John Owen Lowe, son of the acclaimed film and television legend Rob Lowe, might playfully dismiss the “nepo baby” label. However, with three writing credits on his father’s hit shows and co-producing the highly anticipated second season of Netflix’s Unstable, he’s undeniably carving his own path in Hollywood. In Unstable, this father-son duo embodies a different father-son dynamic, navigating the turbulent waters of a tech company and their own complex relationship with a healthy dose of absurdity. As John quips about the series’ pacing in comparison to their interview, “And unlike this interview, the pace is airtight.” Their conversation, much like their on-screen chemistry, meanders through meme culture, college admissions scandals, presidential debates, and the nuanced definition of a true “nepo baby.”
John Owen Lowe and Rob Lowe, photographed by Jonny Marlow for Interview Magazine, discussing their collaborative work and individual aspirations.
The Dynamic Duo: Working with Rob Lowe
The interview playfully begins with Rob Lowe directly asking John about their working relationship. John responds with a mix of humor and genuine appreciation, “Gosh, I’m glad you asked because no one has taken the time to really hone in on this yet.” He facetiously notes the unique opportunity to collaborate with his father, acknowledging the enduring nature of film. Beyond the playful banter, John expresses sincere gratitude for the practical tips he’s gleaned from his father on set. These aren’t just generic acting advice, but specific, industry-honed wisdom: “Like, actually, you’re going to want to slow down or walk a little faster there, buddy. Or don’t wear that color palette because it’s going to blow you out. Or make sure that they’re powdering your face because you get a little shiny in the afternoon.”
Rob reflects on the experience from a parental perspective, observing John’s rapid growth in the industry. “I marvel at how quickly you’ve learned so much, how good you are so much earlier than I ever was,” Rob admits, highlighting the unique joy of witnessing his son’s burgeoning success in the same field. The conversation playfully shifts to on-set frustrations. Rob, with paternal directness, points out John’s need for conciseness and morning energy, joking about John’s “hothouse flower” tendencies. John, embracing the label with humor, acknowledges his sensitive nature.
Nepo Baby or Nepo Maybe? John Owen Lowe’s Perspective
The conversation veers into the unavoidable topic of “nepo babies,” a term often used in Hollywood to describe individuals whose success is perceived as being aided by famous parents. John Owen Lowe introduces a nuanced take, joking about being a “nepo maybe.” He questions the common understanding that being a “nepo baby” requires two famous parents. He uses John David Washington, son of Denzel Washington, as an example to challenge this assumption. John humorously concludes that unless your parent is “one of the single most famous actors of all time,” like Denzel, then “in order to be properly categorized as a nepo baby, you have to have two.” This playful yet insightful take showcases John’s awareness of the industry’s dynamics and his own position within it.
Crafting Comedy and Diving into “Unstable” Season 2
Delving into their collaborative project, Unstable, John and Rob discuss the show’s comedic DNA. John expresses his fondness for the absurdist humor prevalent in shows like 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation, a comedic style that Unstable embraces wholeheartedly. He highlights specific moments from season two that exemplify this, particularly an episode where their characters become fake realtors and another where Fred Armisen’s character embodies a comical “mind hunter.” Rob echoes this appreciation for the absurd, noting, “What they have in common is that they are not afraid to be absurd.” They both agree on the importance of pacing in comedy, praising Unstable‘s quick wit and rapid-fire jokes, a hallmark they admire in shows like Parks and Recreation.
When Rob asks John about his favorite moments from Unstable season two, John’s choices underscore his appreciation for the show’s comedic style and collaborative spirit. He points to the scenes where they play Ron Tabasco and Jason Dargan, becoming “fake realtors,” and Fred Armisen’s character, Leslie, adopting a “mind hunter” persona. These moments highlight the show’s willingness to embrace absurdity and physical comedy. John recounts a funny anecdote about filming a scene with Fred Armisen, emphasizing Armisen’s gentle nature and concern for John’s well-being during a scene involving a prop cane.
John Owen Lowe’s Aspirations Beyond the Shadow
While acknowledging the undeniable advantages of having a famous father in the entertainment industry, John also expresses a desire to establish himself independently. He recognizes the “doors are opened” due to his lineage but is also keen to step “outside of having done projects with you and in your shadow.” Rob acknowledges John’s talent and their successful collaborations on projects like The Grinder and 9-1-1: Lone Star, but agrees it would be “healthy and good for you to do something away from me.” This exchange reveals a supportive yet realistic dynamic between father and son, with both recognizing the importance of John forging his own path.
John reveals his admiration for writers like Aaron Sorkin, Bo Burnham, Steve Zallian, Donald Glover, and Tina Fey, individuals who have carved distinct and impactful careers through their writing. These choices highlight John’s aspirations to express himself creatively through his work, mirroring the career paths of those he admires. This ambition, coupled with his proven talent in writing and producing, suggests a promising future for John Owen Lowe beyond the immediate family connection.
Conclusion: Charting His Own Course
John Owen Lowe is more than just Rob Lowe’s son. He’s a talented writer, producer, and actor in his own right, steadily building a compelling career. While acknowledging the benefits of his family name, he’s actively seeking to define his own space in the entertainment world. With Unstable and his other projects, John Owen Lowe is proving himself to be a force to be reckoned with, stepping confidently out of any perceived shadow and into his own burgeoning spotlight. He is not just a “nepo maybe,” but a talent certainly worth watching in his own right.
