Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. — Complete Biography, Career, Films, Awards & Legacy

Robert Downey Jr. Podcasts

Short summary: Robert John Downey Jr. (born April 4, 1965) is an American actor and producer known for his early dramatic roles, a public battle with addiction and legal issues, a major comeback beginning in the 2000s, and global superstardom as Tony Stark / Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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Early Life

Robert John Downey Jr. was born on April 4, 1965, in Manhattan, New York City. He is the son of filmmaker Robert Downey Sr. and actress-producer Elsie Ann (née Ford). Downey Jr. was exposed to filmmaking and acting from a very young age — he appeared in his father's films as a child and started acting in theatre and film during his teens. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Career Beginnings (1980s–1990s)

Downey's film debut appearances began in the early 1980s; he had breakout parts in films like Less Than Zero (1987) and gained critical attention for his portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in Chaplin (1992), which earned him his first Academy Award nomination and a BAFTA win. He built a reputation for playing edgy, charismatic characters throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Legal Problems, Addiction, and Recovery

During the 1990s and early 2000s, Downey struggled publicly with substance abuse and legal problems that led to several arrests and a time in jail. In the early 2000s he entered recovery and took steady steps to rebuild his career. Friends and collaborators, along with new personal stability, helped him return to consistent film work beginning in the mid-2000s. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Comeback & Iron Man / MCU Stardom

Downey's major commercial comeback began with the role of Tony Stark / Iron Man in Marvel Studios' Iron Man (2008). His performance launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe era and made him a global movie star — he reprised Tony Stark across multiple MCU films including the Avengers series. His portrayal of Iron Man became one of the most iconic superhero performances of the 21st century. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Selected Filmography (highlights)

Year	Title	Role
1987	Less Than Zero	Julian Wells
1992	Chaplin	Charlie Chaplin
2008	Iron Man	Tony Stark / Iron Man
2008	Tropic Thunder	Kirk Lazarus
2009	Sherlock Holmes	Sherlock Holmes
2010	Due Date	Peter Highman
2012	The Avengers	Tony Stark / Iron Man
2013	Iron Man 3	Tony Stark / Iron Man
2023	Oppenheimer	Lewis Strauss

Awards & Major Recognitions

Robert Downey Jr. has received multiple major nominations and awards across his career. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Chaplin (1993) and Tropic Thunder (2009). In 2024 he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, marking his first Oscar win. He has also won BAFTA and Golden Globe awards as well as SAG and Critics' awards.

Other Ventures — Music, Production & TV

Downey has released music (his album The Futurist), performed on soundtracks, and co-founded the production company Team Downey with his wife Susan Downey. Team Downey has produced films and television projects including Sherlock Holmes productions, The Judge, and the Netflix series Sweet Tooth.

Personal Life

Downey was previously married to actress Deborah Falconer; they married in 1992 and divorced in 2004. He later met producer Susan Levin (Susan Downey) while working on the film Gothika; the couple became engaged in 2003 and were married on August 27, 2005. Robert and Susan have two children together (Exton and Avri) and Downey also has an older son, Indio, from his marriage to Falconer. Downey credits his sobriety (since 2003) and his wife's support as key factors in his recovery and career resurgence.

Legacy & Public Perception

Robert Downey Jr.'s career arc — early promise, public fall, and a dramatic comeback culminating in MCU superstardom and later critical acclaim for dramatic work like Oppenheimer — is often cited as a modern Hollywood redemption story. He is widely regarded as one of the most bankable and influential actors of his generation, balancing blockbuster work with acclaimed dramatic roles.