Childhood and Education Journey of Robert Downey Jr. in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Robert Downey Jr., highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1984: Began Dating Sarah Jessica Parker

In 1984, Robert Downey Jr. began dating actress Sarah Jessica Parker after meeting her on the set of Firstborn.

1991: Separation from Sarah Jessica Parker

In 1991, Robert Downey Jr. and Sarah Jessica Parker separated after eight years of dating due to his drug addiction.

May 29, 1992: Marriage to Deborah Falconer

On May 29, 1992, Robert Downey Jr. married actress and singer Deborah Falconer after a 42-day courtship.

September 1993: Birth of Son

In September 1993, Robert Downey Jr. and Deborah Falconer had a son.

1996: Deborah Falconer Left Downey

In 1996, Deborah Falconer left Robert Downey Jr. due to the strain on their marriage from his repeated trips to rehab and jail.

1999: Downey Seeks Advice on Bipolar Disorder

In 1999, while at Corcoran II, Downey wrote a letter to Dr. Manijeh Nikakhtar seeking advice on his condition and speculated he might be bipolar based on his spending habits and activity levels.

December 18, 2000: Stepmother Discloses Downey's Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis

On December 18, 2000, in a People magazine article, Downey's stepmother, Rosemary, revealed that Downey had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder "a few years ago," attributing it to his struggles with sobriety.

April 2001: Downey's Last Arrest Leads to Recovery Decision

In April 2001, after his last arrest, facing potential incarceration or rehab, Downey decided he could no longer continue his pattern of substance abuse and committed to seeking help for his addiction.

2001: Divorce Filed by Deborah Falconer

In early 2001, Deborah Falconer filed for divorce from Robert Downey Jr., citing "irreconcilable differences".

July 2003: Became Drug-Free

In July 2003, Robert Downey Jr. says he has been drug-free since this time, crediting his wife, family, therapy, meditation, recovery programs, yoga, and Wing Chun kung fu.

2003: Met Susan Levin

In 2003, Robert Downey Jr. met Susan Levin on the set of Gothika, beginning a relationship during production.

November 2004: Downey Discusses Recovery with Oprah Winfrey

In November 2004, Downey spoke with Oprah Winfrey about his past struggles with addiction and his decision to seek help after facing job loss and separation from his wife.

2004: Divorce from Deborah Falconer Finalized

In 2004, Robert Downey Jr. and Deborah Falconer finalized their divorce, with Falconer gaining custody of their son.

August 2005: Marriage to Susan Levin

In August 2005, Robert Downey Jr. married Susan Levin in a Jewish ceremony at Amagansett, New York.

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.

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: Political Point of View Changed After Prison

In a 2008 interview, Robert Downey Jr. stated that his time in prison changed his political point of view, suggesting it moved him away from liberalism.

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.

February 2012: Birth of Son with Susan

In February 2012, Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey welcomed their first child, a son.

2012: Donation to Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign

In 2012, Robert Downey Jr. donated to Barack Obama's presidential campaign.

November 2014: Birth of Daughter with Susan

In November 2014, Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey welcomed their second child, a daughter.

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.

2014: Describes Religious Beliefs

In 2014, Robert Downey Jr. described his religious beliefs as "Jewish Buddhist".

December 2015: Pardoned by Governor of California

In December 2015, Robert Downey Jr. was pardoned by the Governor of California, Jerry Brown, for his prior drug offenses.

2015: Downey Denies Republican Affiliation

In a 2015 interview promoting Avengers: Age of Ultron, Robert Downey Jr. denied that his previous statement reflected any longstanding beliefs on his part and stated, "I wouldn't say that I'm a Republican or a liberal or a Democrat."

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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.

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: 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.

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.