Rob Lowe, the beloved actor known for his role as Sam Seaborn on the iconic political drama “The West Wing,” recently shared a lighthearted anecdote about his time on set, shedding light on the challenges he faced during filming. In a TikTok video posted on July 24, 2025, Lowe opened up about the tensions that sometimes arose among the cast and crew, revealing the clever way he chose to cope with the situation.
Reflecting on his experiences, Lowe, now 61, expressed his love for “The West Wing” and its cast, despite the difficulties he encountered. “A lot has been talked about my issues — such as they were — on The West Wing, which I love. I love that show and everybody in it; it’s all good now,” he stated. However, he acknowledged that there were moments of frustration, particularly when he felt sidelined in the storyline.
During a particularly challenging period, when he felt his character had been written off, Lowe decided to take matters into his own hands. He crafted a humorous gift for his colleagues, which he described as a “missing person” milk carton featuring his own face. “I sent these to everybody affiliated with the show, the network, the studio, the producers, executives,” he explained, holding up the carton for viewers to see.
The milk carton displayed a playful message: “Sam Seaborn, 170 pounds. Eyes: blue. Missing since the Christmas episode 2002. Please call Bernie Brilstein (my manager), if you’ve seen this man.” This clever gesture not only showcased Lowe’s sense of humor but also served as a lighthearted reminder of his presence on the show, even during difficult times.
Lowe’s candidness about his experience on “The West Wing” has been a recurring theme in his interviews. He has previously likened his time on the show to an “unhealthy relationship,” expressing feelings of being undervalued. In a podcast appearance on Penn Badgley’s “Podcrushed,” he compared his experience to the toxic relationships his sons encountered with popular girls in school. “I could see them having first girlfriends and being in a relationship that was abusive and taking it,” he shared, emphasizing the importance of recognizing when to walk away from a situation that isn’t serving you.
Ultimately, Lowe departed from “The West Wing” after the fourth season, acknowledging that it became increasingly clear there was no longer a place for his character. “I walked away from the most popular girl at school, but I also knew that it was a super unhealthy relationship, and it was the best thing I ever did,” he reflected