Rob Lowe Through the Years

Even early on, with those hypnotic blue eyes and that Steve McQueen haircut, it seems 2-year-old Rob is destined for stardom.

Rob, his mother, Barbara, and siblings, Chad and Micah, in 1978

When Rob was 8 years old, he began acting on local television and in theater in Dayton, Ohio, before relocating with his mother and siblings to Los Angeles. Here Rob is pictured with his mother Barbara and siblings, Chad and Micah.

Rob says his mother Barbara, a schoolteacher, shared something very special with him that he now shares with his teenage sons.

"My mom was a teacher, and she was a writer. She wrote every day of her life, and she gave to me the gift of loving literature and loving words," he says. "I try to pass that on to my boys."

Photo: Getty Images

Rob poses with Tom Cruise and Emilio Estevez at the 1982 premiere of the TV movie In the Custody of Strangers.

One year later, these three up-and-coming actors starred in Oscar®-winning director Francis Ford Coppola's film, The Outsiders—Rob’s first major movie.

Prior to landing the role that changed his career forever, Rob says he thought his acting days were over and was ready to enroll in the University of Southern California to study film.

Photo: Getty Images

The Outsiders star says he struggled with fame at a young age.

"To have that kind of excitement, that kind of enthusiasm, that support, to have fans—let’s face it. It’s great." Rob says. "But underneath that, there's something that just doesn't feel quite right. That phenomenon really doesn't have anything to do with you."

Photo: Getty Images

In 1985, New York Magazine writer David Blum coined the phrase “Hollywood’s Brat Pack,” which he used to describe a group of young actors and actresses appearing in popular '80s films. It was a term that Rob says he felt blindsided by, and at the time, despised.

Find out what members of the Brat Pack are up to these days

Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Demi Moore and Melissa Gilbert

Photo: Getty Images

At this 1985 pro-peace demonstration, Rob socialized with other Brat Pack members Emilio Estevez and Demi Moore, as well as former girlfriend Melissa Gilbert.

Though he shared a roller coaster relationship with Melissa, when Oprah asks Rob if he ever had a crush on his About Last Night co-star Demi, he responds, "Who didn't?"

Rob married the woman he calls his "favorite face in the world and favorite soul," Sheryl, a former makeup artist, on July 22, 1991. The two have been married for almost 20 years.

"I'm no genius, but I'm real smart in one area. I picked the right mate, and Sheryl is my best friend," he says.

Watch Rob talk about their life in Santa Barbara

Photo: AP Images

From 1999 to 2003, this talented actor starred in the critically acclaimed television drama The West Wing. He played the role of Sam Seaborn, deputy communications director to Democratic President Josiah Bartlet (Martin Sheen), which earned him an Emmy nomination, two Golden Globe nominations and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Rob Lowe, his wife Sheryl and their two kids Johnowen and Matthew

Rob's numerous acting credits can't compare to what he considers one of his greatest roles: fatherhood. The Parks and Recreation star has an extremely close relationship with his two sons, Johnowen and Matthew.

Watch Rob talk about being a father

Rob writes candidly about his family and the experiences that made him the man he is today in his autobiography, Stories I Only Tell My Friends. Read an excerpt here.

Exclusive: Go backstage with Rob Lowe