Robert Downey Jr.'s dark past

Movies with Robert Downey Jr.

Even as a child, Robert received roles in his father's projects and began appearing on the big screen at the age of five. He made his debut as a sick puppy in the weird comedy Pound in 1970, and two years later starred in the acid western Griser's Palace. Until the age of 13, Robert lived in England, where he studied classical ballet, but after his parents’ divorce he moved to America with his father. In New York, he briefly worked on the team behind the hit show Saturday Night Live, but then Robert Downey Jr. moved to Los Angeles to become a serious actor. And he succeeded. In 1992, for his leading role in the film Chaplin, he was first nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe as best actor. The same year he received the prestigious BAFTA film award.

Robert Downey

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American actor, producer and musician. Winner of the Golden Globe Awards (2001, 2010), BAFTA (1993), Screen Actors Guild Awards (2001) and Saturn Awards (1994, 2009, 2014), Oscar nominee (1993, 2009) and "Emmy" (2001). Robert Downey Jr. is the son of independent director Robert Downey Sr. At the age of 9, the boy moved to London and began studying classical ballet here. The actor did not bother to get a school education, because he quickly learned the pleasant taste of on-screen earnings. Robert first appeared on screen at the age of 5, in his father’s film “The Corral.” It was released in 1970, and viewers saw Downey Jr. in the role of a puppy.

12 years later, Robert Downey Jr. got a bigger role. In the movie "America". And then the actor played in the film “Baby, It’s You” by John Sayles. And in 1984, the young man got to film the American film “First Born”. This was followed by a series of school-themed films. So, in 1985 the film “Wall to Wall” was released. Robert's most famous and successful role in the 20th century is considered to be the role of Charlie Chaplin in Richard Attenborough's biopic of the same name, which earned him a BAFTA Award and his first Oscar nomination.

The talent of Robert Downey Jr. and the following roles were revealed from an unexpected side. In 1995, he appeared in the short film “Mr. Willoughby's Christmas Tree,” the American-British film “Richard III,” and the historical film “The Royal Grace.” In the last picture, the action took place during the Restoration era, that is, in the middle of the 17th century. This was followed by work in the film “Home for the Holidays.” And then fame played a cruel joke on Robert. He found himself addicted to drugs, his name became the main one in a series of scandals, after which the actor was fired from the studio. Then Robert admitted that he became acquainted with marijuana at the age of eight, moreover, through his own father. In 1996, the celebrity was sentenced to compulsory treatment and 16 months in prison. Afterwards, Downey returned to the screens with a supporting role in the television series Ally McBeal, which brought him his first Golden Globe in 2001. This was followed by roles in a number of successful films, including “Gothic” (2003), “Kiss Bang Bang” (2005) and “Zodiac” (2007). In 2008, “Tropic Soldiers” was released, which brought Downey a second Oscar nomination, and “Iron Man,” which marked the beginning of a large-scale media franchise called the “Marvel Cinematic Universe.” In the latter, Downey played the role of the superhero Tony Stark / Iron Man - he soon repeated the same role in the films Iron Man 2 (2010), The Avengers (2012), Iron Man 3 (2013), Avengers: Age of Ultron "(2015), "Captain America: Civil War" (2016) and "Spider-Man: Homecoming" (2017). He is also known for his role as Sherlock Holmes in Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes (2009) and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011). For his role in the first part he was awarded a second Golden Globe.

In 2013, 2014 and 2020, Downey topped the list of the highest paid actors in Hollywood according to Forbes.

Robert dated Sarah Jessica Parker for 7 years, with whom he separated in 1991. First marriage: from 1992 to 2004 with singer and model Deborah Falconer. Their common son, Indio, was born on September 7, 1993. Second marriage: in 2003, on the set of the thriller Gothic, Robert met producer Susan Levine, whom he married on August 27, 2005. On August 31, 2011, Susan's aunt, Nancy Miller, announced that her niece was expecting a child. On February 7, 2012, Axton Elias Downey was born. On November 4, 2014, the couple had a daughter, Avry Roelle Downey.

Robert Downey Jr. - career break

After such unprecedented success, Robert Downey Jr. begins to abuse drugs and alcohol. In 1991, these problems caused him to break up with Sarah Jessica Parker, whom he dated for seven years. Due to his addictions and scandalous antics, the actor was fired from several projects, and a bad reputation began to spread throughout Hollywood. Robert is later arrested for drug possession and sent to prison for 16 months. He also underwent compulsory treatment. Because of this, the actor divorced his first wife, Deborah Falconer. Downey Jr.'s second wife is Gothic film producer Susan Levine, for whom he re-entered drug addiction treatment. The couple is still happily married.

Robert Downey Jr. - Iron Man

After rehabilitation, Robert Downey Jr. began to rebuild his career. The film “Kiss Bang Bang” and “Fur” earned good reviews from critics and audiences. But the real breakthrough was the main role in the film “Iron Man,” where Downey Jr. played the millionaire Tony Stark, who, thanks to his means and intelligence, creates a suit of incredible strength and possesses state-of-the-art weapons. The film became a box office sensation, and the studio released three separate films about “Iron Man”, and also included him in the “Avengers” team, films about which are also tearing up box offices in all countries. After this role, producers and film companies began to offer Robert Downey Jr. many roles. Robert received his second Oscar nomination for the film Tropical Tropics, but that year the statuette was posthumously awarded to Heath Ledger for his role as the Joker.

Downey Jr. is one of the highest paid actors in Hollywood and the Avengers franchise. He played Tony Stark not only in solo films about Iron Man, but also in the films “The Avengers”, “Avengers: Age of Ultron”, “Avengers: Infinity War”, as well as in the reboot of Spider-Man, which was called “Spider-Man” : Homecoming”, starring Tom Holland.

