Rob Lowe talks 'terrifying' experience with cancer and his return to television

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Rob Lowe on 'The Grinder' and Stand Up 2 Cancer
Rob Lowe on 'The Grinder' and Stand Up 2 Cancer


By MARAH ALINDOGAN

Rob Lowe doesn't just stand up to cancer, he supports their cause.

"I lost my great-grandmother, grandmother and mother all to breast cancer," Lowe told AOL in an exclusive interview.

In 2002, the 51-year-old actor became the first ever spokesman for breast cancer awareness.

"[Cancer] is terrifying," Lowe admitted while announcing his new fundraising campaign with MasterCard and Stand Up To Cancer. "It's definitely not something you would wish on somebody."

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Rather than donating a few dollars here and there, the star has a more hands-on approach when it comes to making an impact. He's spent much of his time speaking to those directly affected by cancer across the county.

"It's a great bonding experience because we all live different lives from one another."

The funny man also revealed that from these experiences, he's not shy about sharing them with anyone willing to listen.

"Support from family and friends is critical," Lowe explained. "Studies show that people with support do much, much better than those who don't have it."

Though the star has devoted much of his time working tirelessly as a crusader for cancer, he also dished on a highly-anticipated project in the works.

The Emmy Award nominee took a hiatus from television after winning over America's hearts as city manager Chris Traeger in "Parks and Recreation," but he'll be back to his ridiculous on-screen antics on Fox's "The Grinder" this fall.

However, the decision to get back into television was not as easy as you might think.

"I was looking long and hard for something that could be a worthy successor to 'The West Wing' and 'Parks & Recreation," he revealed.

His co-star Fred Savage, who plays his straitlaced brother, might have made that choice a tad bit easier.

"I've always been a Fred fan – 'Wonder Years' is one of my favorite shows of all time and 'Princess Bride' is one of my favorite movies of all time," Lowe dished.

Could there be a possible bromance in the air? Lowe certainly has us speculating.

"We just have a really special chemistry together. I don't know why because I've never met him before this show." Lowe gushed. "The two of us together, we just have a blast."

While we can only imagine the antics these two cause together, we certainly expect to see some of that chemistry on screen.

"I aim to make you laugh – that's my new mission in life," said Lowe.

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