John Owen Lowe has carved out his own unique space in the entertainment world, brilliantly balancing the privilege of Hollywood heritage with genuine talent and authenticity. Known professionally as both Johnny Lowe and John Owen, this multi-talented writer, producer, and actor has proven he’s far more than just “Rob Lowe’s son” – though he’s refreshingly honest about the advantages his famous surname has provided.
Biography
Born on 6th November 1995 in Los Angeles, John Owen entered the world as the second son of Hollywood royalty. His father, Rob Lowe, needs little introduction – the acclaimed actor has graced our screens in everything from “The Outsiders” to “Parks and Recreation.” His mother, Sheryl Berkoff, is a talented makeup artist who’s worked her magic on films like “Frankie and Johnny” and “Glengarry Glen Ross.”
Rather brilliantly, Rob and Sheryl made the conscious decision to relocate their family from the chaos of Los Angeles to the more grounded environment of Santa Barbara. This move proved absolutely crucial in giving John Owen and his older brother Matthew a relatively normal childhood, despite their father’s A-list status.
In a candid interview with Esquire, John Owen perfectly captured the surreal experience of growing up with a famous parent: “There’s this very strange moment where you come to be cognizant of what it is. I would say it’s like twelve or thirteen and you are like, ‘Oh, it’s not normal to go out with your dad and for people to take photos of him.'”
This awareness didn’t create resentment, though. Instead, Rob’s approach of including his sons in conversations about fame and the entertainment industry helped them develop healthy perspectives from an early age.
John Owen’s academic path reveals his initially strong desire to forge his own way, completely separate from Hollywood. After excelling at Crossroads School in Santa Monica, he pursued a fascinating degree in Science, Technology, and Society at Stanford University, graduating in 2018.
Before fully embracing his creative calling, John Owen spent four summers working in a stem-cell biology research lab during high school. He’s proud to mention becoming the youngest published scientific author in that lab – though he modestly attributes this achievement to “luck meets some hard work.”
Career
John Owen’s entertainment career began while he was still at Stanford. In 2015, he landed a recurring role on his father’s Fox sitcom “The Grinder,” simultaneously working in the show’s writers’ room. This dual experience as both performer and creator would prove invaluable for his future projects.
In 2017, John Owen joined his father and brother Matthew for “The Lowe Files,” a supernatural docu-series exploring allegedly paranormal locations. As Matthew noted at the time, it was a rare opportunity for the three Lowe men to spend quality time together whilst cameras happened to be rolling.
Netflix Success
The crown jewel of John Owen’s career (so far) is undoubtedly “Unstable,” the Netflix comedy series that premiered in March 2023. This isn’t just another acting gig – John Owen serves as co-creator, co-executive producer, and co-writer whilst starring opposite his father.
The show’s premise is deliciously meta: it follows an introverted, socially-challenged son working for his wildly eccentric father at a cutting-edge biotech company. Sound familiar? That’s entirely intentional.
As John Owen explained to Esquire: “The entire show is a parallel, truly… especially the first season was born from me giving him a hard time. I was trolling him on social media, and people got a kick out of that. And that turned into a show.”
Beyond “Unstable,” John Owen has contributed his writing talents to multiple episodes of “9-1-1: Lone Star” and appeared in the 2019 Christmas film “Holiday in the Wild.” His approach to storytelling often draws from real-life experiences, particularly the wonderfully awkward dynamics of family relationships.
Personal Life
John Owen has been refreshingly open about his struggles with addiction, which began during his late teens and early university years. His battle with alcohol and drugs put his life at serious risk on multiple occasions, and the tragic loss of a childhood friend to a fentanyl overdose served as a devastating wake-up call.
In April 2023, during an appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show,” Rob Lowe presented his son with a five-year sobriety chip in an incredibly moving moment. John Owen has since celebrated over six years of sobriety, crediting his family’s unwavering support for his recovery.
