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Melissa Gilbert Reflects on Tumultuous Romance During Rob Lowe’s Meteoric Rise

Gilbert felt invisible to his fanatical followers, forcing her to develop firmer boundaries in her personal life.

Overview

  • On her I Choose Me podcast on July 29, Gilbert described her six-year relationship with Lowe as “very tumultuous” and admitted she was “such a baby” at the time.
  • The actress began dating Lowe in 1981 when she was 17 and watched his career surge after his breakout role in The Outsiders in 1983.
  • Gilbert recalled feeling overshadowed as female fans pushed past her and slipped phone numbers into Lowe’s pockets at premieres.
  • She said the experience taught her what she would not tolerate in future relationships and led her to set clear emotional boundaries.
  • Despite the hardships, Gilbert acknowledged they shared many fun moments and said the ordeal deepened her self-awareness.