From Addiction to Inspiration: How Rob Lowe and Son John Strengthened Their Bond Through Family and Recovery

Long before their viral father-son moment, Rob Lowe and his youngest son, John Owen Lowe, forged a powerful relationship built on shared experience, honesty, and healing. Rob, who battled alcohol and drug addiction in the late 1980s, has been open about how his wife, Sheryl Berkoff, played a crucial role in his recovery. “I had the feeling that if I was ever going to be able to make it work with anybody, it was Sheryl,” he once reflected. “Alcohol and drugs were only going to make that next to impossible.”

After finding sobriety, Rob dedicated himself to being a family man — coaching Little League, carving pumpkins, and taking part in school events. “I really, really loved every minute of it,” he shared, emphasizing that fatherhood remains his proudest accomplishment.

John, meanwhile, has carved out his own identity while following in his father’s creative footsteps. In 2022, the two teamed up to co-create and star in the Netflix comedy series Unstable, inspired by their humorous real-life dynamic. The show’s witty portrayal of an eccentric father and his introverted son gave audiences a glimpse into the chemistry that defines their real relationship.

Behind the laughter, however, the pair share a much deeper bond. John has spoken openly about facing his own struggles with addiction and how his father stood by him through every challenge. “He never gave up on me,” John revealed, recalling an emotional milestone: “When I took my first-year chip, he and I spoke at a [12-step] meeting in front of 200 people. And it was one of the most profound experiences of my life.”

Now sober for more than three years, John continues to honor the lessons his father taught him — perseverance, compassion, and accountability. Together, the Lowes’ journey from hardship to healing stands as a testament to family strength, proving that even in Hollywood, love and resilience can conquer anything.