Robert Downey Jr. is an American actor, producer, and singer who has been active in the entertainment industry for over four decades. He was born on April 4, 1965, in Manhattan, New York City, to actor and filmmaker Robert Downey Sr. and actress Elsie Ann. Downey Jr.'s career has been characterized by critical success, personal struggles with substance abuse, and a resurgence in popularity in recent years.
Downey Jr. made his acting debut at the age of five in his father's film, "Pound." He gained widespread recognition in the 1980s for his roles in films such as "Less Than Zero," "Weird Science," and "The Pick-up Artist." However, his personal life was plagued by addiction, and he faced several arrests and stints in rehab throughout the 1990s. Despite these challenges, Downey Jr. continued to act and eventually made a successful comeback with his role in the 2008 film "Iron Man," which launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Today, Robert Downey Jr. is widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile actors in Hollywood. He has received numerous awards and nominations for his work, including two Golden Globe Awards and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In addition to his acting career, he is also a respected producer and has released two albums as a singer.
Early Life and Family
Robert Downey Jr. was born on April 4, 1965, in Manhattan, New York City, to actor and filmmaker Robert Downey Sr. and actress Elsie Ann Ford. He has an older sister named Allyson.
Growing up, Downey Jr. was exposed to the entertainment industry from a young age due to his parents' professions. His father introduced him to drugs at the age of six, which he struggled with throughout his life.
In 1978, at the age of 13, Downey Jr. dropped out of school and moved to California to pursue an acting career. He attended the Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center in upstate New York, where he honed his craft.
Despite his early success in acting, Downey Jr.'s personal life was tumultuous. He struggled with drug addiction and was arrested several times in the 1990s. In 1996, he was sentenced to three years of probation and drug testing after being found guilty of drug possession.
Downey Jr.'s family has also had its share of struggles. His parents divorced in 1978, and his father went on to marry twice more. His mother passed away in 2014, and his father passed away in 2021.
Despite the challenges he faced, Downey Jr. went on to become one of Hollywood's most successful and beloved actors.
Education
Robert Downey Jr. was born on April 4, 1965, in Manhattan, New York City. He grew up in an artistic household in Greenwich Village, where his father was a noted underground filmmaker. Downey's parents divorced when he was 11, and he moved to California with his father.
As a child, Downey showed a talent for acting and began performing in his father's films at a young age. He also studied classical ballet in England when he was 10 years old as part of a larger curriculum. Later, as a teenager, he attended the Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center in upstate New York.
However, Downey's education was not without its challenges. He dropped out of Santa Monica High School in the 11th grade and later earned his high school diploma through a correspondence course. Despite this setback, Downey continued to pursue his acting career and landed his first film role at the age of 20.
Overall, while Robert Downey Jr.'s formal education may have been cut short, his passion for the arts and dedication to his craft have led to a successful and respected career in Hollywood.
Career Start
Robert Downey Jr. began his acting career at a young age, appearing in his father's films starting in the 1970s. He made his feature film debut in the 1985 film "Tuff Turf" and went on to star in several other films throughout the 1980s, including "Weird Science" and "Less Than Zero."
In 1992, Downey received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in the biopic "Chaplin," earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He continued to receive critical praise for his work in films such as "Short Cuts," "Natural Born Killers," and "Two Girls and a Guy."
Despite his success, Downey struggled with substance abuse and legal troubles throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, which led to several arrests and stints in rehab. His career was put on hold as he focused on his recovery.
After getting sober, Downey made a comeback with his role as Tony Stark in the 2008 film "Iron Man," which launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He went on to reprise the role in several other Marvel films, including "The Avengers" and "Captain America: Civil War." This resurgence in his career earned him a spot on Time Magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2008.
Breakthrough and Success
Robert Downey Jr.'s breakthrough in the film industry came in 1987, when he starred in two movies opposite fellow Brat Pack members. Despite the first of the two, "The Pick-up Artist" with Molly Ringwald, being a flop, the second, "Less Than Zero," was a critical success and helped establish Downey Jr. as a promising young actor. However, his career was plagued by substance abuse and legal troubles for years.
It was not until 2008 that Downey Jr. experienced a resurgence in his career with the release of "Iron Man," in which he played the titular character, Tony Stark. The film was a massive success, grossing over $585 million worldwide, and launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Downey Jr. reprised his role as Tony Stark in several other Marvel films, including "The Avengers" and "Spider-Man: Homecoming," solidifying his status as a Hollywood A-lister.
