History of Robert Downey Jr. in Timeline
Robert Downey Jr. is a highly successful American actor known for his captivating performances and box-office dominance. His career has been marked by both triumphs and tribulations, including a period of substance abuse and legal issues. Downey's resurgence in the 2000s propelled him to superstardom, earning him recognition as one of the world's most influential people and Hollywood's highest-paid actor. His films have amassed extraordinary global box office revenues, solidifying his place as one of the highest-grossing actors in history.
April 4, 1965: Robert Downey Jr. is Born
On April 4, 1965, Robert John Downey Jr., an American actor known for his charismatic personality and versatile acting, was born.
1969: Downey Stars in "1969"
Despite the numerical title, "1969", starring Robert Downey Jr., was released in 1988.
1970: Downey's Acting Debut
At the tender age of five, Robert Downey Jr. embarked on his acting journey in his father's film, "Pound", marking his first foray into the world of cinema.
1970: Downey's Early Acting Role
In 1970, at the age of five, Robert Downey Jr. appeared in "Pound", marking his entry into the world of acting.
1972: Downey Appears in "Greaser's Palace"
At seven years old, Robert Downey Jr. appeared in the film "Greaser's Palace", further adding to his early acting experiences.
1973: Original Release of "River" by Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell originally released her Christmas song, "River", in 1973.
1977: Downey's Parents Divorce
Robert Downey Jr.'s parents divorced in 1977, when he was twelve years old. This life event marked a significant change in his childhood and family life.
1982: Downey Drops Out of High School
In 1982, Robert Downey Jr. made the decision to drop out of Santa Monica High School, opting to pursue his acting aspirations.
1983: Downey's Stage Debut
Robert Downey Jr. made his theatrical debut in 1983 at the Geva Theatre Center, showcasing his talent on stage in the production "Alms for the Middle Class".
1983: Downey's First Credited Film Role (Cut)
Robert Downey Jr. secured his first credited film role in the 1983 movie "Baby It's You", although his scenes were ultimately removed from the final cut.
1984: Robert Downey Jr. and Sarah Jessica Parker's Relationship Begins
Robert Downey Jr. and actress Sarah Jessica Parker started dating in 1984 after meeting on the set of "Firstborn". Both 18 years old, they moved in together after eight weeks of dating.
1984: Downey Meets Sarah Jessica Parker
While working on the film "Firstborn" in 1984, Robert Downey Jr. met actress Sarah Jessica Parker, sparking the beginning of their relationship.
1985: Downey Joins the Brat Pack
In 1985, Robert Downey Jr. appeared in "Weird Science", a teen film that cemented his place among the Brat Pack, a group of young and influential actors who rose to prominence in the 1980s.
1985: Downey Joins "Saturday Night Live"
In 1985, Robert Downey Jr. joined the cast of the renowned comedy sketch show "Saturday Night Live", marking a significant step in his career. However, his time on the show was short-lived, as he was let go after a year along with most of the new cast members.
1986: Downey Misses Out on "Pretty in Pink" Role
Although Molly Ringwald desired Robert Downey Jr. for the role of "Duckie" in the 1986 film "Pretty in Pink", the part ultimately went to Jon Cryer.
1987: Downey Stars in "The Pick-up Artist"
Robert Downey Jr. took the lead role in the 1987 film "The Pick-up Artist", starring alongside Molly Ringwald.
1987: Downey's Breakthrough in "Less Than Zero"
Robert Downey Jr. delivered a critically acclaimed performance in the 1987 film "Less Than Zero". His portrayal of Julian Wells, a drug-addicted young man, showcased his dramatic range and earned him widespread praise.
1987: Downey's Poignant Performance in "Less Than Zero"
In 1987, Robert Downey Jr.'s performance as a drug-addicted young man in "Less Than Zero" garnered widespread acclaim, with critics highlighting the emotional depth and authenticity he brought to the role. His performance was a career highlight and a testament to his acting prowess.
1988: Downey Stars in "1969"
Robert Downey Jr. appeared in the 1988 film "1969" during a period when he was building a reputation for taking on roles in coming-of-age stories.
1989: Downey Stars in "Chances Are"
Continuing to build his career, Robert Downey Jr. appeared in the 1989 film "Chances Are", starring alongside Cybill Shepherd and Ryan O'Neal.
1990: Downey Appears in "Air America"
In 1990, Robert Downey Jr. took on a role in "Air America", sharing the screen with Mel Gibson.
1991: Downey Stars in "Soapdish"
Adding to his diverse filmography, Robert Downey Jr. starred in "Soapdish" in 1991, joining a cast that included Sally Field, Kevin Kline, Cathy Moriarty, and Whoopi Goldberg.
