Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Screen & Stage • Actor

Rob Lowe

Rob Lowe is an American actor, filmmaker, and entertainment host.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Rob Lowe is an American actor, filmmaker, and entertainment host who rose to prominence in the 1980s and is best known for his television roles on *The West Wing* and *Parks and Recreation*.

What it is

Born Robert Hepler Lowe on March 17, 1964, in Charlottesville, Virginia, Lowe began acting as a child and became a key figure in the 1980s Brat Pack. His film credits include *The Outsiders*, *St. Elmo's Fire*, *About Last Night*, *Wayne's World*, *Tommy Boy*, and *Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me*. He later transitioned to acclaimed television work, notably as Sam Seaborn on *The West Wing* (1999–2003, 2006) and Chris Traeger on *Parks and Recreation*.

Why it matters

Lowe's career spans four decades, demonstrating versatility across film, television, and hosting. His role on *The West Wing* helped define prestige television drama, while his comedic turn on *Parks and Recreation* solidified his place in modern pop culture. Canadian audiences know him through widespread syndication of these shows and coverage in Canadian entertainment media.

Key details

At 61, Lowe remains active as an actor, producer, writer, director, and host. He has received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. His public image includes memoirs, podcasting, and live entertainment work. Note: while public estimates of his net worth exist, no precise, verified figure is available from the provided sources.

In short

  • Rob Lowe became famous in the 1980s as part of the Brat Pack, with films like *The Outsiders*.
  • He is best known for television roles on *The West Wing* and *Parks and Recreation*.
  • Lowe has worked as an actor, filmmaker, producer, writer, director, and host for decades.
Canadian angle

Rob Lowe is widely known in Canada through U.S. film and television syndication, including The West Wing and Parks and Recreation, and through coverage in Canadian entertainment media.

Quick questions

Who is Rob Lowe?
Rob Lowe is an American actor, filmmaker, and entertainment host, famous for 1980s films and TV roles on *The West Wing* and *Parks and Recreation*.
How old is Rob Lowe?
Rob Lowe was born on March 17, 1964, making him 61 years old.
What movies is Rob Lowe known for?
Notable films include *The Outsiders*, *St. Elmo's Fire*, *About Last Night*, *Wayne's World*, *Tommy Boy*, and *Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me*.

Sources

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Rob-Lowe
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, nationality, occupations, and major roles including The West Wing and Parks and Recreation.
  2. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Lowe
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, and general career overview.
  3. Hollywood Walk of Famehttps://www.walkoffame.com/rob-lowe/
    Supports: Biographical details, early career, and The West Wing role.
  4. Forbeshttps://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffconway/2024/03/06/rob-lowe-on-life-career-and-turning-60-i-have-never-felt-stronger/
    Supports: Recent age reference and film and television career highlights.
  5. Rotten Tomatoeshttps://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/rob_lowe
    Supports: Filmography highlights and career description.