Rob Lowe Speaks About Life, Career at Cowan Center

By CIERRA RAYNER/Contributor

Actor Rob Lowe brought humor, reflection and inspiration to the Cowan Center during his lecture Oct. 7. The theater was packed with people anticipating Rob Lowe’s lecture.

Lowe kept the audience entertained with comedic and emotional stories. He joked early in the evening about how he had changed over the years, claiming that he had gone from being featured on Teen Beat magazine’s cover to being on AARP magazine’s cover.

The audience instantly responded with laughter, which set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Lowe spoke about his career, marriage, sobriety, his faith and his kids while mentioning some funny stories. The audience reacted by clapping and cheering in between.  His openness created an atmosphere that was filled with honesty and encouragement.

STORIES, ADVICE

Lowe’s talk offered a mix of humor and life lessons that connected on a personal level. David Ing, a student of the University of Texas at Tyler, mentioned his most memorable moments of the lecture and how he appreciated both the humor and the serious parts of Lowe’s talk.

“Mostly his set head of hair when they were talking about that, but I think the most important, crucial part is about how he’s talking about his pivotal point of how he needs to adapt and change as an actor and as a, I guess, a celebrity,” Ing said.

Another student, Ayden Huan, said Lowe’s advice on self-knowledge stood out.

“His advice on knowing what is right for you was the most memorable because it was undeniably true. I have felt that way about things in the past, and I have moved mountains. When you do something for free, you’re going places,” Haun said.

STUDENT CONNECTION

Nicole Abbey, a University of Texas at Tyler student, said she connected with Lowe’s comments about his marriage.

“When he was talking about him and his wife and how they had gone through ups and downs, there are highs and lows, but it’s about what you do in the low parts that allows you to get to the high parts, I thought that was really sweet because I got to apply it to my own relationship, and I was messaging my boyfriend during the show, like, ‘I want to be like this guy.’ I think that was amazing advice.” she said.

As the lights came up and applause filled the theater, Lowe smiled and waved to the audience as he exited the stage, bringing the night to a conclusion.