1991: Robert Downey Jr. and Sarah Jessica Parker's Breakup
In 1991, after eight years together, Robert Downey Jr. and Sarah Jessica Parker ended their relationship due to his struggles with drug addiction.
May 29, 1992: Robert Downey Jr.'s Marriage to Deborah Falconer
Robert Downey Jr. and Deborah Falconer got married on May 29, 1992, following a 42-day courtship.
1992: Downey's Immersive Portrayal of Charlie Chaplin
Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in the 1992 film "Chaplin" demonstrated his exceptional dedication to his craft. He underwent rigorous preparation, learning to play the violin and tennis left-handed, and working with a coach to embody Chaplin's posture and mannerisms.
1992: Downey's Oscar Nomination for "Chaplin"
Robert Downey Jr.'s transformative performance as Charlie Chaplin in the 1992 biopic "Chaplin" earned him a BAFTA Award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor, marking a pinnacle of his career and demonstrating his commitment to his craft.
September 1993: Birth of Robert Downey Jr.'s Son
Robert Downey Jr.'s son was born in September 1993.
1993: Downey Stars in "Heart and Souls"
In 1993, Robert Downey Jr. continued to expand his acting repertoire by appearing in the film "Heart and Souls", sharing the screen with Alfre Woodard and Kyra Sedgwick.
1994: Downey Stars in "Only You" with Marisa Tomei
Robert Downey Jr. appeared alongside Marisa Tomei in the 1994 film "Only You", continuing to build his acting career and expand his filmography.
1994: Downey Works with Woody Harrelson in "Natural Born Killers"
Robert Downey Jr. collaborated with Woody Harrelson in the 1994 film "Natural Born Killers", showcasing his versatility by taking on roles in a wide range of genres and working with diverse directors and actors.
1995: Downey Stars in "Restoration"
Further solidifying his presence in the film industry, Robert Downey Jr. starred in "Restoration" in 1995, adding another period piece to his filmography.
June 1996: Arrest for Possession of Drugs and Weapon
In June 1996, Robert Downey Jr. was arrested for possession of heroin, cocaine, crack, and an unloaded .357 Magnum handgun while speeding down Sunset Boulevard.
November 1996: Court-Ordered Rehab and Probation
In November 1996, after spending time in court-ordered rehab, Robert Downey Jr. received six more months of live-in rehab, three years' probation, and was ordered to undergo compulsory drug testing.
1996: Start of Legal Troubles and Rehab
Starting in 1996, Robert Downey Jr. faced a series of arrests and court-ordered rehab related to substance abuse, marking the beginning of a challenging period in his life.
1996: Downey's Struggles with Addiction Lead to Arrests
From 1996 to 2001, Robert Downey Jr.'s battle with substance abuse resulted in multiple arrests. These events underscored the severity of his addiction and marked a period of legal challenges and personal turmoil.
1996: Downey's Arrest Marks a Turning Point
In 1996, Robert Downey Jr.'s struggles with substance abuse reached a critical point, leading to his arrest. This event marked a turning point in his life, highlighting the serious consequences of addiction and prompting a period of legal battles and rehabilitation efforts.
1997: Downey Appears in "Two Girls and a Guy"
Continuing to diversify his roles, Robert Downey Jr. appeared in the 1997 film "Two Girls and a Guy", a romantic comedy-drama.
1997: Jail Time and Further Rehab
In 1997, Robert Downey Jr. missed one of the court-ordered drug tests and had to spend six months in the Los Angeles County jail. After his release, he entered a court-ordered 120-day rehab program.
1998: Downey Portrays John Royce in "U.S. Marshals"
In 1998, Robert Downey Jr. portrayed Special Agent John Royce in the action thriller "U.S. Marshals", demonstrating his ability to embody characters in high-stakes and intense scenarios.
1999: Downey's Candid Statement to the Judge
During court proceedings in 1999, Robert Downey Jr. made a candid and revealing statement to the judge, describing his struggles with addiction using a powerful metaphor. His words offered a glimpse into the challenges he faced and the grip that substance abuse had on his life.
1999: Relapse, Arrest, and Prison Sentence
In 1999, despite achieving sobriety during the filming of Wonder Boys, Robert Downey Jr. relapsed. He faced legal issues, loss of his Malibu home, and missed a drug test leading to another arrest. Despite legal representation, he received a three-year prison sentence at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corcoran, California.
1999: Letter to Psychiatrist
In 1999, while incarcerated, Robert Downey Jr. wrote a letter to a psychiatrist seeking advice on his condition, prompting discussion about a possible bipolar diagnosis.
1999: Downey Appears in "Black and White"
Robert Downey Jr. was part of the ensemble cast of the 1999 film "Black and White", showcasing his ability to collaborate with a diverse group of actors and contribute to multi-layered narratives.
