Rob Lowe to Narrate National Geographic's THE 80s: THE DECADE THAT MADE US

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Following last night's much-buzzed-about kick-off party at South by Southwest (SXSW) for the upcoming miniseries event The '80s: The Decade That Made Us, the National Geographic Channel announced today that Emmy-nominated actor Rob Lowe will narrate the six-part cultural programming event that offers an unprecedented look at the moments, trends, inventions, and culture that have shaped our world today.

In addition, the network also announced that the six-part series will roll out over three nights in the United States, beginning Sunday, April 14, 2013, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, and continuing Monday, April 15, and Tuesday, April 16, and globally on the National Geographic Channel throughout the spring in 171 countries and 38 languages. For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com/the80s and follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NGC_PR.

The '80s: The Decade That Made Us isn't about nostalgia; it's about the history of our modern world that spawned political, technological, cultural and social revolutions that began in the United States and went on to dominate the world. This cultural programming event is the defining biography of a generation. It's about a decade of people, decisions and inventions that changed our future, told from the perspective of the unknowing history Makers who lived these iconic moments.

We worked out, worked harder, played harder and consumed more - because the 1980s was the decade when we went forward to the future. The first launch of the Space Shuttle triggered a technological explosion in global communications that gave birth to our modern love affair with smartphones; Madonna rolled around on stage in a wedding dress, sending shock waves through a celebrity-hungry world that can't get enough of Lady Gaga and Katy Perry today. These and other incredible stories reveal surprising, unexpected details and twists and turns from a decade you only thought you knew.

"National Geographic Channel is a leader in creating engaging and relevant programs that viewers can trust," said Lowe, "This series is a unique and provocative look back at one of the most exciting and revolutionary periods in American history."

"Rob Lowe is one of today's most enduring actors, and his films from the 1980s were among the most popular of the decade, with the 'Brat Pack' films setting a new standard for the teen movie genre," added Michael Cascio, EVP of Programming, National Geographic Channel. "He is the perfect narrator for this series and his voice brings to life the triumphs, challenges, and effervescent spirit of this bright and important time."

Rob Lowe has established himself as one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood, having first made his feature film debut in Francis Ford Coppola's "The Outsiders." He went on to star in other popular dramas such as "St. Elmo's Fire," "About Last Night" and "Bad Influence," as well as the blockbuster comedies "Wayne's World" and "Tommy Boy." After Wayne's World, Lowe re-teamed with Mike Myers in "Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me." Lowe's movie credits also include "A View from the Top," "Class," "The Hotel New Hampshire," "Oxford Blues," "Youngblood," "Square Dance," "Masquerade" and "Mulholland Falls."

Additionally, Lowe starred as Sam Seaborn on the NBC drama "The West Wing" for four seasons, from 1999 to 2003. During that time, the show won a record four consecutive Emmys for Outstanding Drama. His performance earned him an Emmy nomination, as well as two Golden Globe nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He was nominated three times for the Screen Actors Guild Award, winning twice.

In May 2010, Lowe joined the cast of NBC's "Parks and Recreation," playing the role of Chris Traeger, an auditor who seeks to dig the Parks and Recreation Department of Pawnee, Ind., out of its financial abyss. His recent television work also includes a three-episode appearance on Showtime's "Californication," in which Lowe played unpredictable megawatt movie star Eddie Nero. Lowe will next be seen in HBO's "Behind the Candelabra," starring Michael Douglas and Matt Damon, and directed by Steven Soderbergh.

The '80s: The Decade That Made Us is sponsored by DIRECTV.

The miniseries event is produced by Nutopia for the National Geographic Channel. For Nutopia, Jane Root and Bruce Hepton are executive producers. For National Geographic Channel, executive producer is Brooke Runnette; vice president of production and development is Lynn Sadofsky; executive vice president of programming is Michael Cascio; president is Howard T. Owens.