Chad Lowe: An Accomplished Character Actor
In Shorts:
- Born on January 15, 1968, Chad Lowe, also known as Charles Davis Lowe II, is an American actor and filmmaker.
- Chad Lowe’s abilities were not overshadowed even though he was the younger brother of well-known actor Rob Lowe.
- Chad Lowe has played recurrent roles in television series such as Melrose Place, ER, and Now and Again.
- Chad Lowe portrayed Deputy White House Chief of Staff Reed Pollock in the sixth season of 24 and Byron Montgomery in Pretty Little Liars.
- For Chad Lowe’s support in Life Goes On as a young man living with HIV, Lowe was also honoured with an Emmy Award.
With a career spanning over three decades in Hollywood, Chad Lowe has showcased his acting talents across television and films. Though often known as actor Rob Lowe’s brother, Chad paved his path with critically acclaimed performances. Let’s explore his journey.
Chad Lowe Bio
| Name | Charles Davis Lowe II |
| Nickname | Chad |
| Profession | Actor, Director and Producer |
| Height | 5’8″ or 1.74 m or 174 cm |
| Weight | 69 kg or 152 lbs |
| Body Measurements | 32-26-32 |
| Date of Birth | 15th January 1968 (52 years old in 2020) |
| Zodiac | Capricorn |
| Birthplace | Dayton, Ohio, United States |
| Hometown | Dayton, Ohio, United States |
| Residence | Malibu, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Debut | TV: Silence of the Heart (1984)Movie: Apprentice to Murder (1988) |
| School | Oakwood Junior High School, Ohio Santa Monica High School, California, US |
| College/University | Not Known |
| Educational Qualifications | Graduate |
| Father | Charles Davis Lowe |
| Mother | Barbara Lynn Wilson |
| Brother | Rob Lowe (older brother), Micah Dyer (half-brother), Justin Lowe (half-brother) |
| Eye color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Marital status | Married |
| Wife | Kim Painter (m.2010)Hilary Swank (m.1997-2007) |
| Daughters | Mabel Painter Lowe, Fiona Hepler Lowe, Nixie Barbara Lowe |
| Net Worth | $4 million (approx.) |
| Hobbies | Cooking |
Getting a Headstart in Acting
Born on January 15, 1968, in Dayton, Ohio, Charles Davis “Chad” Lowe II discovered acting early. His mother, Barbara, taught, while his father, Charles D. Lowe, was an attorney. After his parents’ divorce, Lowe relocated to Malibu with his mother and brother, Rob Lowe, attending Santa Monica High School. Surrounded by future stars like Charlie Sheen and Robert Downey Jr., Lowe caught the acting bug. He trained extensively at reputed institutes, learning to face audition pressures. This dedicated foundation set the stage for his blossoming career.
Big Break on Television: Life Goes On
Lowe’s first significant role came with 1989’s Life Goes On, an acclaimed drama centering on a family with a son with Down’s syndrome. Running for four seasons on ABC, the socially conscious show tackled issues like HIV/AIDS. Lowe played Jesse McKenna, the athletic eldest son who contracts HIV. Lauded for his empathetic portrayal, Lowe won the 1992 Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. This nuanced performance announced Lowe’s talents to the world, cementing his place in Hollywood.
Becoming a Bankable Leading Man
Following his Emmy win, Lowe booked several high-profile supporting parts through the 90s. He held recurring roles in top-rated shows, including ER and Melrose Place, plus TV movies like An Inconvenient Woman. Films like Nobody’s Perfect and Floating further displayed his versatility. Lowe played John Denver in 2000’s biopic Take Me Home to critical acclaim. He also directed several episodes of Bones post-2007, flexing new creative muscles. 2010 proved a standout year, starting with Beautiful Ohio, which Lowe produced, directed, and acted in, winning a Special Jury Prize. That same year, he bagged the pivotal part of Byron Montgomery in the smash hit teen mystery Pretty Little Liars.
Marital & Personal Challenges
While enjoying acting success, Lowe’s personal life saw upheavals. He divorced Hillary Swank in 2007 after substance abuse issues. With rehab and family support, Lowe regained his footing. He married producer Kim Painter in 2009 having three daughters. This period of turbulence he ultimately strengthened Lowe’s character. He stabilized his personal life and flourished professionally, with Pretty Little Liars cementing his household name status.
Recent Work & Accolades
Lowe continues starring in various TV shows, from Supergirl to Hailey Dean Mysteries. Demonstrating his versatility, his recent diverse roles include the sheriff in the horror-comedy Walking to Vegas (2018) and himself in the reality hit Hell’s Kitchen (2019). Beyond acting, he remains devoted to directing. Lowe has achieved rare longevity in Hollywood with over 100 screen credits spanning 35 years, alongside accolades like his Emmy. While initially gaining fame as Rob Lowe’s less-famous younger brother, Chad carved an identity via multifaceted talents. Respected industry-wide for his consistently compelling performances, Lowe built a vibrant, venerable acting career.
