Career Timeline of Rob Lowe: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Rob Lowe made an impact.

Rob Lowe is an American actor, filmmaker, and entertainment host who rose to fame in the 1980s as a teen idol and member of the 'Brat Pack,' starring in films like 'The Outsiders' and 'St. Elmo's Fire.' A sex tape scandal in 1988 impacted his career, though he continued to work in supporting roles, including in comedies like 'Wayne's World' and 'Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.'

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1976: First Professional Acting Role

In 1976, at the age of 12, Rob Lowe got his first professional acting role as an errand boy in a production of 'Sherlock Holmes'.

1979: A New Kind of Family

In 1979, Rob Lowe landed the part of Tony Flanagan in the short-lived television comedy 'A New Kind of Family'.

1983: Thursday's Child & The Outsiders

In 1983, Rob Lowe received a Golden Globe nomination for 'Thursday's Child' and starred in 'The Outsiders'.

1983: The Outsiders & Class

In 1983, Rob Lowe starred in 'The Outsiders' and 'Class', marking his rise to prominence as a teen idol and a member of the Brat Pack.

1984: Hotel New Hampshire & Oxford Blues

In 1984, Rob Lowe starred in 'The Hotel New Hampshire' and 'Oxford Blues', continuing his rise to fame.

1984: The Hotel New Hampshire

In 1984, Rob Lowe starred opposite Jodie Foster in 'The Hotel New Hampshire'.

1985: St. Elmo's Fire

In 1985, Rob Lowe starred in 'St. Elmo's Fire', solidifying his status as a prominent actor of the Brat Pack.

1986: About Last Night...

In 1986, Rob Lowe starred in 'About Last Night...', further establishing his career.

August 1987: The Three Sisters

In August 1987, Rob Lowe performed on stage in Chekov's 'The Three Sisters' at The Williamstown Theatre Festival.

1988: Masquerade & Sex Tape Scandal

In 1988, Rob Lowe starred in 'Masquerade'. He was also involved in a sex tape scandal in 1988 that significantly impacted his career.

1989: Musical Debut at Academy Awards

In 1989, Rob Lowe made his musical debut at the 61st Academy Awards, singing a reworked duet of 'Proud Mary'.

1992: Wayne's World

In 1992, Rob Lowe appeared in 'Wayne's World', taking on supporting roles in comedy films.

1993: Suddenly, Last Summer

In 1993, Rob Lowe filmed a British TV production of 'Suddenly, Last Summer' and recalled advice from Paul Newman to continue working in theatre.

1994: The Stand

In 1994, Rob Lowe appeared in 'The Stand', based on Stephen King's book.

1995: Tommy Boy

In 1995, Rob Lowe appeared in 'Tommy Boy', continuing in supporting roles in comedy films.

1999: Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me

In 1999, Rob Lowe appeared in 'Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me', continuing in supporting roles in comedy films.

1999: The West Wing Role

In 1999, Rob Lowe began playing Sam Seaborn in 'The West Wing'.

1999: Stir of Echoes

In 1999, the first movie of Stir of Echoes came out

2000: Lee National Denim Day Spokesman

In 2000, Rob Lowe became the first male spokesman for the Lee National Denim Day fundraiser for breast cancer research and education.

2003: Departure from The West Wing

In 2003, Rob Lowe left 'The West Wing'.

2003: The West Wing Departure

In 2003, Rob Lowe left his role as Sam Seaborn on 'The West Wing'.

2003: The Lyon's Den

In 2003, after leaving The West Wing, Rob Lowe starred in and executive produced 'The Lyon's Den', an NBC drama that was ultimately unsuccessful.

2004: Salem's Lot Success

In 2004, Rob Lowe starred in the TNT remake of Stephen King's 'Salem's Lot', which became a highly-rated cable program.

2004: Dr. Vegas Cancellation

In 2004, Rob Lowe's series 'Dr. Vegas' was quickly canceled.

2005: A Few Good Men

In 2005, Rob Lowe starred as Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee in Sorkin's London West End production of 'A Few Good Men'.