Robert Downey Jr. - Sherlock Holmes

At the end of 2009, Guy Ritchie's film Sherlock Holmes was released, where Downey Jr. played alongside Jude Law. In 2011, a sequel to the film was released, and in 2020, filming began on the third part of the Guy Ritchie franchise, which the actor’s fans were eagerly awaiting.

Robert Downey Jr. not only acts in films, but also writes his own music. In 2004, he released the album "The Futurist". He also sang several songs for his film roles.

Despite his wild lifestyle in his youth, Robert Downey Jr. is now an exemplary family man and a happy father of three children (his first son Indio was born in a marriage with his first wife). He has been repeatedly included in the lists of the highest paid actors in Hollywood, as well as the most beautiful actors in the world.

Biography of Robert John Downey (Jr.)

Downey Jr.'s 21-year-old son followed in his father's footsteps. The guy loves to party. But we hope he will take the right path... The star dad likes to spend his free time with his 2-year-old son.

Born: April 4, 1965 (50 years old), Manhattan, USA Height: 1.74 m Spouse: Susan Downey (married since 2005), Deborah Falconer (married from 1992 to 2004) Parents: Elsie Downey, Robert Downey Sr. Siblings: Alison Downey

Fathers and sons in Hollywood - this is how the film “The Judge” can be described in a nutshell. “When my on-screen father (actor Robert Duvall - Ed.) was supportive of me, I glowed with happiness,” Downey Jr. says about the filming. “I was in such awe of him!” More than before my own father or any other judge - and there were a lot of them during the years of my drug addiction and subsequent imprisonment. Fortunately, those days are behind us."


Robert John Downey (Jr.)

“I won’t go back to that path again”

Rob's relationship with his father, director Robert Downey Sr., has always been tense. However, early independence and first success in films played a cruel joke on Downey Jr. The actor went downhill: he drank a lot, organized pogroms and fights, became addicted to drugs, because of which he almost lost his life, and spent 16 months in prison. For many years he was treated in various rehabilitation centers, but all was in vain. Robert broke down again and again... At that time, my life was like a swamp,” recalls the actor. Film studios broke contracts with him, his first wife, model Deborah Falconer, filed for divorce, separating her unfortunate husband from their common son Indio. It seemed that Robert would no longer be able to get out... However, fate sent Downey an angel. In 2003, on the set of the thriller Gothic, the actor met Susan Levine (the film's producer), and his life changed dramatically. “Susan’s job was to keep an eye on me, to make sure I didn’t fall into the hands of my demons again,” Robert says. “She called me a pessimistic loser, crazy and pathetic. She didn't let me down. And a miracle happened! Susan helped me overcome alcoholism and drug addiction. That’s when I realized that I wanted to connect my life with her.” They got married in 2005, and Axton Elias was born in 2012. “After the birth of my son, I finally realized that I would never return to THAT path,” Robert admitted then. “I think I got a chance at another life.”

"She was a recluse..."

“Today I am a teetotal vegetarian and very happy,” says Robert about his “new life.” “Susan made me a truly successful person!” For the second year in a row, Downey Jr. was recognized as the highest paid actor in Hollywood, directors bombarded him with interesting offers, fans idolize him, women call him “the world’s sex symbol,” children want to be like Iron Man. And the couple are expecting their second child! The actor shared this joyful event with fans on Facebook. It would seem that everything is fine! But, alas, in life, happiness and misfortune go hand in hand... For several years now, Robert has been trying to save his son Indio from drug addiction. However, to no avail... After completing a course at another rehabilitation clinic, the young man breaks down again. This summer he was even arrested (for possession of illegal drugs). But the star dad does not give up. The next blow occurred on September 22. Robert's mother Elsie died at the age of 81... “We sympathize with Robert. And, of course, we appeal to our mothers: be healthy, dear ones, and know that we love you very much!”

Personal life

Robert John Downey Sr. was married three times. His first girlfriend was actress Elsie Downey (née Ford). She became famous for her roles in films such as "Griser's Palace" (1972) and "The Pound" (1970), which were based on Robert's scripts. The first marriage produced two children: a daughter, Allison Downey, who became a writer and actress, and a son, actor, producer and musician Robert Downey Jr. Robert and Elsie's marriage ended in divorce in 1975.

The hero of our story married for the second time in 1991 to Laura Ernst, who was a screenwriter and actress. The films Too Much Sun (1990), Hugo's Company (1997) and Wrath (1983) were co-written by Robert John Downey Sr. and Laura Ernst. Some time later, Laura died from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Charcot's disease).

Robert currently lives in New York with his third lover, Rosemary Rogers, whom he married four years after Laura's death (in 1998).

The dizzying success of Downey Jr.

Downey Jr. gained popularity after starring in the biopic Chaplin (1992), in which he played the role of all-time comedian Charlie Chaplin. Downey Jr.’s acting impressed everyone without exception; the actor received a nomination for the well-known Oscar Award, falling into the “Best Actor” category.

Robert also deserved a Golden Globe Award, because. played Best Supporting Actor in the TV series Ally McBeal. In addition, he was awarded the Golden Globe Award for Best Comedy Actor (Sherlock Holmes).

Filmography of actor Robert Downey Jr. quite rich - more than eighty films, as well as short films. Moreover, he has repeatedly voiced characters in various cartoons. The most famous films with the participation of Downey Jr.: “Gothika” (2003), “Iron Man 1,2,3” (2008, 2010, 2013), “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” (2011), "Chaplin" (1992), "The Avengers" (2013) and many others.

As for his personal life, Robert was married twice. Both marriages gave him sons. Robert Downey Jr.'s eldest son, Indio, followed in his father's footsteps and is now building an acting career and is also a talented musician. The youngest son from his second marriage, Exton, turned two years old on February 7, 2014.

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