Robert Downey Jr. is one of the most popular actors in the world, best known for his role in Iron Man, but there are several interesting and lesser-known facts about the actor that not many know.
Robert Downey Jr. comes from a household of artists, and his mother is an actress, while his father was a well-recognized filmmaker. After working in several movies as a supporting actor, his boyish looks and charm earned him lead roles in comedies before he attempted drama movies, earning him his first Academy nomination for Chaplin. Downey’s career has taken several twists and turns and changed routes, but with determination and the ability to believe in himself, the actor returned home through his movies.
Downey has become a household name as the witty and dry-humored Tony Stark and is considered a pillar in establishing the future of the MCU superhero movies. He has achieved astronomical success in his movie career, but many facts about the actor are unknown to his fans. Let’s look at some of the lesser-known facts about Robert Downey Jr. that many people do not know.
8 He Played A Puppy In His First On-Screen Role
Named as one of the most powerful actors in Hollywood, RDJ’s first movie role was slightly absurd. He starred as a puppy in the film pound as a five-year-old in 1970. His father offered even his second role before he began branching out.
7 He Was Considered A ‘Risk’ When He Got Cast As Iron Man
Robert Downey Jr. has been an important figure in the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since his 2008 movie Iron Man set the course for the future. During the casting announcement for the movie, the actor was trying to strengthen his public image after years of drug abuse, alcoholism, and arrests. Director and friend Jon Favreau backed him up strongly for the role, but Kevin Feige considered it a risk that eventually paid off in multiple folds.
6 He Was Arrested But Chose To Turn His Life Around
The late 90s was a difficult period for the actor as he was arrested on several accounts between 1996 and 2001 due to substance abuse issues. His arrests increased in number, but he missed the court-ordered illegal substance tests, which led him to be sentenced to prison for three years. After spending one year in prison, Downey was granted an early release, and he decided to turn his life around within a few years.
5 He Was An SNL Cast Member For One Season
Saturday Night Live has become a moniker and starting point for comedians and actors who want to be globally recognized for their work. In 1985, during the floundering ratings of the show, Lorne Michaels decided to hire a few up-and-coming actors who weren’t comedians to grow the cast, which included RDJ. The ratings, however, did not pick up, and Michaels let go of Downey after one season. It turned out to be a great move in the long run, as the actor began scouting for movie roles.
4 He Practices Martial Arts To Lead A Healthy Lifestyle
Robert Downey Jr. has been sober since 2003 and what truly helped turn his life around was martial arts. The actor has been practicing martial arts for many years, particularly Wing Chun, a martial art once practiced by Bruce Lee, who went on to invent his Jeet Kune Do technique. The training coincided with his recovery and helped him become grounded, open to others, and more sensitive.
3 His Career Took A Positive Arc After An Elton John Music Video
During the tumultuous years of RDJ’s career, studios were dropping him from roles due to his conflicted image with the public. During this time, Elton John stepped up to help him get a positive arc for his career. In 2001, Elton John wanted Downey to star in his music video for I Want Love. The actor was allowed a limited-time release from the drug rehab to shoot the video in France. It was directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson within a day and became a critical success.
2 He Released An Album In 2004 Called 'The Futurist'
Robert Downey Jr. is often seen carrying a tune during his movie roles. Still, few are aware that he had quietly released an adult contemporary music album in 2004 titled The Futurist. The album was released around the time when he wasn’t landed steady movie roles and was offered characters he did not find interesting. The album featured ten tracks, and his life experiences influenced each song.
1 He Is Fighting Climate Crisis For Many Years With Footprint Coalition
After helping himself through sobriety, Robert Downey Jr. stepped up to help save the planet. Like Iron Man, the actor is committed to using new technology to build a sustainable future. He introduced The Footprint Coalition, an organization he co-founded to clean up the planet. The actor has also signed a book deal to release a book that will help people reduce their carbon footprint.
Robert Downey Jr. is also known as the unofficial member of the Brat Pack from the 80s, a title he overcame after taking on challenging roles. Over the years, the list describes some of the most transformative ways Robert Downey Jr. has conquered life through his work ethic and belief in himself.
