Superheroes are characters that have amused the masses for decades now. They are looked up to by millions of viewers. It feels good to know that one’s favorite fictional superheroes are just as heroic in real life.Robert Downey Jr.'s MCU character, Iron Man is one such superhero. Tony Stark's brilliance as a scientist combined with Robert's charisma has worked wonders. It has become one of the most highly critically acclaimed movie franchises since its first installment in 2009.Downey Jr. is a great on-screen hero, but his heroism does not see its end there. More often than not, he is a real-life superhero, which makes him much more palpable as a person. He is one of Hollywood's superstars, yet he continues to surprise fans with his humbleness.
Robert's Heroism Is Not Limited To The Screen
The Sherlock Holmes star is a person of many surprises. Besides being an on-screen Superhero, he also likes to be a hero in real life every once in a while. His acts of kindness are appreciated and warmly welcomed by those subjected to them.
In a 2020 Reader's Digest article, a fan- Dana Reinhardt, opened up about an incident that Way before Downey signed up for his role as Anthony Stark. This incident is a testament to Downey's kind spirit since his earliest years in the industry.
The fan was attending a garden party for the ACLU of Southern California in the early ’90s when she stumbled over the Avengers star. Reinhardt recalled how Robert kicked into action to help her with her 80-years-old grandmother, who had injured herself by tripping and falling over, thus slashing her chin open.
The author of the article also wrote how charming and responsible Robert had been about it all as he not only wrapped his 'gorgeous linen jacket' around the older lady's wound but also praised her legs to calm her down.
“He walked alongside the stretcher holding her hand and telling her she was breaking his heart by leaving the party so early, just as they were getting to know each other. He waved to her as they closed the doors," she further wrote.
Years after the incident and the unfortunate passing away of her grandmother, fate allowed Dana to thank Downey at a restaurant. She told him that what he had done that night for her grandmother was 'simply the kindest act' she had ever witnessed.
In reaction to her gratitude, Robert held her hands in his, looked her in the eyes, and said, "You have absolutely no idea how much I needed to hear that today."
An Inspiration For Fans Dealing With Personal Struggles
Not too long ago, Robert’s addiction to drugs and alcohol stood well in his way of becoming one of the most bankable and highly-paid Hollywood actors but today, his comeback story inspires hundreds of people to seek help and get better.
Downey is said to have been introduced to drugs at a very early age when his father, legendary filmmaker - Robert Downey Sr. let him try marijuana. In a 1996 interview, Downey Sr. expressed his regret about introducing his son to drugs while addressing his own “horrible nightmare” of drug abuse.
In a 2004 Oprah interview, Downey Jr. talked about the newfound interest that helps him cope with his addiction. He insisted that overcoming addiction is easier than deciding to do so. Talking about his addiction, he said, “I have not even an inkling of a desire.”
While Robert Downey Jr. and his wife Susan Downey have a record of making each other better, Susan has also helped Robert in staying sober. In a 2009 Harper’s Bazaar interview, Susan reflected on her dating and married life with Robert.
In 2014, Downey Jr.’s son being arrested on felony narcotic charges made people wonder if drug abuse was going to be a constant issue in the Downey family given his father and grandfather’s history with narcotics.
Downey’s Efforts To Make The World Better
The Chaplin actor not only does his best to motivate people through the inspiring characters he plays but also actively supports different causes to participate in the betterment of mankind.
Over the years, Robert has donated to many charities and NGOs such as Clothes Off Your Back, ALS Association, Cahonas Scotland, Cancer Research Institute, Communities in Schools, Make-A-Wish Foundation, etc.
In 2018, the Too Much Sun singer flew out to West Dunbartonshire, Scotland, to meet Aaron—an 8-year-old-boy with a terminal illness—in person. Robert posted a selfie with the young Marvel fan on Twitter requesting his fans to donate just 10 bucks to fund the research about the disease that Aaron was suffering from.
Downey Jr. is also an environmental conservationist. In 2020, he founded Foot Print Coalition to gather investors and donors to grade up the technology that can help restore our planet. The following year, he joined Bill Gates in funding an energy startup that cuts down on emissions.
Whether his superhero-ness began with Marvel or was simply encouraged by it, these days, Robert Downey Jr. is more than just the hero Iron Man; he's an everyday hero to fans, too.
