Rob Lowe Says Hollywood A-Lister Knocked Me Out on The Outsiders Set

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As a huge fan of Hollywood history and the Brat Pack era, I can’t help but be in awe of the stories that have come out about the camaraderie and rivalries between young actors during that time. The tale of Rob Lowe and Tom Cruise’s sparring sessions on the set of “The Outsiders” is one such story that completely knocked me out.

“During an interview on The Rich Eisen Show, Rob Lowe shared a humorous story about his sparring sessions with Tom Cruise on the set of The Outsiders (1983). He joked that their testosterone levels got the best of them, resulting in Cruise delivering quite an impressive punch in the hallway of their hotel, leaving Lowe momentarily stunned.”

As a huge fan of Tom Cruise growing up, I can vividly recall our competitive spirit during the filming of “The Outsiders.” We were just 18-year-old guys, full of energy and testosterone, stuck on location. When tensions ran high, we’d let off steam by sparring in the hotel hallway, complete with headgear and mouthpieces. Tom, however, was a force to be reckoned with. He was already in peak physical condition, leaving me feeling like a mere pipe-cleaner next to him. At that time in my life, I hadn’t yet discovered the joy of working out, so I looked more like Karen Carpenter than the muscular Tom Cruise. Those experiences have left an indelible mark on my life and fueled my admiration for his dedication and determination.

Lowe continued:

I’ve been there before, in the thick of it all, where fists fly and testosterone rules. It’s a world where men like me and Tom live, a world that’s raw and real, a world that’s as rough as it is exciting.

Rob Lowe Handled Brat Pack Moniker Best

In 1983, Rob Lowe and Tom Cruise were two promising actors who graced the screen in “The Outsiders.” Later on, this duo, together with Emilio Estevez, became part of the famed Brat Pack – a group of accomplished young performers from the 1980s. This moniker, be it rightly or wrongly used, also included Demi Moore, Molly Ringwald, and Judd Nelson, among others.

A fellow member, Andrew McCarthy, explored the Brat Pack craze through a documentary he produced called “Brats.” Although Lowe wasn’t as skilled at taking punches from Cruise, McCarthy is convinced that Lowe excelled in managing the enigma surrounding the Brat Pack, an elite group of young Hollywood actors. In a MovieWeb interview, McCarthy shared:

At first, we all found it unpleasant, but I believe Rob soon came to understand the public’s perspective and appreciated it as something special. It was as if he thought, “They’re just like us! I want to be a part of their group, I want to celebrate with them.” As time passed, we became the embodiment of youth for others.

A number of notable Brat Pack actors such as Ally Sheedy, Lowe, Moore, and Estevez contributed to the creation of McCarthy’s documentary. In contrast, Anthony Michael Hall was conspicuously missing from the production, along with mentioned but unseen cast members Ringwald and Nelson during Brats. McCarthy clarified their non-attendance in an interview:

Growing up in the 80s, I can’t help but feel nostalgic about the Brat Pack era. But let me tell you, navigating this unique cultural phenomenon was no walk in the park. Some people embraced it wholeheartedly, living and breathing the carefree spirit of that time. They went to every party, watched every movie, and wore the fashion with pride.

You can purchase or rent “The Outsiders” on various Video On Demand (VOD) sites such as YouTube and Fandango at Home. On the other hand, “Brats” is currently accessible for streaming on Hulu and Disney+.

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2024-07-19 17:01