Melissa Gilbert recently opened up about the challenging six-year relationship she had with actor Rob Lowe, shedding light on the struggles she faced during their time together in the public eye.
On a recent episode of the I Choose Me podcast, the Little House on the Prairie star spoke candidly with host Jennie Garth about how they both navigated their early relationships while being in the spotlight.
Navigating a Relationship Under the Spotlight
Gilbert, now 61, reflected on her time with Lowe, whom she dated from 1981 to 1987. She shared that she was only 17 when they began their relationship and 23 when it ended. For Gilbert, their time together was marked by emotional ups and downs, describing it as “very tumultuous.”
At the time, she was already well-established in her career, starring in Little House on the Prairie, while Lowe was just beginning to rise to fame, particularly after his role in The Outsiders (1983).
As Lowe’s career took off, Gilbert found herself in the middle of his growing fame. She explained how she was somewhat prepared for the public aspects of their relationship, such as attending premieres and award shows, but the intense attention from his fans caught her off guard.
Unexpected Challenges with Fans and Other Women
One of the most difficult aspects of their relationship was the fandom that came with Lowe’s rise to stardom. Gilbert admitted she wasn’t prepared for how intense it would be, especially when it came to dealing with other girls and women who admired Lowe.
“I always thought that every girl and woman was my sister. We’re sisters,” she recalled. “But it was not evident at all when Rob and I were a couple.” She shared how she would often feel ignored by Lowe’s fans, who would pass her by and even slip their phone numbers into his pockets.
Gilbert expressed that these experiences were not just disheartening but also painful. “To say it was disconcerting is doing it a big disservice,” she said.
She added that the challenges of dealing with Lowe’s fame helped her learn valuable lessons about what she would not tolerate in future relationships. Despite the struggles, she also acknowledged the fun and joyful moments they shared.
Lessons Learned from a Heartbreaking Relationship
Looking back, Gilbert now feels thankful for her life today. “I feel like my shoulders were always up by my ears, always waiting for the next shoe to drop,” she said, reflecting on the anxiety she felt during that time. In contrast, her life now feels more relaxed and at peace.
She also recognized that the painful experiences taught her important lessons, shaping the way she would approach future relationships.
After her breakup with Lowe, Gilbert married Bo Brinkman in 1988, followed by a marriage to Bruce Boxleitner in 1995, which ended in 2011. She has been happily married to Timothy Busfield since 2013. As for Lowe, he married Sheryl in 1991, and the couple has two sons, Matthew and John Owen.
Melissa Gilbert’s reflection on her relationship with Rob Lowe offers an honest and raw look at the challenges of being in a high-profile relationship, particularly when fame and fandom are involved.
While the relationship was marked by difficult moments, Gilbert acknowledges the valuable life lessons it taught her, ultimately leading to a more peaceful and fulfilling life today.
