Career Timeline of Robert Downey Jr.: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Robert Downey Jr. made an impact.
Robert Downey Jr. (RDJ) is a highly successful American actor, with his films grossing over $14 billion globally. He was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2008 and was Forbes' highest-paid actor from 2013-2015. Downey Jr. has received numerous awards, including a Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Academy Award, along with multiple Primetime Emmy nominations, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
August 2001: Downey Lands Post-Rehabilitation Acting Job
In August 2001, Downey secured his first acting role after rehab, lip-syncing in the music video for Elton John's "I Want Love."
2001: Appearance in Elton John's "I Want Love" Music Video
In 2001, Robert Downey Jr. appeared in the music video for Elton John's song "I Want Love".
2003: Mel Gibson Pays Downey's Insurance Bond for The Singing Detective
In 2003, Mel Gibson paid Downey's insurance bond for the film "The Singing Detective", paving the way for his return to the big screen.
2003: Woody Allen Unable to Cast Downey Due to Insurance Issues
In 2003, Woody Allen wanted to cast Robert Downey Jr. in his film "Melinda and Melinda" but couldn't due to insurance concerns. The completion bonding companies wouldn't bond the picture unless they could insure Downey.
November 23, 2004: Downey Releases Musical Album "The Futurist"
On November 23, 2004, Downey released his debut musical album, "The Futurist", on Sony Classical, designing the cover art and track listing label with his son Indio.
2004: Release of 'The Futurist' CD
In 2004, Robert Downey Jr. released a CD called The Futurist.
2006: Downey Guest Voices on "Family Guy"
In 2006, Downey returned to television with a voice acting role on "Family Guy", playing Patrick Pewterschmidt, Lois Griffin's long-lost brother, after offering to help produce or assist in episode creation.
2006: Downey Signs Deal for Memoir
In 2006, Downey signed with HarperCollins to write a memoir described as a candid look at the highs and lows of his life and career.
2007: Downey Appears in "Zodiac"
In 2007, Downey appeared in David Fincher's mystery thriller "Zodiac," playing journalist Paul Avery who reported on the Zodiac Killer case.
2007: Downey Cast as Iron Man
In 2007, Downey was cast as the title character in "Iron Man", with director Jon Favreau emphasizing that Downey's life experience made him the perfect fit for Tony Stark.
March 2008: "Tropic Thunder" Screens Well With African American Audiences
In March 2008, a rough cut of "Tropic Thunder" was screened and scored high with African American audiences, easing concerns about its potentially controversial content.
May 3, 2008: "Iron Man" Released Worldwide to Rave Reviews
On May 3, 2008, "Iron Man" was released worldwide, grossing over $585 million and receiving rave reviews, particularly for Downey's performance.
August 13, 2008: "Tropic Thunder" Released to Positive Reviews
On August 13, 2008, "Tropic Thunder" was released in the United States and received good reviews, earning US$26 million in its opening weekend.
October 2008: Downey Signs On for "Iron Man" Sequels and "The Avengers"
In October 2008, Downey agreed to star in two "Iron Man" sequels and "The Avengers", securing his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
November 2008: "The Soloist" Release Delayed
In November 2008, Paramount Pictures delayed the release of the film, "The Soloist", starring Robert Downey Jr., due to a tight end-of-year release schedule.
November 18, 2008: "Tropic Thunder" Released on Home Video
On November 18, 2008, "Tropic Thunder" was released on home video after grossing $180 million in theaters.
2008: Downey Cancels Memoir and Returns Advance
In 2008, Downey canceled his memoir deal with HarperCollins and returned his advance without providing a reason.
2008: Downey Stars in Blockbuster Films "Iron Man" and "Tropic Thunder"
In 2008, Downey starred in the critically and commercially successful films "Iron Man" and "Tropic Thunder", marking his entry into blockbuster films.
2008: Downey Finishes Filming "The Soloist" in Mid-2008
In 2008, Robert Downey Jr. completed filming "The Soloist", which was considered for Academy Award nomination before its release was delayed.
April 2009: "The Soloist" Opens in Theaters
In April 2009, the film "The Soloist", which Downey had finished in mid-2008, was released in theaters after being delayed from a November 2008 release.
