The heartwarming relationship between Rob Lowe and his son Owen
Rob Lowe's son is quickly becoming the spitting image of his famous dad, but their connection goes far deeper than just looks. The two share a bond that extends into their careers, both thriving as actors and even working side by side. Together, they've faced and overcome serious challenges, strengthening their relationship along the way. Their journey is a heartwarming example of family, resilience, and the power of support.
Back in the 80s, Rob Lowe was already making hearts flutter, and he hasn't stopped since. Now, he's got an extra boost: his son John Owen, who is also an actor and has joined Rob in many of his latest projects. Read on to learn more about this inspiring father-son duo!
Here's a blast from the past. Even though both John and Rob have grown up, they've still got a ton to offer the world... and it's more than just cuteness.
Photo: johnyowen / Instagram
For a while, due to reasons including issues with illicit substances or a scandalous private video, Rob Lowe's career was flailing a bit. However, now he's regained his past sparkle thanks to various TV and film productions, many of which star his son John.
The father and son can be seen sharing the spotlight in Netflix's comedy 'Unstable'. In this picture, they pose at the show's media launch alongside their co-stars: Natacha Karam, Brian Michael Smith, Brianna Baker, and Julian Works.
In 2024, John Owen recalled walking off the set of 'Unstable' when it dawned on him that he was "trying to become my own person and get distance" from his dad, but they were working together. But later he realized: "My dad won’t be around forever. It’ll be amazing that we share this together and it’s hard to work in the entertainment industry.”
Ellis Dragon (Rob Lowe) is a globally revered biotech entrepreneur (which makes him somewhat eccentric and narcissistic) who works to make the world a better place. But he's also going through a personal crisis following the death of his wife. That's where the character played by John Owen Lowe comes in.
John Owen brings to life the character of Jackson, who, despite having left for New York to start a life as a flautist, returns to his father to try to save both him and his company.
Rob Lowe and John Owen Lowe created the series along with Victor Fresco. It has won over critics, many of whom believe it has autobiographical hints about living in the shadow of a successful parent.
But beyond 'Unstable' and the inevitable label of being "the son of," what do we know about this young actor poised to take over the on-screen legacy of his super famous dad?
John is the son of Rob Lowe and makeup artist Sheryl Berkof, whom the famous actor married in 1991. He also has an older brother named Matthew from this relationship, who has gravitated more toward business than acting.
John was born in 1995 and, like many people his age, he's into music (he even plays the piano). He also maintains a sober lifestyle due to past struggles with the bottle, a challenge he shares with his father, who has surely provided valuable advice.
"On the most personal level possible, when I was struggling with addiction, he was always there for me," John said in an interview with People magazine in 2022 of his father, while he also justified his Rob's wild ways. "When you consider what he went through in his 20s, his meteoric rise and some turbulence, and being in the public eye for decades... To come out a family man... that's the day-to-day example he sets."
It was in April 2020 when John first spoke about his struggle with alcohol in an Instagram post. "I haven't been vocal about my sobriety... but I had a change of heart today. Two years in and I am more grateful than ever to have a community of support and friends who continue to build me up and hold me accountable. Making the decision to change your life is difficult at any age, but as a young person I hope I can be a small example that it is possible and that things really do get SO MUCH BETTER."
Photo: @johnyowen / Instagram
In 2023, he acted and produced in a movie that reflected his own journey to sobriety. It's about how a young man on his way to a remote drug rehab, finds himself in a strange town being chased by the locals, as well as his own personal demons.
Another one of his accomplishments includes graduating with a degree in Science and Technology from Stanford University in 2018. However, this impressive degree hasn't defined his career, as he has primarily dedicated himself to acting.
From a young age, he dared to follow his father's footsteps in acting. In 2015, he appeared in a few episodes of 'The Grinder,' where he shared scenes with his father, who portrayed the character Dean Sanderson. Owen, on the other hand, played Joel Zadak, the boyfriend of Lizzie (Hana Hayes).
Photo: 'The Grinder,' Fox
Later, in 2017, he appeared on 'The Lowe Files,' in which John, his brother Matthew, and their father, Rob Lowe, travel across the United States searching for unsolved mysteries. What better way than to combine work and family?
Later, we saw the trio again on the American TV show 'Celebrity Watch Party,' where American celebrities are filmed in their living rooms reacting to and commenting on various TV events.
John was also featured in Netflix's romantic comedy 'Holiday in the Wild' (2019). Once again, he appeared alongside his father and other big stars like actress Kristin Davis.
But his professional experience doesn't end with acting, as he's also served as a screenwriter for several episodes of '9-1-1: Lone Star,' an American crime drama created by Ryan Murphy and... yes, you guessed it, also starring Rob Lowe.
He's still very young, but John Owen Lowe has a lot to say beyond his father's long shadow. Need proof? Just look at his blossoming career and the love he's been getting around Hollywood.