Born: April 4, 1965
Downey Jr. has been married twice. His first marriage was to actress and singer Deborah Falconer, with whom he has a son, Indio.
Personal Information
Full Name: Robert John Downey Jr.
Place of Birth: Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA
Nationality: American
Occupation: Actor, Producer
Years Active: 1970–present
Spouse: Susan Levin (m. 2005)
Children: 3 (Indio, Exton Elias, Avri Roel)
Early Life and Education
Robert John Downey Jr. was born to filmmaker Robert Downey Sr. and actress Elsie Ann Ford. He grew up in Greenwich Village, surrounded by the entertainment industry. Downey Jr. began acting at a young age, making his first film appearance in his father’s movie “Pound” (1970). He attended Santa Monica High School but dropped out to pursue acting full-time.
Career Beginnings
Early Film Roles
Downey Jr. made his early mark in Hollywood with roles in “Weird Science” (1985) and “Back to School” (1986). He gained more significant attention for his role in “Less Than Zero” (1987), where he played a drug-addicted rich kid, showcasing his talent for more serious roles.
Saturday Night Live
In 1985, Downey Jr. joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), though his tenure was short-lived, lasting only one season due to poor ratings.
Major Film Roles
Breakthrough and Acclaim
- Chaplin (1992) – Downey Jr. received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in this biographical film. His performance was widely praised and established him as a serious actor.
Notable Films in the 1990s
- Natural Born Killers (1994)
- Restoration (1995)
- The Gingerbread Man (1998)
- U.S. Marshals (1998)
- Bowfinger (1999)
Struggles and Comeback
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Downey Jr. faced significant personal and legal issues related to substance abuse. He underwent multiple arrests and rehabilitation efforts. Despite these challenges, he continued to work, making a notable comeback with the TV series “Ally McBeal” (2000-2002), for which he won a Golden Globe Award.
Marvel Cinematic Universe
- Iron Man (2008)
- The Incredible Hulk (2008)
- Iron Man 2 (2010)
- The Avengers (2012)
- Iron Man 3 (2013)
- Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
- Captain America: Civil War (2016)
- Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
- Avengers: Infinity War (2018)
- Avengers: Endgame (2019)
Downey Jr.’s role as Tony Stark/Iron Man revitalized his career and became iconic. His portrayal was central to the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), making him one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood.
Other Notable Films
- Sherlock Holmes (2009)
- Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)
- Tropic Thunder (2008) – Earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor
- The Judge (2014)
Awards and Honors
Academy Awards
- Best Actor in a Leading Role for “Chaplin” (Nominated)
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role for “Tropic Thunder” (Nominated)
Golden Globe Awards
- Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for “Sherlock Holmes” (Won)
- Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film for “Ally McBeal” (Won)
Other Awards
- BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role for “Chaplin” (Won)
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for “The Avengers” (Nominated)
Personal Life
Downey Jr. has been married twice. His first marriage was to actress and singer Deborah Falconer, with whom he has a son, Indio. The couple divorced in 2004. In 2005, he married Susan Levin, a film producer. They have two children, Exton Elias and Avri Roel.
Substance Abuse and Recovery
Downey Jr.’s struggles with substance abuse were highly publicized. After multiple arrests, rehab stints, and a prison sentence, he achieved sobriety in 2003. His recovery has been attributed to his family, therapy, yoga, and the support of his wife, Susan.
Legacy and Influence
Robert Downey Jr. is celebrated for his versatility, charisma, and resilience. His journey from a promising young actor to facing career-threatening issues, and then making one of the most remarkable comebacks in Hollywood history, serves as an inspiration. He has left an indelible mark on the film industry, particularly with his role as Iron Man, which has become a cultural phenomenon.
Recent Work and Future Projects
Downey Jr. continues to work in film and television. Recent projects include the film “Dolittle” (2020). He is also involved in various upcoming projects as both an actor and a producer, continuing to explore diverse roles and creative ventures.
