The former teen heartthrob turned devoted dad took to social media to celebrate a milestone moment — and fans were left doing a double-take. Rob Lowe’s heartfelt tribute to his youngest son lit up the internet, with followers marveling at the jaw-dropping likeness between the pair.

Hollywood heartthrob turned proud papa, Rob Lowe, is melting hearts again — this time not on the silver screen, but in a rare and deeply personal birthday post for his son that’s left fans gasping over the striking resemblance between the pair.

A comment under Rob Lowe’s post, dated November 9, 2025. | Source: Instagram/roblowe

The “St. Elmo’s Fire” and “Parks and Recreation” star took to Instagram on Sunday, November 9, to mark a major milestone: his youngest son John’s 30th birthday. But it wasn’t just the actor’s heartfelt message that got people talking — it was the shirtless snap of John, lounging with two adorable pups, that ignited a flood of comments celebrating their jaw-dropping father-son similarity.

A comment under Rob Lowe’s post, dated November 9, 2025. | Source: Instagram/roblowe

‘He’s Your Clone!’ Fans Gush Over Shirtless Pic of Birthday Boy

“Happy 30th birthday to you, my beloved JohnOwen!” Lowe, 61, wrote in his tribute. “So very proud of you on so many levels. And love you more than I’m able to say. May your official entry into adulthood bring you the perspective to be nice to me on social media!”

Alongside the tender caption was a laid-back, cheeky photo of John on a couch — and fans could not contain their excitement. “Happy Birthday to your Son who def has a little of The Rob Lowe Alain Delon looks!” one admirer raved.

Rob Lowe and John Owen Lowe attend the Los Angeles premiere of “Grace Point” at Regal LA Live on January 30, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

“He’s got Dad’s good looks,” another declared.“Happy 30th Birthday to your clone!” a third exclaimed. And they weren’t done yet. One gushed, “This kid is blessed with the same great genes as his dad!!! Wish him all the success and happiness in his adult life!!! Happy Birthday kid!!!”

Rob Lowe and John Owen Lowe attend the ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 11, 2024, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

A Hollywood Romance That Beat the Odds

Rob shares John with his wife of 34 years, Sheryl Lowe, 64, a woman he calls his anchor through addiction, fame, and fatherhood. The couple, who also share a 32-year-old son named David, first met on a blind date in 1983 before reconnecting on the set of the 1990 erotic thriller “Bad Influence.”

Rob, Sheryl, and John Owen Lowe attend Netflix’s Oscar after party at Mother Wolf on March 10, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Sheryl Berkoff and Rob Lowe attend the 11th Breakthrough Prize Ceremony at Barker Hangar on April 5, 2025, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images

At the time, Rob was in the grips of addiction, battling both alcohol and drugs. But it was Sheryl, a former renowned makeup artist and now fine jewelry designer, who saw through the chaos.

Rob and Sheryl Lowe are seen at the opening of NBC’s store NBC Experience on May 13, 1999, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

“I had the feeling that if I was ever going to be able to make it work with anybody, it was Sheryl,” he told People in a raw 2022 cover interview. “Alcohol and drugs were only going to make that next to impossible.”

Rob and Sheryl Lowe pose at the New York charity premiere of “Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace” on May 16, 1999. | Source: Getty Images

Sobriety, Family, and the Life He Always Wanted

Rob, now proudly sober, credits his wife and family for turning his life around. “I’m happy I lived the life that I lived because I have no regrets, but I was super ready to coach Little League, carve pumpkins on Halloween, read books and serve hot lunch on Wednesdays,” he said. “I really, really loved every minute of it.”

Rob Lowe and John Owen Lowe attend Netflix Is A Joke Festival: Outside Joke at Hollywood Palladium on May 5, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

A seasoned actor with a storied career, Lowe still insists his greatest role is the one he plays at home. “My boys are definitely my greatest achievement,” he said in a 2018 interview. “I can only take half of the credit – maybe not even half!”

Rob, Sheryl, and John Owen Lowe attend the Santa Barbara International Film Festival Maltin Modern Master Award Honoring Robert Downey Jr. at The Arlington Theatre on February 9, 2024, in Santa Barbara, California. | Source: Getty Images

“The rest goes to my wife Sheryl, who’s been just an amazing partner,” he added. “Looking back on this year, the thing I’m most grateful for is my family, my health and the opportunities that have been laid out before me.”

Rob, Sheryl, and John Owen Lowe attend Netflix’s Oscar after party at Mother Wolf on March 10, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

From Instagram Banter to Netflix Fame: Father and Son Go ‘Unstable’

In 2022, life came full circle for Rob and John when they joined forces to co-create the Netflix comedy series “Unstable,” alongside “Santa Clarita Diet” creator Victor Fresco.

Rob and John Owen Lowe attend The Alliance For Children’s Rights 30th Anniversary Champions For Children at The Beverly Hilton on March 9, 2022, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

The hit show, inspired by their hilarious and often savage father-son exchanges on social media, chronicled the story of an introverted, socially awkward son who reluctantly works for his larger-than-life, wildly eccentric biotech mogul father.

“Oh my God, they’re merciless,” Rob admitted of his sons’ online trolling, with John, whose barbed wit made him a breakout star on his own. Still, behind the jokes, John never wavered in his admiration.

Rob and John Owen Lowe attend Netflix’s HOLIDAY IN THE WILD Cast & Crew Screening at The London Hotel on October 29, 2019, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

“When you consider what he went through in his 20s, his meteoric rise and some turbulence, and being in the public eye for decades… To come out a family man, a really, really good father, a really, really strong husband, and just a fun, kind guy to be around — that’s the day-to-day example he sets,” he told People in 2022.

A Family Bond Forged in Love, Laughter – And Recovery

But perhaps the most powerful chapter in their relationship lies not in TV scripts, but in real life. John opened up about his own struggles with addiction, revealing he began drinking heavily in his early teens and college years.

Rob and John Owen Lowe arrive at The Foundation Polo Challenge sponsored by Audi at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club on July 9, 2011, in Santa Barbara, California. | Source: Getty Images

“He never gave up on me,” John said of his father. Now sober for over three and a half years, John recounted a moment he’ll never forget, “When I took my first-year chip, he and I spoke at a [12-step] meeting in front of 200 people. And it was one of the most profound experiences of my life.”

From the viral moments to overcoming personal struggles and working side by side, the Lowes’ story stands as a testament to resilience, family, and unconditional love.