Imagine a world where Patrick Dempsy was not "McDreamy" and Rob Lowe was not "Chris Traeger." This almost happened!
Rob Lowe Turned Down Grey's Anatomy "McDreamy" Role
Treasured Hollywood actor Rob Lowe opened up to Variety about what could have been. Apparently, he had even turned down the role of "Dr. Derek 'McDreamy' Shepherd" on the worldwide hit series Grey's Anatomy.
Speaking of that choice he explained, "This is what longevity, experience, and recovery give you. There are no accidents. Whatever decision you come to, if you come to it from the right place, it's never wrong."
Rob believes he was not meant for the role. "Me in that part isn't as interesting as Patrick in that part. If it'd been me (the fans) wouldn't have called me 'McDreamy', they would have called me Rob Lowe."
"Wow, this guy is the real deal"...
Rob Lowe Says Tom Cruise Went "Ballistic" Over Sharing Hotel Room During 'The Outsiders'
The biggest reason he doesn't believe he was supposed to be in the series is he would have missed out on one of his all-time favorite roles, as "Chris Traeger" in Parks and Recreation.
"Had I done Grey's, I wouldn't have been in Parks and Recreation. That alone for me is enough." His character is one of the fan favorites of the hilarious series. "Chris Traeger" is an eternally optimistic auditor who gets his heart broken and becomes a hilariously depressed and doom focused nut.
Rob Lowe's Acting Versatility
Rob is proud of his lengthy filmography and versatility, from the "literally" most silly "Chris Traeger" to serious and cut-throat "Sam Seaborn" on The West Wing, Rob has portrayed every type of character. "I’m lucky enough to be on both lists — the comedy list and the drama list, which is good. It’s good not to be pigeonholed."
Now Rob is tackling a true hero role in Ryan Murphy's 9-1-1: Lone Star as "Owen Strand" an NYC firefighter and 9/11 survivor taking on Austin, Texas. "The Ryan Murphy World special sauce is what makes doing a semi-procedural interesting for me as an actor. We have all of the elements of the genre, but in this iteration, there are elements of the unexpected. It can be authentic and honest and then become almost absurdist. We do wild tone swings. It keeps it fresh for me."
The long-serving actor is proud to portray "Owen," "I think it's a good thing to spotlight real-life heroes. They may not wear masks and capes, but their stories are every bit as compelling. Probably more so."
The next episode of 9-1-1: Lone Star airs Monday, February 8th. You won't want to miss it!
Ponytailed Prince?
Prince Harry Has Grown A Ponytail In California, According To Rob Lowe
He is a professional wood craftsman!
