Rob Lowe Sent ‘Missing' Milk Cartons to West Wing Producers During Behind-the-Scenes Feud
When The West Wing first aired in 1999, fans could not get enough of the political drama. The man who was supposed to be at the center of it all? The '80s heartthrob Rob Lowe.
However, things spiraled behind the scenes due to Lowe noticing his character being slowly written off and pay disputes around his salary. In August 2023, the actor opened up about the experience on Penn Badgley's 'Podcrushed' podcast and likened it to being in a toxic relationship."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 said.
However before he walked away, he admitted he did something gloriously petty.
'So 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,' Lowe started. 'But there were some difficulties. At one point they had sort of written me off the show."
"I didn't feel like I had a lot to do and so I made these [milk cartons] and I sent them to everybody affiliated with the show, the network, the studio, the producers, executives.'
He plastered his face on the side like they used to do for missing kids, and added stats for his jilted character.
'It's a milk carton. I sent these to everybody,' Lowe continued. 'Let's see what the stats are. Sam Seaborn, 170 pounds. Eyes: blue. Missing since the Christmas episode 2002. Please call Bernie Brilstein (my manager), if you've seen this man.'
Fans thought that the move was nothing short of iconic.
"Who writes Rob Lowe off a show ??? But your response is hilarious," wrote one amused fan.
"We need a New West wing with Sam as President," demanded another.
"I loved you on WW and was devastated when they sent you to run for office in California," said another. "It was never the same without Sam."
While things have since smoothed over since, it was still a pretty boss move to pull.
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Rob Lowe Sent 'Missing' Milk Cartons to West Wing Producers During Behind-the-Scenes Feud first appeared on Parade on Jul 25, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.
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