Actor Rob Lowe has revealed that Tom Cruise was a frequent rival for major film roles during their early careers, describing the "Top Gun" star as a "nemesis." Lowe told Fox News Digital that Cruise ultimately secured coveted parts in films such as "Top Gun" and "Jerry Maguire," roles Lowe had read for and believed would be massive hits.
"That dastardly Tom Cruise was always a nemesis," Lowe stated, recalling reading for "Jerry Maguire" and "Top Gun" and being told Cruise was attached. Despite these setbacks, Lowe became a prominent figure in the "Brat Pack" of 1980s cinema, starring in films like "St. Elmo's Fire," "The Outsiders," "Class," and "Oxford Blues."
Lowe also expressed regret about never landing a role in a John Hughes film, particularly missing out on "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," a part that went to Matthew Broderick. Lowe explained that he believed Hughes was not interested in casting him because he was already too well-known, a theory he uses to console himself for not being cast in Hughes's iconic films like "The Breakfast Club."
"John Hughes never got what I was selling," Lowe said, recounting a single meeting with the director. He felt there were multiple opportunities within Hughes's movies that he could have fit but never received a call.
Lowe has since built a successful and enduring career, including acclaimed roles in television shows such as "The West Wing" and "Parks and Recreation," alongside numerous film and streaming projects. 