June 2006: The Friday Night Project Guest Host

In June 2006, Rob Lowe was the guest host for an episode of 'The Friday Night Project' in the UK.

November 2006: Brothers & Sisters Guest Appearance

In November 2006, Rob Lowe's initial guest appearance on 'Brothers & Sisters' resulted in high ratings for the show.

2006: Brief Return to The West Wing

In 2006, Rob Lowe briefly returned to his role as Sam Seaborn in 'The West Wing'.

2006: The Perfect Day, Stir of Echoes: The Homecoming & Brothers & Sisters

In 2006, Rob Lowe filmed 'The Perfect Day' in New Orleans, filmed 'Stir of Echoes: The Homecoming', and joined the cast of 'Brothers & Sisters'.

2006: Brothers & Sisters

In 2006, Rob Lowe joined the cast of the ABC drama 'Brothers & Sisters' as Robert McCallister.

2006: Thank You for Smoking

In 2006, Rob Lowe played a supporting role as a movie agent in the independent film 'Thank You for Smoking'.

January 2007: Brothers & Sisters Special Guest Star

In January 2007, ABC announced that Rob Lowe would stay on 'Brothers and Sisters' as a special guest star for the rest of Season 1.

March 2007: Brothers & Sisters Season 2 Return

In March 2007, Rob Lowe announced he would be returning for the second season of 'Brothers & Sisters'.

2009: Brothers and Sisters

In 2009, Rob Lowe continued appearing on 'Brothers and Sisters'.

2009: The Invention of Lying & Too Late to Say Goodbye

In 2009, Rob Lowe had a supporting role in 'The Invention of Lying' and a leading role in 'Too Late to Say Goodbye'.

May 16, 2010: Brothers & Sisters Exit

On May 16, 2010, Rob Lowe's character on 'Brothers & Sisters' was involved in a multi-vehicle crash and put into a coma as part of his exit from the show.

July 2010: Captain Marvel & Parks and Recreation

In July 2010, Rob Lowe was announced as the voice of Captain Marvel in 'Young Justice' and as a series regular on 'Parks and Recreation'.

2010: Brat Pack Documentary & Tonight Show Appearance

In 2010, Rob Lowe appeared in 'Brat Pack: Where Are They Now?' and on 'The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien'.

2010: Parks and Recreation

In 2010, Rob Lowe began his role as Chris Traeger on the NBC sitcom 'Parks and Recreation'.

May 2011: Stories I Only Tell My Friends Release

In May 2011, Rob Lowe's memoir, 'Stories I Only Tell My Friends', was released.

2011: Californication

In 2011, Rob Lowe guest starred in a recurring role on Showtime's comedy 'Californication'.

2011: Reasons for Leaving The West Wing

In 2011, Rob Lowe stated he left 'The West Wing' due to feeling disrespected when other lead characters received raises and he did not.

2014: Love Life Release

In 2014, Rob Lowe released his second book, 'Love Life'.

2014: The Pro & The 90s

In 2014, Rob Lowe starred in the pilot for 'The Pro', and narrated 'The 90s: The Last Great Decade?'.

2014: Parks and Recreation Exit

In 2014, Rob Lowe's character was written out of 'Parks and Recreation'.

2014: DirecTV Commercials

Since the fall of 2014, Rob Lowe has been a commercial spokesman for DirecTV.

February 2015: The Grinder Pilot

In February 2015, Fox announced a pilot for the comedy 'The Grinder' starring Rob Lowe and Fred Savage.

April 2015: Commercials Pulled

In April 2015, DirecTV's commercials featuring Rob Lowe were pulled after complaints about their claims.

November 2015: The Lion Guard

In November 2015, Rob Lowe voiced Simba in 'The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar'.

2015: Parks and Recreation Exit

In 2015, Rob Lowe concluded his role as Chris Traeger on 'Parks and Recreation'.

2015: Profile Skincare Line

In 2015, Rob Lowe launched Profile™, a men's skincare product line.

