Rob Lowe Lost Iconic ’80s Role to Knee Injury

Rob Lowe, an acclaimed actor with a significant television and film career, revealed an intriguing chapter from his past. Known for his iconic roles in series like “Parks and Recreation” and “The West Wing,” Lowe’s journey has included films such as “The Outsiders” and “St. Elmo’s Fire.” However, not every opportunity came to fruition.

Rob Lowe’s Knee Injury and the Lost ’80s Role

During a recent guest appearance on Kevin Bacon’s podcast, “Six Degrees With Kevin Bacon,” Lowe shared the story of how he lost the lead role in the 1984 film “Footloose.” This pivotal moment changed the course of both his and Bacon’s careers.

The Audition Incident

• Lowe auditioned for the role of Ren McCormack, the film’s protagonist.
• While performing a dance routine, he suffered a severe knee injury.
• The injury occurred during a dramatic knee slide across the floor, resulting in a blown-out knee.
• He was taken off the soundstage on a stretcher due to the injury’s severity.

In an unexpected twist, Lowe explained that the knee slide was set to a Styx song. The audition involved a panel of notable figures, including Sherry Lansing, Dean Pitchford, and Craig Zadan, who witnessed the unfortunate incident.

Kevin Bacon’s Breakthrough

With Lowe sidelined by his injury, the role eventually went to Kevin Bacon. Lowe revealed his mixed feelings about Bacon’s casting, especially since he was informed the producers initially considered hiring a professional dancer for the part. He humorously recounted his reaction when Bacon was ultimately chosen for the role after their discussions.

The Ripple Effect

Although Lowe missed out on “Footloose,” he has achieved impressive success throughout his career. The film became a defining project for Bacon, allowing him to capture the spotlight and lead to numerous significant roles in later projects. Notable films for Bacon include “Tremors,” “Frost/Nixon,” “X-Men: First Class,” and “Black Mass.”

It’s impossible to determine how Lowe’s career trajectory might have changed had he not suffered the injury. However, this anecdote serves as a classic example of how one moment can alter the course of an actor’s future.