Rob Lowe has revealed that Tom Cruise was a frequent "nemesis" who often secured coveted movie roles that Lowe had auditioned for during the 1980s and 1990s. In an interview with The Post, Lowe, 62, recalled vying for parts that ultimately went to Cruise.
"I remember reading ‘Jerry Maguire’ . . . and they were like, ‘Tom Cruise.’ I also remember reading ‘Top Gun’ and going, ‘Oh, this movie is going to be f–king massive.’ They were like, ‘Tom Cruise.'"
Lowe starred in several films of that era, including "The Outsiders," "St. Elmo’s Fire," and "About Last Night." He also clarified a persistent rumor about "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off," stating he was never considered for the lead role, which went to Matthew Broderick. Lowe believes director John Hughes, who helmed the 1986 comedy, "never got what I was selling."
Lowe theorizes that his established presence in Hollywood at the time may have prevented him from being cast in Hughes's films. "I think I was actually already too well known," Lowe said. "John put in people who [weren’t] already well known. He made people well known. At least that’s what I tell myself to make myself feel better for not getting a role in ‘The Breakfast Club.'"
Lowe's latest project is the film "The Musical," set to be released on September 18, where he portrays a middle school principal. He reflected on his own school days, describing himself as an "outcast" when he transferred to a junior high school in Malibu, California, feeling out of place among students who prioritized surfing over academics.