December 25, 2009: "Sherlock Holmes" Released
On December 25, 2009, "Sherlock Holmes" was released, setting box office records for a Christmas Day release.
May 2010: "Iron Man 2" Released
In May 2010, Downey returned as Tony Stark in "Iron Man 2," which grossed over $623 million worldwide.
June 14, 2010: Team Downey Production Company Founded
On June 14, 2010, Robert Downey Jr. and his wife Susan opened their own production company called Team Downey.
November 2010: "Due Date" Released
In November 2010, "Due Date," a comedy road film starring Downey, was released and grossed over $211 million worldwide.
December 16, 2011: "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" Opens Worldwide
On December 16, 2011, "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" opened worldwide.
2012: Downey Reprises Role as Tony Stark in "The Avengers"
In 2012, Downey reprised his role as Tony Stark in "The Avengers," which became the third highest-grossing film of all time.
2012: Donation to Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign
In 2012, Robert Downey Jr. donated to Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
2013: Named Hollywood's Highest-Paid Actor by Forbes
From 2013 to 2015, Robert Downey Jr. was named Hollywood's highest-paid actor by Forbes.
2013: Downey Stars in Iron Man 3
In 2013, Downey played Tony Stark in Iron Man 3.
2014: "The Judge" Opens at Toronto International Film Festival
In 2014, "The Judge", co-produced by Downey's production company, Team Downey, opened the Toronto International Film Festival.
2014: Fundraiser Attendance and Donation to Democratic Committee
In 2014, Robert Downey Jr. attended a fundraiser for the Democratic Party and donated to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
2015: Named Hollywood's Highest-Paid Actor by Forbes
From 2013 to 2015, Robert Downey Jr. was named Hollywood's highest-paid actor by Forbes.
2015: Downey Stars in Avengers: Age of Ultron
In 2015, Downey played Tony Stark in Avengers: Age of Ultron.
2016: Downey Stars in Captain America: Civil War
In 2016, Downey played Tony Stark in Captain America: Civil War.
2016: Anti-Trump Internet Video Appearance
In 2016, Robert Downey Jr. appeared in an Internet video urging the American public to vote against Donald Trump in the then-upcoming presidential election.
2017: Downey Stars in Spider-Man: Homecoming
In 2017, Downey played Tony Stark in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
2018: Downey Stars in Avengers: Infinity War
In 2018, Downey played Tony Stark in Avengers: Infinity War.
2019: Downey Stars in Avengers: Endgame
In 2019, Downey played Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame.
January 2020: Adoption of Vegan Diet and Footprint Coalition Promotion
In January 2020, Robert Downey Jr. announced that he had adopted a vegan diet in response to the climate crisis and promoted the Footprint Coalition, an organization he launched to reduce carbon footprints.
2020: Downey Stars in "Dolittle"
In 2020, Downey starred in "Dolittle", playing the titular character; the film was a box office disappointment and received negative reviews.
2020: Virtual Fundraiser for Joe Biden
In 2020, Robert Downey Jr. took part in a virtual fundraiser for Joe Biden's presidential campaign, with fellow Avengers actors and vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris.
2023: Downey Stars in "Oppenheimer" and Hosts "Downey's Dream Cars"
In 2023, Downey portrayed Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer," receiving critical acclaim and several awards. He also hosted the television series "Downey's Dream Cars", where he and his team converted gas cars to electric.
January 2024: Announcement of Pescetarian Diet and Co-Authorship of 'Cool Food'
In January 2024, Robert Downey Jr. stated that he was a pescetarian after giving up his vegan diet and co-authored Cool Food: Erasing Your Carbon Footprint One Bite at a Time.
July 2024: Return to MCU as Doctor Doom Announced
In July 2024, at San Diego Comic-Con, it was announced that Robert Downey Jr. would return to the MCU as Victor von Doom / Doctor Doom in upcoming films.
September 5, 2024: McNeal Broadway Debut Previews
On September 5, 2024, previews began for Robert Downey Jr.'s Broadway debut in McNeal at Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theatre. He plays Jacob McNeal, a novelist.
2024: Launch of Happy Coffee Company
In 2024, Robert Downey Jr. launched a coffee company named Happy with Craig Dubitsky.
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