The West Wing Cast: Where Are They Now?
4. Rob Lowe - Sam Seaborn
Sam Seaborn was
originally positioned as the West Wing’s lead character, with Rob Lowe given
first billing in the credits and the pilot episode focusing predominantly on him
before the show quickly became an ensemble piece. Though initially paid
significantly more than his co-stars, Lowe was denied a salary increase as theirs
rose in the direction to his, leading to his departure from the series midway
through season four. Given Sorkin’s departure shortly thereafter, many see this as
a definitive turning point in the show’s standard of quality.
Lowe came into the role on the back of a promising film career as part of the Brat Pack in the 1980s, though a sex scandal had limited his appearances in the 1990s to supporting roles in the likes of Wayne’s World and Austin Powers. Having now become almost exclusively a television actor, he has been consistently part of the main cast of a series for 15 straight years, having moved from The West Wing onto Brothers & Sisters (2006-10), Parks & Recreation (2010-15), The Grinder (2015-16), Code Black (2016-18), Wild Bill (2019) and 9-1-1: Lone Star (2020-present).
As a recognisable face, Lowe will in all likelihood continue to work continuously for as long as he has the will to. Having also transitioned into voice acting and most recently presenting, filling in for Jimmy Kimmel on a couple of occasions, he seems dependable in any position.