Robert Downey Jr. Height, Weight, Wife, Age, Biography & More

Some Lesser Known Facts About Robert Downey Jr.

• Is Robert Downey Jr. a smoker? Yes.

• Is it known whether Robert Downey Jr. drinks?

• As a child, Robert found himself immersed in a drug-filled environment due to his father’s substance abuse. Regrettably, at the tender age of six, his father introduced him to marijuana, a decision that now weighs heavily on him. It was their shared experience with drugs that formed a peculiar bond between them, serving as his father’s only means of expressing love. Unfortunately, this unhealthy dynamic led Jr. down a path of addiction, resulting in countless late-night phone calls in pursuit of drugs.

• After his parents’ divorce, he relocated to California alongside his father. However, he later abandoned high school and journeyed to New York with the sole purpose of dedicating himself entirely to acting.

• Downey began his journey in the world of Broadway with a play, but unfortunately, his attempts at different roles did not work in his favor. To make matters worse, the critics deemed him the worst actor among the entire cast.

• In the film adaptation of the novel Less Than Zero, he received recognition for his portrayal of a wealthy drug addict. The New York Times acclaimed his performance as “poignantly compelling.”

• In the year 2014-2015, Robert emerged as the highest-paid actor, securing the top spot on Forbes’ list with earnings of $80 million.

• He portrayed the protagonist in the film Chaplin in 1992, receiving a nomination for the Academy Awards and winning a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

• After being convicted of drug charges, Downey served his time at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison. Upon his release in 2000, he landed a role on the TV show Ally McBeal, where he portrayed the romantic interest of Calista Flockhart’s character. This performance not only earned him critical acclaim but also a prestigious Golden Globe award.

• Nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards, Robert received recognition for his performance in the film Tropic Thunder.

• Jr. has had the role of Iron Man, either as the main character or part of a group, in all three movies. Each of these movies, namely The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Iron Man 3, has grossed over $500 million individually. Collectively, these films have earned a staggering sum of over $1 billion worldwide.

• Due to insurance issues, Woody Allen was unable to include Downey Jr. in his film Melinda and Melinda. He was truly disappointed since his original plan was to cast Bob Downey and Winona Ryder in the movie.

• Robert’s stepmother shared with People’s Magazine the details of his bipolar disorder, explaining that it is the underlying cause of his inability to maintain sobriety. Robert concurred, acknowledging that he occasionally experiences impulsive spending sprees and fluctuates between periods of hyperactivity and deep depression.

• In 2000, Downey made his return to the film industry following a tumultuous five-year period filled with arrests, relapses, and stints in rehabilitation centers. Despite undergoing various rehab programs and psychotherapy sessions, none of them proved effective in helping him overcome his drug addiction. It wasn’t until he grew weary of the detrimental consequences brought about by substance abuse that he realized he had reached a critical turning point. Recognizing that he was running out of opportunities, he understood that he could potentially face another prison sentence or court-mandated rehabilitation. At that moment, he firmly decided that he had endured enough and resolved to make a change.

• Bob Downey was granted permission to make a cameo in Elton John’s music video for the song “I Want to Love.” He skillfully mimed the lyrics and performed with great finesse.

• After Mel Gibson covered Jr.’s insurance, there was a possibility of his return to the big screen. Mel and Robert had maintained their friendship ever since their collaboration on Air America.

• Robert experienced a resurgence in his career with the film Gothika, but faced a setback when Producer Joe Silver held back 40 percent of his earnings until his insurance costs were covered. Such contractual clauses have remained common in Robert’s agreements up to the present day.

• In addition to his acting career, Downey has a passion for singing. He had the opportunity to showcase his vocal talents by performing alongside Sting on the television show Ally McBeal. Furthermore, he ventured into the music industry by releasing an album titled The Futurist under the record label Sony Classical. Notably, Downey collaborated with his son, Indio, in designing the album’s songs list and cover. However, due to dissatisfaction with the compensation in relation to the effort he invested, Downey has expressed that he does not intend to release another album.

• While under the influence of drugs, Robert mistakenly entered the neighbor’s house, believing it to be his own, and proceeded to rest on their bed.

• Downey attributed his split from Sarah Jessica Parker to his drug addiction. In an interview with Parade in 2008, he confessed, “I had a problem with drinking and drugs, which didn’t align with Sarah Jessica’s values. She offered me support and a loving home, trying her best to assist me in getting my life back on track. It deeply disappointed her when I was unable to make the necessary changes.”

• He is skilled in the art of Wing Chun, a form of Martial Arts.

• Due to his portrayal in the television series “Ally McBeal,” People’s magazine bestowed upon him the title of the Sexiest Lawyer.