Chris Lowell
A versatile character actor who brings a grounded, often charmingly awkward presence to every role, from cult TV shows to Oscar-nominated films.
Born 1984 (age 42)·American actor·Birthday: October 17·Millennials
Biography
Chris Lowell has built a career on being the memorable guy you can't quite place—the reliable best friend, the earnest love interest, the scene-stealing side character. A native of Atlanta, he bypassed the typical teen star path, instead studying film and landing his breakout as the sweet, bass-playing 'Piz' on the later seasons of 'Veronica Mars,' endearing himself to a passionate fanbase. This led to a steady stream of work where Lowell excelled at finding the humanity in supporting roles. He was the sensitive intern Dell on 'Private Practice,' the ambitious but out-of-his-depth wrestling promoter Bash on 'GLOW,' and the modern romantic lead in 'How I Met Your Father.' His film choices reveal a sharp eye for quality, with small but notable parts in Best Picture nominees like 'Up in the Air,' 'The Help,' and 'Promising Young Woman.' Lowell operates without flash, his strength lying in an everyman authenticity that makes each character feel lived-in and real, a testament to the power of a solid character actor.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Chris was born in 1984, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Chris Was Born
The biggest hits of 1984
#1 Movie
Beverly Hills Cop
Best Picture
Amadeus
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Chris's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1984Born
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1989Started school
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1997Became a teenager
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2000Could drive
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2002Could vote
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Turned 21
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2014Turned 30
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2024Turned 40
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 42 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played a series regular role on the critically acclaimed Netflix series 'GLOW,' which received multiple Emmy nominations.
- Starred as one of the leads in the Hulu series 'How I Met Your Father' for its two-season run.
- Appeared in three different films nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture: 'Up in the Air,' 'The Help,' and 'Promising Young Woman.'
- Had a recurring role as Stosh 'Piz' Piznarski on the cult favorite series 'Veronica Mars,' including its subsequent film revival.
Did You Know?
He is a trained musician and played bass guitar in his band during high school.
He attended the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts.
Before acting, he worked as a photographer and a bartender.
He is an advocate for animal welfare and has worked with several rescue organizations.
“I like playing characters who are a little bit off, a little bit strange.”
