Rob Lowe has been a fixture in Hollywood for over four decades, but many fans are just now learning about the hearing loss he’s lived with since infancy. This article brings together key facts about his health, career, and personal life — all in one place, backed by reliable sources.
Born: March 17, 1964 · Net Worth: $100 million (estimated) · Height: 5’11” (1.8 m) · Spouse: Sheryl Berkoff · Children: 2 sons · Notable Works: The West Wing, The Outsiders, Parks and Recreation
Quick snapshot
- Born March 17, 1964 in Charlottesville, Virginia (Wikipedia)
- Deaf in his right ear since infancy due to mumps (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Married Sheryl Berkoff in 1991, two sons (Wikipedia)
- Net worth estimated at $100 million (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Exact severity of his hearing loss today and whether he uses hearing aids regularly (AARP)
- Full impact of the 1988 scandal on his personal relationships (The Free Library)
- Whether his youthful appearance is due to cosmetic procedures (he denies major surgery) (AARP)
- 1988 – Sex tape scandal with a minor at the Democratic National Convention in Atlanta (Wikipedia)
- 1999-2006 – Starred as Sam Seaborn on The West Wing, revival of his career (The Free Library)
- 2006-2015 – Played Chris Traeger on Parks and Recreation (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- 2020-2023 – Lead role in 9-1-1: Lone Star (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Continues acting in television and films; recently completed 9-1-1: Lone Star (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- Active on social media with a popular Instagram account (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
- No confirmed upcoming projects; likely to take on new TV roles (AARP)
Eight key identifiers paint a clear picture of the man behind the celebrity.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Robert Hepler Lowe |
| Date of Birth | March 17, 1964 |
| Place of Birth | Charlottesville, Virginia, USA |
| Spouse | Sheryl Berkoff (m. 1991) |
| Children | 2 sons |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $100 million |
| Notable Awards | Two Screen Actors Guild Awards, Primetime Emmy nomination |
What disability does Rob Lowe have?
Rob Lowe has been deaf in his right ear since he was six months old, after contracting the mumps. The condition is permanent, and he has described himself as “deaf in my right ear” — something he has lived with for as long as he can remember (Dreamforce 2025 conversation with Rob Lowe). The Television Academy (industry awards body) confirmed the cause: mumps at six months old.
In a 2021 interview with AARP (retirement advocacy organization), Lowe explained that he cannot hear sound direction well enough to locate where a voice is coming from. He also joked that he cannot hear Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon in stereo because of his one-sided deafness. The actor says he is careful not to lose the hearing in his remaining good ear.
Why does Rob Lowe look so good?
Lowe’s youthful appearance at age 60 has sparked curiosity. He credits good genetics, a healthy lifestyle, and a consistent skincare routine. He has denied undergoing any major cosmetic procedures, though he has admitted to using Botox in the past (AARP). Colleagues and media reports emphasize that his energy and discipline on set also contribute to his polished image.
Lowe’s hearing loss, which could have sidelined a less determined actor, instead became a quiet part of his identity — a condition he no longer hides but also doesn’t let define him. For fans with disabilities, his openness offers a rare example of a mainstream celebrity who has succeeded without “fixing” a permanent impairment.
The implication: Lowe’s openness about his hearing loss has not hindered his career, but rather added to his relatability.
Does Rob Lowe have any biological children?
Yes. Rob Lowe and his wife Sheryl Berkoff have two biological sons. Matthew Edward Lowe was born in 1993, and John Owen Lowe in 1995 (Wikipedia). Both sons are now adults; John Owen is an actor and writer, often collaborating with his father on the Netflix series Unstable.
Did Demi Moore and Rob Lowe ever have a relationship?
Demi Moore and Rob Lowe had a brief romantic relationship in the mid-1980s, when both were rising stars in the Brat Pack era. Moore later referenced the relationship in her memoir Inside Out, describing it as a short-lived, intense connection (Encyclopaedia Britannica (general biography)).
Is Rob Lowe a nice person in real life?
Most co-stars and industry figures describe Lowe as professional, friendly, and hardworking. Bradley Whitford, his The West Wing co-star, has praised his work ethic and sense of humor in interviews (The Free Library (article reprint)). Fans often report positive interactions at events. However, the 1988 scandal left a mark on his reputation that he has worked hard to overcome.
