‘80s Teen Idol Looks Nearly Unrecognizable in New Role

Emma McIntyre / Emma McIntyre/Getty Images Rob Lowe’s beleaguered, shaggy appearance in an upcoming role has shocked fans, who say they barely recognize him.

The ‘80s heartthrob and West Wing star ditched his typical clean-cut style for a disheveled look in Confession , a historical drama written by conservative commentator Ben Shapiro and directed by Czech filmmaker Václav Marhoul.

Lowe, 62, portrays Alexei, a literature professor in Stalin-era Moscow.

In a trailer released by The Daily Wire on Oct.

13, a sweaty Lowe appears in a dingy white tank top wearing oval spectacles, shaggy bangs, and gray facial hair.

His character is arrested and brutally questioned by a former student, played by James Franco, after being accused of conspiring with a rebel priest, whom Brad Dourif plays.

Fans quickly commented on an Instagram clip of the trailer, with some questioning whether it was truly Rob Lowe in the scenes.

“Wow, the A-listers in this movie,” one person said, while another said, “This cast is absolutely loaded.” The film—produced by The Daily Wire, which is owned by Shapiro and Jeremy Boreing—also features Nick Nolte, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Colin Bates, Richard Brake, Emile Hirsch, Dean Norris, and Kodi Smit-McPhee.

Lowe, along with several other actors, has faced online criticism for appearing in The Daily Wire’s productions.

Actor Danny Trejo faced backlash after fans found out he was starring in Ben Shapiro’s “pro-ICE” movie, Pawn Shop.

Trejo, who describes himself as a “proud Mexican,” addressed his position on immigration in an Instagram post, saying he was “obviously pro-immigrant” and “not pro-ICE.” Lowe, who first appeared in The Outsiders (1983) and St.

Elmo’s Fire (1985), has had a particularly busy year.

“I like to work,” he told People in an August interview .

“I like the opportunities.” The Emmy-winning actor will have starred in two other movies— In a Holidaze and The Musical —by the end of the year, in addition to working on his third book and continuing his podcast, Literally! With Rob Lowe .