Matthew Lowe Revisits His "West Wing" Appearance with Rob Lowe

Rob Lowe's son Matthew reflects on his memorable appearance as a young child in "The West Wing," revealing his uncomfortable experience with dress shoes and playing chess with Martin Sheen.

Rob Lowe and his son Matthew Lowe share a unique bond, not only as father and son but also as co-stars. Matthew appeared in one of his father's most acclaimed shows, "The West Wing," despite not inheriting the acting bug.

In a recent episode of Rob's SiriusXM podcast, "Literally with Rob Lowe," Matthew recalled his experience on the show, describing it as both memorable and slightly uncomfortable. He remembered being annoyed by the tight dress shoes he had to wear and his discomfort with being uncomfortable.

However, despite his discomfort, Matthew acknowledged the significance of his role in the famous Christmas episode titled "Noël." He proudly claimed it as his claim to fame, and his father enthusiastically agreed, highlighting its status as a fan favorite and one of the top five episodes ever made.

Matthew joked about the importance of not revealing his exact cameo appearance, leaving it to viewers to guess his brief but memorable moment. Rob guessed that Matthew was around seven years old when they filmed the episode, which aligned with Matthew's own hazy recollection.

Matthew's memory of playing chess with Martin Sheen, who portrayed President Josiah Bartlett, was particularly vivid. Rob remarked that it was a cool memory to cherish, especially considering Sheen's esteemed role in the show.

Matthew's appearance on "The West Wing" came at a time when Rob Lowe's character, Sam Seaborn, was experiencing a storyline slump. Lowe later admitted that his decision to leave the show was influenced by feelings of undervaluation.

Despite his earlier discomfort, Matthew expressed his admiration for the show as a whole, stating that he had watched it multiple times and considered it one of his father's finest works. Rob reciprocated this sentiment, praising Matthew as his biggest fan in the family.

Matthew's experience on "The West Wing" may not have sparked an acting career, but it remains a cherished memory for both father and son. It serves as a testament to their close bond and the unique opportunity for Matthew to share a small piece of television history with his renowned father.