I’m Rob Lowe. You know me.
I’ve done one of these before and I’m back for more, I have answers to your questions and an obligation to tell you about my men’s grooming line Profile 4 Men (http://profile4men.com) and my great new show “THE GRINDER” on Fox (http://www.fox.com/the-grinder), and look at that, it airs tonight at 8:30PM Eastern.
I also have a little show called Moonbeam City on Comedy Central on Wednesday at 10:30PM Eastern. http://www.cc.com/shows/moonbeam-city
PROOF that I am who I claim to be: https://twitter.com/roblowe/status/653607482456051712
Now go on, ask Rob Lowe anything…
Be honest. Has anyone messed with you about the name of the show and the app “Grindr”?
It’s one of the reasons we chose the title! If the phrase “let me grind with you” doesn’t make you smile, we’re probably not on the same comedy wavelength. Also, how come no one questions coach John Gruden when he picks the grinder of the game each week on ESPN?!!!
Could you tell us more about your role in Behind the Candelabra? Because you completely killed it in there.
My face still hurts from being pulled. What I loved most was shooting Parks and Rec and Californication at the same time. Sort of an actor’s dream to do such different roles.
What Rob Lowe do you prefer?
I have great affection for all of them, but a real soft spot for “skinny arms”. All he wants from life is some mayonnaise.
When Barlet turned to you and said “You’re going to run for President one day Sam.” Did you get goosebumps like me?
I remember the first time I read the script for that episode. When I got to that scene, I cried.
Are raisins really natures candy?
They LITERALLY are.
My best buddy growing up is struggling with alcoholism. He’s nearly 30, has lived in his hometown for the last 20 years, and has the same old group of friends. I, and most of our friends, drink. I want to stay close with him, but it seems to me that the best thing for him to do is get away from his hometown and old friends and start fresh elsewhere. What can I do as his friend to help him?
I’m sober 25 years now and one of the things that helps me stay on the path is working with people who are struggling. I try to keep it very simple. They need to ask themselves: Are they done? Are they ready to say “uncle”? If so, the recovery community can help. If not, there’s nothing anyone can do.
Would you consider doing a West Wing reunion episode or anything like that in the future?
If Sorkin writes it, I’m in.
Would you consider Wayne’s World your greatest success?
No. Running a strong game still, after 35 years is.
How do you keep looking the way that you do? Do you bathe in the blood of the innocents?
I do bath in the blood of innocents, but it is so hard to come by that six years ago, I developed my own line of men’s grooming products that I use everyday. It’s called Profile 4 Men. You get it at Nordstrom and at http://profile4men.com. Powerful anti-aging and overall skin revitalizer.
What was your favorite episode of Parks and Rec to film? Also, what’s it like to be Rob Lowe?
My favorite Parks episode is the one where Chris gets the flu. Definitely one of my comedy career highlights. Honorable second mention goes to the scene where I play “air bango”.
What are your thoughts on people “Robbing” their house? (because I think it is amazing)
In today’s world, being part of a cultural/internet trend is more significant than winning an Oscar, so I’d like to thank my family, my agent, my managers, and all people who are struggling in the shadows of being terminally handsome. THIS is for you.
With your youngest son breaking into Hollywood on The Grinder, are you more excited or nervous for him?
Both. Being a storyteller/actor/creative person has been great to me and very rewarding, so I can’t really complain. But he’s got so many more abilities than I had, I’m not sure the world needs one more actor and one less scientist.
What does Amy Poehler smell like?
Patchouli, golden brown waffles, AND Golden Globes!
Throughout your career, what do you feel is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Cary Grant once told me, “Never eat a hot dog while sitting a dais. Someone could take a picture of you with a hot dog in your mouth.”
I am a tremendous fan of your work, and your roles you have played. I respect diverse acting roles and you have absolutely accomplished that in your career. My favorite character you played is Sam Seaborn. The West Wing, and particularly you and Bradley Whitford were largely why I enjoyed politics and am a more informed citizen today. What, if any role have you played (or have a desire to play) do you feel has the most societal impact, or the potential impact as well?
Thank you. I am so humbled to have been a part of something that had the kind of impact the West Wing did and does. That is really the ultimate, to do something creatively fulfilling, thrilling to be a part of, acclaimed and enjoyed while being able to inspire. Those projects are one in a million.
In-N-Out Burger or White Castle?
East of the Mississippi, White Castle. West of the Mississippi, In and Out. Honorable mention, 5 Guys.
Did you pick up/were you sent your Razzie for St Elmo’s Fire? If so, where do you keep it?
I keep it between my two Screen Actors Guild awards and my five Golden Globe nominations. And my E! channels Golden Hanger award.
MoonBeam City is becoming one of my favorite shows. Are there any behind the scenes moments or stories you have from voice acting in this show?
Thank you! There’s some very funny stuff coming up. My favorite story-line involves Dazzle having sex with a prison. That’s right, an actual building. (In fairness, it had AI and I think he was more in love with the software as opposed to the actual bricks and mortar.)
What is your best memory of working with Chris Pratt?
Early on during Parks and Rec, my agents and managers asked me how it was going. I told them great and there’s this guy name Chris Pratt that they should sign, because he’s so good, he could be the biggest movie star in the world given the right opportunity.
What was it like working with Tim Olyphant?
Amazing! On an upcoming episode of “The Grinder”, Tim plays a Hollywood actor/fr-enemy of my character. I can’t reveal anything more, but trust me when I tell you, the story line is crazy!
I’m a fan since we were both kids (we’re the same age :)). Loved your work back then too but it seems you really gravitate to comedy now. Is that a conscious thing or a “I’m comfortable and happy with me grown up thing” or something else altogether? Love “The Grinder” btw.
I will always do both comedy and drama. Not many people are accepted in both worlds, so I don’t want to leave either one behind. That said, I think there’s more smart comedy out there right now.
I’m a fan of lots of your work, but I’m most curious to hear from you what you think about the relationship between your character from Californication, and some of the more vulgar “Rob Lowe” characters from the commercial. The unleashed wildman Eddie Nero seems to anticipate some of the caricature you did for DirecTV. Do you recognize a similar parallel? What’s it like to play that kind of an extreme character – a character which for you seems like a significant departure from your former work?
It’s taken me a long time, but I finally got to a place in my career where people are letting me play diverse characters. Some actors get there early. Some actors get there late. Some actors never get there. Eddie Nero, the senator from Brother’s and Sisters, Drew Peterson, the freak from Behind the Candelabra, the Direct TV “Robs”, would not have been in the cards for me during my supposed 80’s heyday.
If you had to fight either 100 duck sized Fred Savages or 1 Fred Savage sized duck, which one would you choose?
I would not want to tangle with ANY permutation of multiple Fred Savages. The man is “America’s Son” and you simply do not fuck up “America’s Son”.
