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Entertainment • Actor

Chad Lowe

Chad Lowe is an American actor, director, and producer known for his television work, especially his Emmy Award-winning role as Jesse McKenna on *Life Goes On*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Chad Lowe is an American actor, director, and producer known for his television work, especially his Emmy Award-winning role as Jesse McKenna on *Life Goes On*. He has also appeared in series such as *Melrose Place*, *ER*, *Now and Again*, *24*, and *Pretty Little Liars*.

Early life and background

Chad Lowe was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1968 and is the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe. He began acting as a teenager and built his career through television roles.

Acting career

Lowe became widely known for his role on *Life Goes On*, which brought him an Emmy Award. He later worked extensively in television, including roles on *Melrose Place*, *ER*, *24*, and *Pretty Little Liars*.

Directing work

In addition to acting, Lowe has directed television episodes for multiple series. He also directed the 2007 feature film *Beautiful Ohio*.

Personal life

Lowe was married to actress Hilary Swank from 1997 to 2007. He later married Kim Painter in 2010.

Key facts

  • Chad Lowe won a Primetime Emmy Award for his role as Jesse McKenna on *Life Goes On*.
  • He is the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe.
  • Lowe has appeared in television series such as *Melrose Place*, *ER*, *24*, and *Pretty Little Liars*.
  • He made his feature film directorial debut with *Beautiful Ohio* in 2007.
  • He was married to Hilary Swank from 1997 to 2007 and later married Kim Painter in 2010.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Chad Lowe?
Chad Lowe is an American actor, director, and producer best known for *Life Goes On*.
What is Chad Lowe best known for?
He is best known for playing Jesse McKenna on *Life Goes On*, a role that won him an Emmy Award.
Is Chad Lowe related to Rob Lowe?
Yes. Chad Lowe is the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe.
What other TV shows has Chad Lowe appeared in?
He has appeared in or had roles on *Melrose Place*, *ER*, *Now and Again*, *24*, and *Pretty Little Liars*.
Has Chad Lowe directed anything?
Yes. He directed episodes of several TV series and made his feature film directorial debut with *Beautiful Ohio* in 2007.
Who is Chad Lowe married to?
He is married to Kim Painter.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chad_Lowe
    Supports: Career overview, directorial debut, and directing credits.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005165/bio/
    Supports: American actor, director, and producer identification.
  3. Fandango — https://www.fandango.com/people/chad-lowe-401569/biography
    Supports: Birth date, early career, Life Goes On, and marriage to Hilary Swank.
  4. Us Weekly — https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrities/chad-lowe/
    Supports: Birth date, sibling relationship, selected roles, directing credits, and marriage to Kim Painter.
  5. The Creative Coalition — https://www.thecreativecoalition.org/chad-lowe/
    Supports: Biographical overview and Emmy-winning Life Goes On role.