This week’s Screen Icon is 80s Icon, Rob Lowe. Lowe found fame in the Brat Pack alongside the likes of Emilio Estevez and Demi Moore in films such as St. Elmo’s Fire before moving onto several low-profile leading man roles. As Lowe’s career began to take off, his public image was knocked down by scandal, however, supporting roles and television roles still came his way – giving him the chance to keep shining. Here are a few of Silver Screen Slag’s favourite Rob Lowe performances:
St. Elmo’s Fire (1985)
Despite being slated by critics and Lowe winning a Razzie (pffft what do they know?), SEF is one of the quintessential films of the 80s. It centres on the story of several university graduates embarking on adulthood and how they cope with this. Lowe shines as a young fratboy, struggling with early marriage and fatherhood. It’s one of the best films of the Brat Pack.
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| Not even Rob Lowe looks good with a mullet |
Masquerade (1988)
Possibly Lowe’s sexiest performance – this psychological-erotic-thriller tells the story of a recently orphaned millionairess (Meg Tilly) battling her scheming Stepfather, however she finds love with handsome a Yachtsman – however there is more to this relationship than meets the eye. Lowe is at his physical peak in this – giving a completely charming and suave performance. Tilly’s performance is a little dodgy but Kim Catrall appears and all becomes well.
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| That’s better! |
Bad Influence (1990)
Lowe teams up with James Spader in this tale of a timid business executive who meets a mysterious stranger (Lowe), who proves an incredibly bad influence on him (hence the title – clever, innit?). Lowe’s sociopathic performance is unforgettable.
Wayne’s World (1992)
Lowe’s also shown he’s perfectly comfortable in the comedy genre, this time playing an evil record producer aiming to steal a Wayne (Mike Myers), a young rocker and TV star’s girlfriend. Lowe is incredibly sleazy in this but it’s a highly entertaining performance.
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (2002)
Lowe steps into Robert Wagner’s shoes as a young incarnation of Dr. Evil’s second in command, Number 2. Once again Lowe plays the straight man to Mike Myers and the results are once again hilarious. He’s also got a fabulous cameo in the first film in the series.
The West Wing (1993-2003)
Lowe features in one of the best ensemble casts on TV with the likes of Martin Sheen, Richard Schiff, Alison Janney, John Spencer, and many more and still manages to hold his own whilst playing Sam, the Deputy Communications Director.
Salem’s Lot (2004 TV)
An excellent adaptation of the popular Stephen King book – far more successful that the first attempt (starring David Soul) in this chilling tale of vampires in Maine.
His autobiography, Stories I Only Tell My Friends, is out today if you fancy finding out more.