Rob Lowe says he is excited about the prospect of becoming a grandfather but has made it clear he does not want to be called “Grandpa.” The 62‑year‑old actor told People that his son, Matthew, is engaged and due to marry in October — an event that, in Lowe’s view, could soon expand his family.
Names, plans and pressuring for grandchildren
With the upcoming wedding firmly on his radar, Lowe acknowledged he will be “pressuring” his children for grandchildren, a point he also made when speaking to other media outlets. But while he’s eager for the next generation, he is equally fixated on the image he projects to them and the public.
“I don’t need to get ahead of myself, but I’m very focused on not being called Grandpa. But what’s the appropriate, like, on‑brand name?”
In conversation, he floated alternatives such as “Papa Rob,” and has previously remarked that “American doesn’t need Grandpa Rob Lowe” — signalling his concern with both family tradition and celebrity branding.
Work keeps him busy between family ambitions
While Lowe waits for his family to grow, he remains professionally active, describing the satisfaction he derives from a varied career. He told People and other outlets that he enjoys steady work and the chance to take on different kinds of projects — a freedom not all performers enjoy.
Among the endeavours he cited are a number of projects in development or production: a Netflix title he said he is “very excited” about, a Christmas movie, a third book, and his podcast, Literally! With Rob Lowe. He also mentioned that a sequel concept to the 1985 film St. Elmo’s Fire is under discussion; Lowe suggested the characters’ middle‑life chapters could be rich territory for storytelling.
| Project | Note |
|---|---|
| Netflix project | Described as something he is “very excited” about |
| Christmas movie | Listed among upcoming work |
| Third book | In development |
| Podcast — Literally! With Rob Lowe | Ongoing |
| St. Elmo’s Fire sequel | Potential follow‑up; Lowe described the premise as “very fertile storytelling ground” |
Why the naming matter matters
The fuss over what his grandchildren might call him is more than celebrity whimsy. For public figures, names and nicknames are often part of a broader effort to manage persona and legacy. Lowe framed his preference as both personal and brand‑aware: he wants a name that fits the public image he has cultivated while remaining suitable within a family setting.
The actor’s comments also underscore a familiar theme in celebrity reporting — the mixing of family life with career momentum. Lowe explicitly tied his professional satisfaction to the variety of roles and opportunities he can pursue, saying his career’s flexibility is “so satisfying” because it allows him to be involved in multiple types of projects.
What comes next
- October: Matthew Lowe’s wedding, which Rob Lowe indicated could prompt grandchildren.
- Short term: Ongoing work including the Netflix project, a holiday film, a third book and his podcast.
- Longer term: A possible sequel to St. Elmo’s Fire, which Lowe described as fertile ground for exploring the characters later in life.
Lowe’s mix of personal anticipation and professional ambition offers a reminder that celebrity lives frequently straddle the intimate and the public. As he waits for his family to grow, he appears determined to shape not only the roles he plays on screen, but how he will be known at home.