Iron Man Franchise
The "Iron Man" franchise played a significant role in Downey Jr.'s success. His portrayal of Tony Stark was widely praised, and he became synonymous with the character. The films were critical and commercial successes, and Downey Jr. was reportedly paid $50 million for his role in "The Avengers."
Sherlock Holmes Series
In addition to the "Iron Man" franchise, Downey Jr. also found success in the "Sherlock Holmes" series, in which he played the titular character. The films were well-received by critics and audiences alike, with Downey Jr.'s performance being a highlight. The success of the films led to a sequel, "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows," which also performed well at the box office.
Overall, Robert Downey Jr.'s breakthrough and success in Hollywood can be attributed to his talent and hard work, as well as his iconic roles in the "Iron Man" and "Sherlock Holmes" franchises. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his career, Downey Jr. has proven to be a resilient and successful actor.
Other Notable Works
Aside from his iconic role as Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Robert Downey Jr. has had a prolific career in film and television. Here are some of his other notable works:
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Less Than Zero: In 1987, Downey starred in this drama film based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis. He played the role of Julian, a drug-addicted college student who returns home for Christmas break and finds himself caught up in the seedy world of Los Angeles.
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Chaplin: In 1992, Downey took on the challenging role of portraying legendary film actor and director Charlie Chaplin in this biographical film. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
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Ally McBeal: From 2000 to 2002, Downey had a recurring role on this popular legal comedy-drama series. He played the character of Larry Paul, a love interest for the titular character played by Calista Flockhart.
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Zodiac: In 2007, Downey starred in this thriller film based on the real-life Zodiac Killer case in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He played the role of journalist Paul Avery, who becomes obsessed with the case.
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Sherlock Holmes: In 2009, Downey took on the iconic role of Sherlock Holmes in this action-adventure film directed by Guy Ritchie. He reprised the role for a sequel, "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows," in 2011.
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The Judge: In 2014, Downey starred in and produced this drama film about a successful lawyer who returns to his hometown to defend his estranged father, a judge, in a murder case. The film also starred Robert Duvall and Vera Farmiga.
These are just a few examples of the diverse range of roles that Robert Downey Jr. has taken on throughout his career. His talent and versatility as an actor have made him one of the most respected and recognizable figures in Hollywood.
Awards and Nominations
Robert Downey Jr. is a highly acclaimed actor and producer who has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career. He has won several prestigious awards, including three Golden Globe Awards, a BAFTA Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Downey Jr. has also been nominated for two Academy Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award. In 1993, he received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in the biopic "Chaplin." He was nominated again in 2009 for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Tropic Thunder."
In addition to his film work, Downey Jr. has also been recognized for his performances on television. He received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination in 2001 for his guest appearance on "Ally McBeal."
Throughout his career, Downey Jr. has been recognized for his versatility and range as an actor. He has received nominations for both comedic and dramatic roles, demonstrating his ability to excel in a variety of genres.
Overall, Robert Downey Jr.'s numerous awards and nominations are a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.
Personal Life
Robert Downey Jr. has been married twice and has three children.
Marriages and Children
Downey's first marriage was to actress and singer Deborah Falconer in 1992. The couple had a son, Indio Falconer Downey, in 1993. However, their marriage was plagued by Downey's addiction issues, and they divorced in 2004.
In 2005, Downey married producer Susan Levin, whom he had met while filming Gothika. The couple has two children together: a son, Exton Elias Downey, born in 2012, and a daughter, Avri Roel Downey, born in 2014.
Struggles with Substance Abuse
Throughout his career, Downey has struggled with addiction to drugs and alcohol. In the late 1990s, he was arrested multiple times on drug-related charges and was in and out of rehab.
In 2001, Downey famously turned his life around and began a new chapter in his career. He credits his wife, Susan, and his spiritual beliefs for helping him overcome his addiction. Since then, Downey has been sober and has become an advocate for addiction recovery.
Despite his past struggles, Downey has become one of the most successful and respected actors in Hollywood. His personal life is now stable, and he is known for his philanthropy and charitable work.
Philanthropy
Robert Downey Jr. is known not only for his successful acting career but also for his philanthropic efforts. He has been involved in several charitable organizations and causes, often donating both his time and money to help those in need.
