Rob Lowe was a quintessential figure of the Brat Pack era, a group of young actors who dominated Hollywood in the 1980s. His charismatic presence and youthful charm made him a teen idol and a sought-after leading man.
Here’s a look at some of his most notable films from that decade:
Early Roles
The Outsiders (1983) This iconic coming-of-age drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola and based on S.E. Hinton’s novel, helped catapult Lowe to fame. He portrayed Sodapop Curtis, the easygoing and charismatic middle brother of the Curtis gang. Cast included a veritable “who’s who” of upcoming Hollywood stars including Matt Dillon, C. Thomas Howell, Patrick Swayze, Ralph Macchio, Tom Cruise, Emilio Estevez and Diane Lane.
Class (1983): In this teen comedy, Lowe played Franklin “Skip” Burroughs IV, a privileged prep school student navigating the complexities of high school life. Andrew McCarthy, Jacqueline Bisset, Cliff Robertson, John Cusack, Alan Ruck and Virginia Madsen co-starred.
The Hotel New Hampshire (1984): This quirky and eccentric family drama featured Lowe as John Berry, one of the eccentric Berry siblings. Jodie Foster, Beau Bridges and Nastassia Kinski also star in the film adaptation of John Irving’s novel.
Oxford Blues (1984): This college-set romantic comedy saw Lowe as Nick De Angelo, an American student who falls for a British woman and cons his way into the prestigious Oxford University. Ally Sheedy, Amanda Pays and Julian Sands co-starred.
Rob Lowe in Oxford Blues (Photo/MGM)
Starring Roles
St. Elmo’s Fire (1985): This ensemble drama, known as the quintessential Brat Pack film, followed the lives of a group of recent college graduates as they navigate love, careers, and the complexities of adulthood. Lowe played Billy Hicks, a struggling musician. Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez, Mare Winningham, Andrew McCarthy and Andie MacDowell co-starred. In July 2024, Lowe said there was a St. Elmo’s Fire sequel in the works in an interview with Entertainment Tonight. following the release of the documentary Brats.
Youngblood (1986): This sports drama saw Lowe as Dean Youngblood, a talented young hockey player who strives to make it to the NHL. Cynthia Gibb, Patrick Swayze, Ed Lauter, Jim Youngs and Keanu Reeves round out the cast.
About Last Night… (1986): This romantic comedy explored the ups and downs of a modern relationship. Lowe played Danny Martin, a commitment-phobic man who falls for a woman he initially intended to just have a casual fling with played by Demi Moore. James Belushi and Elizabeth Perkins co starred.
Masquerade (1988): This suspense thriller featured Lowe as Tim Whalen, a young man who becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse in the Hamptons. Meg Tilly, Kim Cattrall, Doug Savant and Dana Delaney co-starred.
Rob Lowe 80s Legacy
These films solidified Lowe’s status as a leading man of the 1980s, captivating audiences with his charm, talent, and undeniable screen presence en route to such blockbusters as Wayne’s World and the Austin Powers films and the cult classics Bad Influence and Thank You for Smoking.