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1984 | Oxford Blues | Computer Hacker |
| 1988 | Apprentice to Murder | Billy Kelly |
| 1989 | True Blood | Donny True |
| 1990 | Nobody’s Perfect | Stephen |
| 1991 | Highway to Hell | Charlie Sykes |
| 1996 | Driven | LeGrand |
| 1996 | Floating | Doug |
| 1996 | Trading Favors | Marty |
| 1997 | Quiet Days in Hollywood | Richard |
| 1997 | The Others | VTV Director |
| 1998 | Suicide, the Comedy | J.J |
| 2000 | The Audition | |
| 2001 | Your Guardian | Parker Smith |
| 2001 | Unfaithful | Bill Stone |
| 2002 | The Space Between | Ticket Man |
| 2003 | Red Betsy | Orin Sanders |
| 2014 | California Scheming | Mr. Behrle |
| 2015 | Entourage | Chad Lowe |
| 1984 | Flight 90: Disaster on the Potomac | Al Hamilton |
| 1984 | Silence of the Heart | Skip Lewis |
| 1984-1985 | Spencer | Spencer Winger |
| 1986 | There Must Be a Pony | Josh Sydney |
| 1986 | April Morning | Adam Cooper |
| 1988 | CBS School Break Special | Michael Wells |
| 1990 | Captive | Jeff Frost |
| 1991 | An Inconvenient Woman | Kippur Petworth |
| 1991-1993 | Life Goes On | Jesse McKenna |
| 1993 | Fighting for My Daughter | Eric |
| 1993 | Siringo | Winton Powell |
| 1995 | Dare to Love | Stephen |
| 1995 | Snowy River: The McGregor Saga | Sam Taylor |
| 1996 | ABC Afterschool Specials | Roger |
| 1996-1997 | Melrose Place | Carter Gallavan |
| 1997 | In the Presence of Mine Enemies | Sergeant |
| 1997 | The Hunger | Neville |
| 1997-2005 | ER | Dr. George Henry |
| 1997 | Target Earth | Commander Fauk, Alien Chief |
| 1997 | Poltergeist: The Legacy | Josh Miller |
| 1998 | Touched By an Angel | Arthur Bowers |
| 1998 | Superman | Cosmic Boy |
| 1999 | The Apartment Complex | Stan Warden |
| 1999 | Famous | Luke Grant |
| 1999 | Now And Again | Craig Spence |
| 1999-2000 | The Wild Thornberrys | |
| 2000 | Take Me Home: The John Denver Story | John Denver |
| 2001 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Jason Mayberry |
| 2003 | Hack | Jimmy Scanlon |
| 2003 | CSI: Miami | Scott Mandeville |
| 2004 | Without a Trace | Lawrence Pierce |
| 2007 | Fielder’s Choice | Philip |
| 2007 | 24 | Reed Pollock |
| 2007 | Bones | Brandon Casey |
| 2009 | Ghost Whisperer | Nathan Weiss |
| 2010-2017 | Pretty Little Liars | Byron Montgomery |
| 2011-2013 | Young Justice | Captain Marvel/ Billy Baston |
| 2016 | Rizzoli & Isles | Charlie Douglas |
| 2017-2018 | Supergirl | Thomas Coville |
| 2018 | Hailey Dean Mystery: 2+2= Murder | Clyde Bennett |
| 2018 | Hailey Dean Mystery: A Will to Kill | Clyde Bennett |
| 2019 | Hell’s Kitchen | Himself |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chad Lowe best known for?
Chad Lowe is best recognized for his breakthrough Emmy-winning role as Jesse McKenna, an HIV+ character in the 1989 drama series Life Goes On. Recently, he gained fame playing Byron Montgomery in the 2010 mystery show Pretty Little Liars.
How is Chad Lowe related to Rob Lowe?
Chad and actor Rob Lowe are siblings – Rob is the elder brother. Both brothers got into acting early, influenced by their mother, Barbara, a teacher.
Is Chad Lowe married? Who is his wife?
Yes, Chad Lowe married producer Kim Painter in 2009. He was earlier married to actress Hilary Swank between 1997 and 2007 but got divorced. Lowe has 3 daughters with Kim – Mabel, Fiona, and Nixie.
What films has Chad Lowe acted in?
Some major films Chad Lowe has starred in include Oxford Blues (1984), Nobody’s Perfect (1990), True Blood (1989), Floating (1996) and Unfaithful (2002). He played Sydney Chaplin in 1992’s Chaplin.
How many awards has Chad Lowe won?
Chad Lowe won the Primetime Emmy in 1993 for Outstanding Supporting Actor for Life Goes On. He also won Best Feature at the 2007 Method Fest and Special Jury Prize at the 2008 Brooklyn International Film Festival for directing Beautiful Ohio.