One of the causes that Downey Jr. is passionate about is environmental conservation. In 2019, he founded the Footprint Coalition, a group of investors, donors, and storytellers committed to scaling technologies to restore the planet. The coalition aims to use advanced technologies to address climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and protect the environment. Downey Jr. has also launched a rolling venture fund to back sustainability startups, committing $5,000 per quarter for up to 2,000 qualified investors.
Aside from his environmental efforts, Downey Jr. has also supported various charities. He has been a longtime supporter of the ALS Association and the Cancer Research Institute, among others. He has also donated to organizations such as the Orca Network and Clothes Off Your Back.
Despite his charitable efforts, Downey Jr. has been known to keep a low profile when it comes to his philanthropy. He has been described as "not extremely vocal" about his donations and prefers to keep his giving private. Nonetheless, his contributions have made a significant impact on various causes, and he continues to be an inspiration to many for his generosity and commitment to making a difference.
Current Projects
Robert Downey Jr. is a busy actor with several projects in the works. Here are some of the current projects that he is involved in:
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The Sympathizer - Robert Downey Jr. stars in this upcoming HBO Max series based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen. Downey Jr. plays an unnamed CIA agent who is tasked with helping evacuate refugees after the fall of Saigon. The series is set to premiere in 2024.
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All-Star Weekend - This comedy film is directed and written by Jamie Foxx, who also stars in the film alongside Robert Downey Jr. The movie follows two friends who are basketball fans and win a chance to meet their favorite players at the NBA All-Star Weekend. The film is set to be released in 2023.
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Sherlock Holmes 3 - Robert Downey Jr. will reprise his role as the famous detective in the third installment of the Sherlock Holmes film series. The film has been in development for several years and is finally set to begin production in 2024.
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The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle 2 - Robert Downey Jr. will also be returning as the titular character in the sequel to the 2020 film Dolittle. The film is currently in pre-production and is set to be released in 2025.
In addition to these projects, there have also been rumors of Robert Downey Jr. potentially returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Iron Man. However, there has been no official confirmation of this at this time.
Legacy
Robert Downey Jr. has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, with his talent and charisma making him one of the most beloved actors of his generation. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, a role that he played with aplomb for over a decade.
Downey Jr.'s performances in the MCU have earned him widespread critical acclaim and a legion of fans around the world. His portrayal of Tony Stark, the billionaire industrialist who becomes the superhero Iron Man, is widely regarded as one of the most iconic performances in modern cinema.
But it is not just his work in the MCU that has cemented Downey Jr.'s legacy. He has also starred in a number of other critically acclaimed films, including "Chaplin," "Zodiac," and "Tropic Thunder," among others. His ability to inhabit a wide range of characters and bring them to life on the big screen is a testament to his talent and versatility as an actor.
Beyond his work as an actor, Downey Jr. has also made a name for himself as a producer and philanthropist. He has produced a number of films and television shows, including the hit series "Perry Mason," and has been involved in a variety of charitable endeavors throughout his career.
Overall, Robert Downey Jr.'s legacy is one of talent, versatility, and philanthropy. He has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and will continue to be remembered as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who played Iron Man before Robert Downey Jr?
Before Robert Downey Jr, the role of Iron Man was played by actor Terrence Howard in the first Iron Man movie in 2008. However, Howard was replaced by Don Cheadle in the sequels.
What is Robert Downey Jr's daughter's name?
Robert Downey Jr has two children with his wife Susan Downey. Their daughter's name is Avri Roel Downey, and their son's name is Exton Elias Downey.
Is Robert Downey Jr returning as Iron Man?
Robert Downey Jr's character, Tony Stark (aka Iron Man), was killed off in Avengers: Endgame, so it is unlikely that he will be returning to the role. However, he has not ruled out the possibility of making cameo appearances in future Marvel movies.
What is Robert Downey Jr's height?
Robert Downey Jr is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall.
What are some of Robert Downey Jr's movies from the 90s?
Robert Downey Jr is known for his roles in many popular movies from the 90s, including "Chaplin" (1992), "Natural Born Killers" (1994), "Richard III" (1995), and "Two Girls and a Guy" (1997).
What happened to Robert Downey Jr's dad?
Robert Downey Jr's father, Robert Downey Sr, was a filmmaker and actor. He passed away on July 7, 2021, at the age of 85.
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