Sheryl Berkoff is best known as the longtime wife of actor Rob Lowe, but her life extends far beyond Hollywood's spotlight. Born on June 20, 1961, she built a successful career as a professional makeup artist and fine jewelry designer long before and during her decades-long marriage. While celebrity relationships often flicker out under intense media scrutiny, her partnership with Lowe has endured for over thirty years.
Understanding their longevity requires looking past tabloid headlines. This article breaks down Sheryl Berkoff's age, her professional accomplishments, her foundational role in Lowe's sobriety, and the quiet habits that sustain their relationship.
Who Is Sheryl Berkoff? Age and Early Background
Sheryl Lynn Berkoff was born in Los Angeles, California. As of 2026, she is 65 years old. Growing up in Southern California during the 1970s, she immersed herself in the local creative culture, later attending the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.
Unlike many partners of high-profile actors who shy away from professional ambitions, Berkoff established an independent career in the entertainment industry early on. Her work ethic and creative background positioned her well within elite Hollywood circles, where she eventually crossed paths with her future husband.
A Professional Career in Makeup and Jewelry Design
Before focusing entirely on family life and entrepreneurial projects, Berkoff carved out a respected niche behind the camera.
- Film and Television Makeup: She worked as a professional makeup artist across more than 30 feature films and television productions, collaborating with major industry figures.
- Jewelry Entrepreneurship: Transitioning away from film sets, she founded Sheryl Lowe Jewelry, a luxury brand specializing in handcrafted pieces. Her designs have gained recognition from the Council of Fashion Directors of America and frequent appearances on prominent public figures.
- Interior Design: Berkoff also applied her visual aesthetic to interior architecture, earning features in shelter publications like Architectural Digest for her residential design work.
How Rob Lowe and Sheryl Berkoff Met
The couple first crossed paths on a blind date in 1983 when they were in their early twenties. At the time, the initial meeting did not spark a lasting romance, and they went their separate ways while pursuing other high-profile relationships.
Fate intervened six years later in 1990 on the set of the thriller Bad Influence. Berkoff was hired as a makeup artist for the production, which starred Lowe. Reconnecting professionally allowed them to see one another through a mature lens, and they began dating seriously shortly afterward. They married in July 1991 in a private ceremony surrounded by close family and friends.
The Quiet Foundation Behind Hollywood Longevity
Rob Lowe has frequently credited his wife with saving his life during a turbulent period of personal and public scrutiny in the late 1980s. When they reunited, Lowe was a quintessential Hollywood heartthrob struggling with heavy partying. Recognizing that his lifestyle was incompatible with a healthy future, Lowe entered recovery in May 1990, a turning point he attributes heavily to wanting a stable life with Berkoff.
The couple shares two sons, Matthew and John Owen, the latter of whom collaborates with his father on creative projects like the Netflix series Unstable. Despite working in an industry famous for instability, the couple maintains a grounded home life in California, prioritizing privacy and mutual respect over constant red-carpet appearances.
According to interviews given by Lowe over the years, the mechanics of their long marriage boil down to practical principles rather than romantic clichés:
- Best Friendship: Choosing a partner who functions as a true peer and confidant provides a baseline that survives changing external circumstances.
- Selective Conflict: Successful long-term commitments require letting go of minor grievances and choosing wisely which arguments are worth having.
- Resilience Through Rough Patches: Acknowledging that every marriage goes through difficult cycles prevents couples from bailing out when normal friction occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sheryl Berkoff's profession?
Sheryl Berkoff is a professional makeup artist who worked on dozens of films, as well as an established fine jewelry designer and founder of Sheryl Lowe Jewelry.
How long have Rob Lowe and Sheryl Berkoff been married?
The couple married in July 1991 and has been married for over three decades.
How many children do they have?
They share two sons, Matthew and John Owen, born in 1993 and 1995 respectively.
Did Sheryl Berkoff help Rob Lowe get sober?
Yes. Lowe has openly stated that his desire to build a life with Berkoff motivated him to seek help for his addiction issues, entering recovery in 1990 prior to their wedding.