His father’s own experience with addiction provided both guidance and, initially, some resistance. As John Owen candidly shared, he felt his father’s interventions were sometimes “abrasive and intrusive” until he understood they came from a place of profound love and fear.
Hobbies and Interests
- Music: A passionate pianist who practices for at least an hour daily and writes his own compositions
- Visual Arts: Paints almost every day as a form of meditation
- Golf: Currently sporting a respectable 12 handicap (which he’s keen for people to know!)
- Outdoor Activities: Regular hiking enthusiast who frequents the Fryman trail near his Los Angeles home
- Social Activities: Enjoys karaoke, darts, and exploring new restaurants with friends
Romance and Relationships
John Owen’s romantic life has attracted media attention, particularly regarding rumoured connections with actress Lucy Hale in 2024. The pair were spotted together at Tocaya Modern Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles, sparking dating speculation among fans.
Previously, John Owen was in a relationship with model and actress Olivia Rodriguez from February 2020, though current relationship details remain private. His approach to dating reflects his broader philosophy of authenticity: he believes in being completely transparent about who you are and what you’re seeking.
Family
Rob and Sheryl Lowe’s enduring marriage (since 1991) provides John Owen with a brilliant example of partnership. Their decision to prioritise family over Hollywood convenience – moving to Santa Barbara, maintaining boundaries around their children’s privacy – demonstrates the values that shaped John Owen’s character.
Sheryl, in particular, remains wonderfully involved in her sons’ lives, sometimes to John Owen’s amusing exasperation. He fondly recalls their ongoing “fights” about his fashion choices, with his mother preferring fitted clothing whilst he gravitates towards oversized, thrifted pieces.
John Owen’s relationship with his older brother Matthew (born 1993) exemplifies sibling support done right. Matthew, now a successful lawyer and venture capital executive, provides both friendship and guidance. Their shared interests in sports, particularly golf and surfing, keep them connected despite their different career paths.
Extended Family
The Lowe family tree includes several notable figures:
- Uncle Chad Lowe: Emmy Award-winning actor and director
- Paternal Grandmother Barbara Hepler: Teacher and author
- Late Paternal Grandfather Charles Davis Lowe: Trial lawyer
- Maternal Grandparents: Businessman Marvin Berkoff and painter Miriam Berkoff
“Nepo Baby” Conversation
John Owen’s approach to discussing nepotism in Hollywood is remarkably mature and self-aware. Rather than deflecting or complaining about the “nepo baby” label, he embraces it with gratitude and responsibility.
“If you are born into the situation where you do have privilege and you do have doors opened for you, that’s undeniable; you just have to be mindful of it,” he told Esquire. This perspective sets him apart from many of his Hollywood offspring peers.
Current Projects and Future Aspirations
With “Unstable” renewed for additional seasons, John Owen continues developing the show’s meta-narrative, drawing increasingly from his childhood experiences with Rob. Season two promises even more behind-the-scenes authenticity, with writers’ room sessions often beginning with John Owen recounting “ridiculous stories” from his youth.
His writing philosophy focuses on the authentic awkwardness of human relationships, particularly family dynamics and dating experiences. As he noted about romance: “Dating sucks, it’s so awkward until it’s not… I like writing and telling the stories of how freaking awkward [it] is.”
Style and Personal Expression
John Owen’s fashion sense reflects his artistic personality and independence. Having wrestled control of his wardrobe from his well-meaning mother during high school, he’s developed a distinctive style mixing high-end pieces with accessible basics.
His current favourites include:
- Luxury splurges: Elder Statesman, God’s True Cashmere, Saint Laurent
- Everyday essentials: New Balance trainers, Dickies, Carhartt, Hanes basics
- Local support: Yony, a Los Angeles streetwear brand
If forced to wear one outfit forever? “Immediately I would say sweats and a tank top and New Balance shoes,” he laughs.
At just 29, John Owen Lowe’s success with “Unstable” proves that, nepotism debates aside, audiences respond to authentic storytelling and genuine talent.
