Chad Lowe is an American actor, director, and producer. He is best known for playing Jesse McKenna on Life Goes On. The role earned him the 1993 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. He is also known for playing Byron Montgomery on Pretty Little Liars.
Who Is Chad Lowe?
Chad Lowe’s full name is Charles Davis Lowe II. He was born on January 15, 1968, in Dayton, Ohio. He is 58 years old as of September 30, 2026. He is the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe.
Lowe began working in film and TV in the 1980s. Over the years, he moved from acting into television directing and producing.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Charles Davis Lowe II |
| Known as | Chad Lowe |
| Born | January 15, 1968 |
| Birthplace | Dayton, Ohio, USA |
| Age | 58 as of September 30, 2026 |
| Profession | Actor, director, producer |
| Major award | Primetime Emmy Award, 1993 |
| Spouse | Kim Painter |
| Children | Mabel, Fiona, and Nixie |
| Best-known roles | Jesse McKenna and Byron Montgomery |
Early Life and Acting Career
Lowe was born to Barbara Lowe, a teacher and writer, and Charles Davis Lowe, a lawyer. His family later moved to Los Angeles. Chad and his brother Rob both started acting as teenagers.
One of Lowe’s early roles was in the NBC sitcom Spencer in 1984–85. He also appeared with Rob Lowe in the 1984 film Oxford Blues.
These early jobs helped Lowe build his acting career while he was still young.
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His Emmy-Winning Role
Lowe joined the ABC drama Life Goes On in 1991. He played Jesse McKenna, a young man living with HIV.
The show ran from 1989 to 1993. Lowe stayed with the series during its final two seasons.
His performance became one of the most important parts of his early career. In 1993, he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
The award helped establish Lowe as a successful actor in his own right.
From Acting to TV Directing
After Life Goes On, Lowe continued to work in television. He had roles in shows such as ER, Melrose Place, Now and Again, and 24.
One of his best-known later roles was Byron Montgomery on Pretty Little Liars. He appeared in the series from 2010 to 2017. He also directed episodes of the show.
Directing became an important part of his career. His TV directing credits include Pretty Little Liars, The Flash, Life in Pieces, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, Light as a Feather, and 9-1-1: Lone Star.
9-1-1: Lone Star and Recent Work
Lowe also appeared in 9-1-1: Lone Star, which starred his brother Rob Lowe. Chad Lowe appeared in the series from 2022 to 2024.
His work on the show also included directing. This added to his long list of television work behind the camera.
As of September 2026, public sources do not confirm a new acting or directing project beyond the work already reported.
Family Life
Chad Lowe married actress Hilary Swank in 1997. They divorced in 2007.
He later married Kim Painter, a producer and casting director, in August 2010.
Lowe and Painter have three daughters: Mabel, Fiona, and Nixie.
In September 2026, the family announced that their daughter Fiona Hepler Lowe had died at age 13. Lowe and Painter said they were deeply heartbroken and asked for privacy.
Public reports did not confirm a cause of death. The family’s request for privacy remains important when discussing this loss.
Chad Lowe’s Net Worth
There is no reliable public source that confirms Chad Lowe’s personal net worth.
Online websites publish different estimates, but these numbers are not official financial records. They should not be treated as confirmed facts.
Lowe has earned income through acting, directing, and producing during his long career.
What Is Chad Lowe Doing Now?
As of September 2026, Chad Lowe remains known for his work as an actor and television director. His most recent widely reported screen work includes 9-1-1: Lone Star, where he appeared from 2022 to 2024.
His family also recently faced the loss of his 13-year-old daughter, Fiona. Lowe and Kim Painter publicly confirmed her death on September 29, 2026, and asked for privacy.
How old is Chad Lowe?
Chad Lowe is 58 years old as of September 30, 2026. He was born on January 15, 1968.
What is Chad Lowe famous for?
He is best known for playing Jesse McKenna on Life Goes On, a role that earned him a 1993 Primetime Emmy. He is also known for playing Byron Montgomery on Pretty Little Liars.
Is Chad Lowe related to Rob Lowe?
Yes. Chad Lowe is the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe. Chad also appeared in Rob’s series 9-1-1: Lone Star from 2022 to 2024.
Who is Chad Lowe married to?
Chad Lowe has been married to Kim Painter since 2010. He was previously married to actress Hilary Swank from 1997 until their divorce in 2007.
Did Chad Lowe win an Emmy?
Yes. He won the 1993 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Jesse McKenna on Life Goes On.
What is Chad Lowe’s net worth?
No reliable public source confirms Chad Lowe’s personal net worth. Online estimates are not official financial records.
Chad Lowe’s Career
Chad Lowe has built a long career in American television and film. His Emmy-winning work on Life Goes On remains a major part of his career, while his role on Pretty Little Liars introduced him to a newer generation of viewers.
He later expanded his work into television directing, with credits across several popular series. As of September 2026, he is known for both his acting work and his career behind the camera.
Sources
Chad Lowe
US actor Chad Lowe ‘heartbroken’ after death of daughter …