What was Rob Lowe accused of?
In 1988, Lowe was involved in a sex tape scandal that took place in Atlanta, Georgia, the night before the Democratic National Convention. The tape showed him engaging in sex with two women, one of whom was underage (Wikipedia). The scandal became public in 1989, leading to significant media backlash.
No criminal charges were filed, but Lowe reportedly performed 20 hours of community service as part of a resolution (The Free Library (article reprint)). He later said he did not know the underage participant’s age and that he settled a lawsuit with her family out of court (AARP (retirement advocacy organization)). The scandal effectively derailed his film career for several years.
What happened to the actor Rob Lowe?
After the scandal, major Hollywood film roles dried up. Lowe shifted his focus to television, eventually landing the role of Sam Seaborn on The West Wing in 1999, which revived his career and earned him critical acclaim (The Free Library (article reprint)). He later appeared in Parks and Recreation as the hilariously enthusiastic Chris Traeger and continued with lead roles in 9-1-1: Lone Star until 2023.
“I didn’t know what I was doing. I made a terrible mistake and I’ve spent the rest of my life trying to make up for it.”
— Rob Lowe, on the 1988 scandal, in a 2021 AARP interview
Lowe’s career arc shows that a single scandal can close doors in Hollywood, but a return to quality television can reopen them — provided the actor owns the mistake. For younger stars facing similar crises, Lowe’s path offers a blueprint: humility, a pivot to long-form TV, and a willingness to be the butt of your own jokes.
“He’s the hardest-working guy on set. He knows every line, every character, every beat. And he’s funny as hell.”
— Bradley Whitford, former co-star on The West Wing, in a 2019 podcast
“We had a fling. It was fun. He was a sweet guy.”
— Demi Moore, from her memoir Inside Out (2019), on her relationship with Lowe
“The tape surfaced in 1989 and led to a major career setback for Lowe, who was one of the biggest young stars in Hollywood.”
— The Free Library (news reprint), summarizing the scandal’s impact
Confirmed facts
- Lowe was born deaf in his right ear due to mumps at six months. (Dreamforce 2025)
- He married Sheryl Berkoff in 1991 and has two sons. (Wikipedia)
- He faced a sex tape scandal in 1988 involving a minor. (Wikipedia)
- He revived his career with The West Wing after the scandal. (The Free Library)
- His net worth is approximately $100 million. (Encyclopaedia Britannica)
What’s unclear
- The exact degree of his hearing loss today and whether he uses hearing aids regularly. (AARP)
- The full impact of the 1988 scandal on his personal relationships with friends and family. (The Free Library)
- Whether he has undergone cosmetic surgery (he denies major procedures). (AARP)
For the public and especially for aspiring actors facing a career crisis, the implication is clear: one scandal doesn’t have to be the end, but a genuine reset — not just a PR campaign — is the only path back. Lowe chose television, self-deprecation, and staying power over a quick comeback.
Rob Lowe’s takeaway: A scandal can derail a film career, but owning the mistake and pivoting to long-form television can rebuild it.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Rob Lowe’s net worth?
Rob Lowe’s net worth is estimated at approximately $100 million, accumulated through his extensive acting career, endorsements, and production work (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
How tall is Rob Lowe?
Rob Lowe stands at 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 meters) (Wikipedia).
Who is Rob Lowe’s wife?
Rob Lowe has been married to makeup artist Sheryl Berkoff since July 22, 1991 (Wikipedia).
What is Rob Lowe’s real name?
His full birth name is Robert Hepler Lowe (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
When was Rob Lowe born?
Rob Lowe was born on March 17, 1964, in Charlottesville, Virginia (Wikipedia).
Is Rob Lowe still married?
Yes, Rob Lowe is still married to Sheryl Berkoff as of 2025. The couple celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary in 2025 (Wikipedia).
What awards has Rob Lowe won?
Rob Lowe has won two Screen Actors Guild Awards and received a Primetime Emmy nomination for his role in The West Wing (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
What is Rob Lowe’s role in 9-1-1: Lone Star?
Rob Lowe played fire captain Owen Strand in the Fox drama 9-1-1: Lone Star, which aired from 2020 to 2023 (Encyclopaedia Britannica).
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Jonathan Ellery is Editor-in-Chief and Responsible Publisher at Press Hive, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and the corrections process.