2015: Pocket Listing

In 2015, Rob Lowe starred in the satirical thriller 'Pocket Listing'.

August 27, 2016: Comedy Central Roast Recorded

On August 27, 2016, Rob Lowe's Comedy Central Roast was recorded with David Spade as the Roast Master and a panel of comedians and celebrities as roasters.

2016: 18 Amber Wood Fragrance Line

In 2016, Rob Lowe launched a fragrance product line called 18 Amber Wood with the Profile™ brand.

April 21, 2017: KFC Ad Campaign

On April 21, 2017, KFC launched an ad campaign featuring Rob Lowe as astronaut Colonel Sanders, spoofing a JFK speech to promote the Zinger chicken sandwich.

August 2, 2017: The Lowe Files Debut

On August 2, 2017, The Lowe Files, a reality series featuring Rob Lowe and his sons investigating urban myths, premiered on A&E.

January 3, 2018: Atkins Spokesperson

On January 3, 2018, Atkins Nutritionals announced Rob Lowe as their new brand spokesperson, highlighting his "low carb lifestyle".

October 2018: Wild Bill Announced

In October 2018, it was announced that Rob Lowe would star in the ITV series Wild Bill, portraying an American policeman who relocates to Boston, Lincolnshire.

2018: Directorial Debut with The Bad Seed

In 2018, Rob Lowe made his directorial debut with the television film 'The Bad Seed', a remake of the 1956 film.

March 19, 2019: Mental Samurai Host

On March 19, 2019, Rob Lowe began hosting the Fox competition series Mental Samurai, also serving as a producer for the show.

May 12, 2019: 9-1-1: Lone Star Ordered

On May 12, 2019, it was announced that the 9-1-1 spin-off series 9-1-1: Lone Star was ordered, with Rob Lowe starring as Owen Strand.

January 19, 2020: 9-1-1: Lone Star Premiere

On January 19, 2020, 9-1-1: Lone Star, starring Rob Lowe, premiered to generally favorable reviews.

June 25, 2020: Literally! With Rob Lowe Podcast

On June 25, 2020, Rob Lowe started hosting a podcast called Literally! With Rob Lowe, featuring guests like Chris Pratt and Conan O'Brien.

October 9, 2020: Madness in the Hills Debut

On October 9, 2020, Rob Lowe's short documentary, Madness in the Hills, about the 2018 mudslides in Southern California, debuted on Peacock.

2020: 9-1-1: Lone Star

In 2020, Rob Lowe began starring as Captain Owen Strand on the Fox drama '9-1-1: Lone Star'.

2020: Parks and Recreation Special

In 2020, Rob Lowe reprised his role in 'A Parks and Recreation Special'.

January 18, 2021: 9-1-1: Lone Star Renewed

On January 18, 2021, the series 9-1-1: Lone Star, starring Rob Lowe, was renewed for a second season.

June 2021: Celebrity Family Feud Appearance

In June 2021, Rob Lowe and his family appeared on Celebrity Family Feud as a birthday surprise for his wife, fulfilling her dream of being a contestant.

August 6, 2021: Dog Gone Movie Announcement

On August 6, 2021, it was announced that Rob Lowe would star in and executive produce the Netflix movie Dog Gone.

March 9, 2022: The Andy Warhol Diaries Commentary

On March 9, 2022, Rob Lowe provided commentary in The Andy Warhol Diaries, premiering on Netflix.

April 6, 2022: Unstable Announcement

On April 6, 2022, it was announced that Rob Lowe would star in and executive produce Unstable with Victor Fresco and his son John Owen Lowe for Netflix.

January 2024: The Floor Hosting

In January 2024, Rob Lowe began hosting The Floor, a trivia game show.

March 2024: Production Deal with Fox

In March 2024, Rob Lowe signed a production deal with Fox following the renewal of The Floor for seasons two and three.

June 1, 2024: SCAD Commencement Speech and Honorary Doctorate

On June 1, 2024, Rob Lowe delivered the commencement speech and received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters at Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, GA.