Melissa Gilbert's 'tumultuous' Rob Lowe romance Melissa Gilbert's six-year relationship with Rob Lowe was "very tumultuous" and she found it difficult to cope with other women throwing themselves at him. 31 July 2025 Melissa Gilbert's six-year relationship with Rob Lowe was "very tumultuous". Melissa Gilbert's 'tumultuous' Rob Lowe romance The 61-year-old former child star dated Rob, 61, off and on from 1981 to 1987 and admitted his heartthrob status was difficult to deal with.