The Woman Who Saved Rob Lowe's Life: Inside Sheryl Berkoff's 34-Year Hollywood Marriage

As of December 2025, Rob Lowe is happily married to Sheryl Berkoff, an accomplished former Hollywood makeup artist and successful jewelry designer, a relationship the actor famously credits with saving his life and providing the foundation for his over three decades of sobriety. The couple, who will celebrate their 34th wedding anniversary in July 2025, represents one of the most enduring and private marriages in Hollywood, a testament to their deep connection that began long before they walked down the aisle. Their enduring partnership is a fascinating Hollywood love story that navigated the tumultuous 1980s "Brat Pack" era, addiction, and the intense scrutiny of celebrity life. Sheryl Berkoff is far more than just "Rob Lowe's wife"; she is a creative force, a dedicated mother, and the anchor that helped the celebrated actor build the stable, normal life he always desired outside of the Hollywood spotlight.

Sheryl Berkoff: Biography and Professional Profile

Sheryl Lynn Berkoff is a successful entrepreneur and creative professional who has built a career in the beauty and design industries. While she maintains a relatively low profile compared to her famous husband, her professional resume is impressive and varied.

• Full Name: Sheryl Lynn Berkoff
• Date of Birth: June 20, 1961
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 64
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, USA
• Nationality: American
• Education: Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), The University of California
• Primary Occupations: Makeup Artist, Jewelry Designer, Interior Designer
• Notable Makeup Artist Credits: *Glengarry Glen Ross*, *Frankie and Johnny* (working specifically on Al Pacino), *Bad Influence*, *The Vanishing*, and *Eve of Destruction*
• Current Business: Founder and owner of Sheryl Lowe Jewelry, a luxury line of necklaces, bracelets, and earrings sold at major retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom. She also has a men's line called "Mr. Lowe," inspired by her husband and sons.
• Spouse: Rob Lowe (m. July 22, 1991)
• Children: Two sons, Matthew Edward Lowe (b. 1993) and John Owen Lowe (b. 1995)

The Two-Part Love Story: From Blind Date to 'Bad Influence'

The love story between Rob Lowe and Sheryl Berkoff is not a tale of instant, fiery romance, but one of perfect timing and a deep, enduring connection that developed over time. Their initial meeting was a classic Hollywood setup that didn't quite stick.

The First Connection in 1983

The couple first met on a blind date in 1983, a time when Rob Lowe was skyrocketing to fame as a member of the infamous "Brat Pack" with hit movies like *The Outsiders* and *St. Elmo's Fire*. At the time, Berkoff was reportedly dating actor Emilio Estevez, one of Lowe's close friends. The initial spark, however, wasn't strong enough to sustain a serious relationship, and they soon went their separate ways. Lowe later admitted that during this period, he wasn't ready for monogamy or the commitment a serious relationship required.

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Reconnecting on the Set of ‘Bad Influence’

Fate intervened six years later. In 1989, Rob and Sheryl were reunited on the set of the thriller film *Bad Influence*. Rob was starring in the movie, and Sheryl was working as his personal makeup artist. This second chance proved to be the charm. Spending long days together on set, they developed a deeper friendship that quickly blossomed into romance.

This period was pivotal for Rob Lowe. He has been incredibly candid about his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, which peaked during the height of his "wild boy craziness" in the 1980s. He entered recovery in 1990, and he has often credited Sheryl as a major impetus for his decision to get sober. "I knew that if I could not make it with her, I definitely could not make it work with anyone else," he said, calling her the woman who "saved my life, really". The couple tied the knot on July 22, 1991, in a quiet, intimate ceremony, choosing a simple event to avoid media frenzy.

The Secrets to an Enduring Hollywood Marriage

In a town famous for short-lived relationships, Rob Lowe and Sheryl Berkoff’s marriage is a rare success story, spanning over three decades. The couple, who will celebrate 34 years of marriage in 2025, has been open about the keys to their longevity, which often center on mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to communication.

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A Shared Philosophy: Marrying Your Best Friend

Lowe frequently emphasizes that the foundation of their success is marrying his best friend. In a 2019 interview, he stressed, "It really is all about who you pick. I always say to people, 'If there's any way to marry your best friend, do it.' 'Cause the rest of it comes and goes, and I was very lucky there". This sentiment speaks to the deep, unwavering support they offer each other, especially during challenging times, such as the lawsuit against Lowe in 2008 where Sheryl stood firmly by his side.

The Importance of Therapy and Communication

Unlike many celebrity couples who keep their struggles private, the Lowes have openly discussed their commitment to communication and self-improvement through therapy. Rob Lowe has described therapy as a "proactive, non-shaming practice," comparing it to a physical trainer or chiropractor—something you do to stay healthy, not just when you're broken. This proactive approach to mental and marital health highlights their dedication to maintaining a strong partnership.

A "Healthy Fear" of a Strong Woman

In a recent and widely reported update from April 2025, Rob Lowe discussed his marriage on his SiriusXM show, *Literally! with Rob Lowe*. He agreed with his guests, Benji and Joel Madden, that it’s important to have a "healthy fear" of your wife, adding that Sheryl is a "strong woman". This playful but respectful acknowledgment of Sheryl’s strength and influence underscores the dynamic in their home, where Sheryl is clearly his equal and a "force of nature".

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Family Life and Sheryl’s Design Empire

The couple has successfully raised two sons, Matthew Edward and John Owen, who are now accomplished adults. The Lowes prioritized giving their children a "normal life outside of Hollywood," with Rob often involved in Little League and school activities.

The Next Generation of Lowes

Their sons have followed different career paths, but both remain close to their parents. Matthew Lowe graduated from law school and works as an attorney, though he also dabbles in photography and occasional acting. John Owen Lowe, a Stanford graduate, is a writer, producer, and actor who has collaborated extensively with his father. Most recently, the duo starred together in the 2023 Netflix comedy series *Unstable*, which John Owen co-created. The family bond is evident, with John Owen also crediting his father's example for helping him on his own sobriety journey.

Sheryl Lowe Jewelry: A Creative Pivot

After a successful career as a makeup artist on major Hollywood films, Sheryl Berkoff transitioned into the world of luxury design. She is the founder of Sheryl Lowe Jewelry, a line of handcrafted, one-of-a-kind pieces that blend raw, natural elements with refined design. Her work is highly regarded, with her pieces being worn by A-list celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Kristen Bell. The business is a source of great pride for Rob, who gushed about her success, noting that her line has been picked up by prestigious retailers like Bergdorf Goodman, proving she is a great businesswoman in addition to being a great mother and homemaker.

Recent Updates: The Montecito Megamansion

In a significant recent development that showcases their shared lifestyle, Rob and Sheryl Berkoff’s custom-built Montecito megamansion appears to have been completed as of late 2025. The couple, who previously sold their other custom-built Montecito estate for a record price in 2020, purchased a new $13 million property in the same exclusive neighborhood—home to stars like Oprah Winfrey and Prince Harry.

The five-year project involved demolishing the existing dwelling and building a custom estate known as "Stonehedge". The new home features an opulent indoor/outdoor design, massive windows to maximize natural light (a must-have for Rob), a large detached pool cabana, and lush, perfectly manicured lawns. The completion of this architectural masterpiece marks a new chapter for the Lowes, cementing their status as a power couple dedicated to both their family life and their creative endeavors. From a blind date that fizzled to a 34-year marriage that is the envy of Hollywood, Sheryl Berkoff remains the inspiring, strong, and enduring partner at Rob Lowe's side.