“From Hollywood Bad Boy to Superhero Dad: Rob Lowe’s Incredible Transformation Will Melt Your Heart!”

As he turns 60, Rob Lowe is reflecting on cherished family moments and expressing gratitude for various aspects of his life, including his long-term sobriety and roles as a father and husband.

The actor recounted a memorable incident from his days on THE WEST WING, when he was scheduled to be a “parent delegate” on his son’s school whale-watching trip. Running late due to filming, Lowe found himself racing up the Pacific Coast Highway and ultimately swimming to catch the departing boat.

“I just recall hearing them say, ‘There’s someone swimming towards us…’ and my son Matthew announcing, ‘I think that’s my dad,'” Lowe shared. “I had my sunglasses clenched between my teeth as I swam.”

This anecdote has become a favorite family story for the Lowes.

Lowe also opened up about a pivotal moment in his life when he met his wife, Sheryl, who worked as his makeup artist on the 1990 film BAD INFLUENCE. At the time, Lowe was battling addiction issues.

He realized, “If I couldn’t make a relationship work with her, I wouldn’t be able to make it work with anyone.”

Following several wake-up calls, Lowe entered rehab in 1990, feeling ready for change.

Now, after 33 years of marriage to Sheryl, he describes fatherhood as “the most rewarding experience of my life.”

Familyguide reported:

Lowe frequently discusses his commitment to fatherhood and how his relationship with his sons has evolved as they’ve grown into adults.

“Fatherhood is dynamic and ever-changing. When you’re younger, being a father reconnects you with your own inner child. You get to relive your own childhood through your kids’ eyes, to reclaim it,” he shared with PEOPLE. “You experience their sense of wonder and awe, and all those incredible moments.”

Shortly after his eldest son was born, Lowe made the difficult decision to relocate his family from Los Angeles.

“You have to be willing to make certain sacrifices,” he explained. “I moved my children out of Los Angeles immediately. I’ve been living in Santa Barbara for nearly 20 years now.”

Currently, Lowe is collaborating with his son John Owen on the Netflix series UNSTABLE, which they co-created and co-star in.

The ST. ELMO’S FIRE actor expresses deep appreciation for both his past experiences and present life, stating he has “no regrets.”

“The fact that I have such a long-lasting, wonderful marriage, 34 years of sobriety, two healthy, successful, amazing sons, and I’m entering my sixties still working at this level – I recognize how uncommon that is,” he says with sincere humility. “If I had received everything I wished for when I was younger, I would have shortchanged myself. I’m incredibly thankful.”

Last year, Lowe shared his belief that marrying your best friend and practicing forgiveness are crucial elements for a lasting marriage.

He stated, “People often say marriage requires work. I’m not sure if it’s work exactly, but it definitely requires forgiveness and being very clear about what issues you’re willing to stand your ground on.”