018/oct/12/rob-lowe-to-star-as-lincolnshire-police-chief-in-itv-drama|title=Rob Lowe to star as Lincolnshire police chief in ITV drama|last=Mohdin|first=Aamna|date=2018-10-12|work=The Guardian|location=London|language=en|access-date=2018-10-12|archive-date=January 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190116041520/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2018/oct/12/rob-lowe-to-star-as-lincolnshire-police-chief-in-itv-drama|url-status=live}}</ref> While the show was cancelled by ITV after one season, there were hopes it would be picked up by Netflix or Hulu at a future date.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/11/itv-cancels-rob-lowes-drama-wild-bill-1202784735/|title=ITV Cancels Rob Lowe's British Cop Drama 'Wild Bill' After One Season|date=2019-11-13|access-date=February 3, 2020|archive-date=February 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203205510/https://deadline.com/2019/11/itv-cancels-rob-lowes-drama-wild-bill-1202784735/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On March 19, 2019, Lowe began hosting the [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] competition series ''[[Mental Samurai]]'' where he also served as a producer. It lasted two seasons.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/02/fox-renews-mental-samurai-1202859174/|title='Mental Samurai': Fox Renews Rob Lowe-Fronted Reality Competition For Season 2|first1=Jake|last1=Kanter|date=February 25, 2020|access-date=June 3, 2020|archive-date=April 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408015421/https://deadline.com/2020/02/fox-renews-mental-samurai-1202859174/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 2020s ===
Lowe began hosting a podcast called ''Literally! With Rob Lowe'' on June 25, 2020. Guests included [[Chris Pratt]] and [[Conan O'Brien]].<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Rob Lowe and Chris Pratt bond over beloved TV shows in exclusive clip from 'Literally!' podcast|url=https://ew.com/podcasts/rob-lowe-literally-podcast/|access-date=2020-07-15|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|language=EN|archive-date=July 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712233021/https://ew.com/podcasts/rob-lowe-literally-podcast/|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2021, Lowe launched a second podcast, a ''Parks and Recreation'' recap show called ''Parks and Recollection'', alongside ''Parks and Rec'' writer and producer [[Alan Yang]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Brockington|first=Ariana|date=2021-09-02|title=Rob Lowe Unveils 'Parks and Recollection' Podcast With Alan Yang|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/rob-lowe-unveils-parks-and-recollection-podcast-with-alan-yang-1235007990/|access-date=2022-01-07|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en-US|archive-date=January 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108225224/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/rob-lowe-unveils-parks-and-recollection-podcast-with-alan-yang-1235007990/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Lowe directed a short documentary, ''Madness in the Hills'', which is about the mudslides that killed 23 people in Southern California in January 2018, including many friends and neighbors of Lowe. It debuted on the [[Peacock (streaming service)|Peacock streaming service]] on October 9, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Dade |date=2020-10-07 |title=Rob Lowe-Directed Documentary 'Madness In The Hills' To Premiere On Peacock |url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/rob-lowe-directed-documentary-madness-in-the-hills-to-premiere-on-peacock-1234592888/ |access-date=2022-04-09 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref>

On May 12, 2019, it was announced that a spin-off the ''[[9-1-1 (TV series)|9-1-1]]'' series titled ''[[9-1-1: Lone Star]]'' was ordered to series with Lowe in the starring role of Owen Strand.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Iannucci|first=Rebecca|title=9-1-1 Spinoff Lone Star Scores Series Order at Fox, Rob Lowe to Star|url=https://tvline.com/2019/05/12/9-1-1-spinoff-series-order-fox-rob-lowe-lone-star/|website=TVLine|date=May 12, 2019|access-date=December 26, 2020|archive-date=May 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513002359/https://tvline.com/2019/05/12/9-1-1-spinoff-series-order-fox-rob-lowe-lone-star/|url-status=live}}</ref> The series premiered on January 19, 2020, to generally favorable reviews and was renewed for a second season, which premiered on January 18, 2021. The fifth and final season concluded on February 3, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Swift |first=Andy |date=2025-02-03 |title=9-1-1: Lone Star Series Finale: The 126 Braces for Impact as an Asteroid Rips Through Austin (Exclusive Sneak Peek) |url=https://tvline.com/previews/911-lone-star-season-5-episode-12-series-finale-video-1235405161/ |access-date=2025-02-04 |website=TVLine |language=en-US}}</ref>

In June 2021, as a surprise birthday present to his wife, he fulfilled her dream to be a contestant with him and their children on [[Celebrity Family Feud|''Celebrity'' ''Family Feud'']].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-07-23 |title=Rob Lowe and Sheryl Berkoff's Relationship Timeline |url=https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/pictures/rob-lowe-and-sheryl-berkoffs-relationship-timeline/ |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Us Weekly |language=en-US}}</ref>

On August 6, 2021, Deadline revealed that Lowe will star and executive produce the Netflix movie ''Dog Gone''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/08/rob-lowe-to-ep-star-netflix-family-film-dog-gone-1234809998/|title=Rob Lowe To EP & Star In Netflix Family Film 'Dog Gone'|date=August 5, 2021 |access-date=August 6, 2021|archive-date=August 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806021801/https://deadline.com/2021/08/rob-lowe-to-ep-star-netflix-family-film-dog-gone-1234809998/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Lowe will offer commentary in ''The Andy Warhol Diaries'', premiering on Netflix on March 9, 2022.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Grow|first=Kory|title=Andy Warhol Reads From His Own Diaries – With Some AI Assistance – in New Doc Trailer|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/andy-warhol-diaries-trailer-1311544/|date=February 23, 2022|access-date=March 1, 2022|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=April 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405133125/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/movie-news/andy-warhol-diaries-trailer-1311544/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On April 6, 2022, it was announced that Lowe will star in and executive produce ''[[Unstable (TV series)|Unstable]]'' with [[Victor Fresco]] and his son [[John Owen Lowe]] for [[Netflix]].<ref name="White">{{Cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=2022-04-06 |title=Rob Lowe & Son John Owen Lowe To Star In Netflix Comedy Series 'Unstable' From Victor Fresco |url=https://deadline.com/2022/04/rob-lowe-son-john-owen-lowe-netflix-comedy-series-unstable-victor-fresco-1234995276/ |access-date=2022-04-09 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> The show, which follows Lowe as successful biotech entrepreneur Ellis Dragon as he struggles to deal with his son and regain his footing following the death of his wife, premiered on March 30, 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rob Lowe Is an 'Unstable' Genius in Father-Son Comedy |url=https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/unstable-rob-lowe-comedy-netflix |access-date=2023-02-16 |website=Netflix Tudum |language=en}}</ref>

In January 2024 he began hosting ''[[The Floor (American game show)|The Floor]],'' a trivia game show. In March 2024 he signed a production deal with [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] following the show's renewal on the network for seasons two and three.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=2024-05-13 |title='The Floor' Renewed for Seasons 2 and 3 at Fox, Host Rob Lowe Signs Unscripted First-Look Deal at Network |url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/the-floor-renewed-seasons-2-3-fox-host-rob-lowe-unscripted-first-look-deal-network-1236000154/ |access-date=2024-05-16 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2024, he appeared in [[Andrew McCarthy]]'s [[Hulu]] documentary about the Brat Pack titled ''[[Brats (2024 film)|Brats]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grimm |first=Bob |date=2024-06-24 |title=A whiny brat: Andrew McCarthy's Brat Pack documentary is ruined by his (understandable) grudge |url=https://renonr.com/2024/06/23/a-whiny-brat-andrew-mccarthys-brat-pack-documentary-is-ruined-by-his-understandable-grudge/ |access-date=2024-07-30 |website=Reno News & Review |language=en-US}}</ref>

He said on his podcast in 2025 that he declined an unspecified television series because it was going to film in New York, as part of a larger conversation criticizing lack of support for the film industry in Los Angeles and the United States, noting that he filmed ''The Floor'' in Dublin.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harris |first=Raquel 'Rocky' |date=2025-03-24 |title=Rob Lowe Says California, LA Leadership Should Be 'Fired' Over How Expensive It Is to Film: 'It's Criminal' {{!}} Video |url=https://www.thewrap.com/rob-lowe-slams-california-film-production-literally-podcast-adam-scott/ |access-date=2025-03-28 |website=TheWrap |language=en-US}}</ref>