December 18, 2000: Public Discussion of Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis
On December 18, 2000, People magazine published an article where Robert Downey Jr.'s stepmother stated he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
2000: Thanksgiving Arrest at Merv Griffin's Hotel
On Thanksgiving in 2000, while on parole, Robert Downey Jr. was arrested at Merv Griffin's Hotel and Givenchy Spa in Palm Springs, California. Police found him under the influence and in possession of drugs.
2000: Early Release from Prison and Joining "Ally McBeal"
After serving nearly a year in prison, Robert Downey Jr. was released in 2000 on bail. Shortly after, he joined the cast of the TV show "Ally McBeal", for which he received critical acclaim.
2000: Release of Ally McBeal: A Very Ally Christmas
In 2000, "Ally McBeal: A Very Ally Christmas", an album tied to the TV show "Ally McBeal", was released, featuring Robert Downey Jr.'s rendition of the 1973 Joni Mitchell Christmas song, "River", performed by his character, Larry Paul, in the episode "Tis the Season".
2000: Downey's Return to Television with "Ally McBeal"
Following a period of personal struggles, Robert Downey Jr. made a triumphant return to acting in 2000, joining the cast of the popular television series "Ally McBeal".
January 2001: Planned Role as Hamlet
In January 2001, Robert Downey Jr. was scheduled to play Hamlet in a Los Angeles stage production directed by Mel Gibson.
April 2001: Turning Point in Downey's Recovery
After facing potential legal consequences in April 2001, Robert Downey Jr. decided to fully commit to his recovery from drug addiction, marking a turning point in his life.
April 2001: Arrest in Culver City and Firing from "Ally McBeal"
In April 2001, while on parole, Robert Downey Jr. was arrested in Culver City for being under the influence of drugs. This incident led to his firing from the TV series "Ally McBeal".
July 2001: Pleading No Contest and Entering Drug Rehabilitation
In July 2001, Robert Downey Jr. pleaded no contest to charges related to the Palm Springs arrest. He avoided jail time and was sent to drug rehabilitation and given probation.
August 2001: Post-Rehab Acting Debut
In August 2001, Robert Downey Jr. took his first acting role after completing rehab, lip-syncing in Elton John's music video for "I Want Love".
2001: Appearance in Elton John's "I Want Love" Music Video
Robert Downey Jr. made an appearance in the music video for Elton John's "I Want Love" in 2001.
2001: Downey's Ongoing Battle with Addiction
Robert Downey Jr.'s struggles with addiction persisted during the late 1990s and early 2000s, leading to a series of arrests and legal issues that significantly impacted his personal and professional life.
2001: Downey's Departure from "Ally McBeal"
In 2001, Robert Downey Jr.'s time on "Ally McBeal" ended due to issues related to his ongoing struggles with substance abuse. This marked a difficult period in his personal and professional life.
2001: Deborah Falconer Leaves Robert Downey Jr.
In 2001, amidst Robert Downey Jr.'s ongoing struggles with addiction and legal issues, Deborah Falconer made the decision to leave him and take their son with her.
July 2003: Robert Downey Jr. Achieves Sobriety
Robert Downey Jr. has maintained sobriety since July 2003, attributing his success to the support of his wife, Susan, family, therapy, meditation, twelve-step programs, yoga, and his practice of Wing Chun kung fu.
2003: Downey's Journey to Sobriety
After years of battling addiction, Robert Downey Jr. achieved sobriety in 2003, marking a turning point in his life and paving the way for a remarkable comeback. This pivotal moment signaled a commitment to personal well-being and a renewed focus on his career.
2003: Downey's Comeback in "The Singing Detective"
In 2003, Robert Downey Jr. made a significant comeback with the film "The Singing Detective". This marked a pivotal point in his career, showcasing his resilience and talent as he overcame personal challenges to resume acting. Notably, Mel Gibson provided crucial support by paying his insurance bond.
2003: Missed Role in "Melinda and Melinda" 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 complications arising from Downey's past struggles.
2003: Robert Downey Jr. Meets Susan Levin
Robert Downey Jr. met producer Susan Levin on the set of "Gothika" in 2003.
2003: Return to Mainstream Films
Robert Downey Jr. returned to mainstream films in 2003 with the support of Mel Gibson, who helped him secure roles despite concerns about his past struggles with addiction.
April 26, 2004: Robert Downey Jr.'s Divorce from Deborah Falconer
On April 26, 2004, Robert Downey Jr. and Deborah Falconer officially divorced.
November 2004: Downey Discusses Recovery with Oprah
In November 2004, Robert Downey Jr. opened up to Oprah Winfrey about his struggles with addiction and his path to recovery. He emphasized the importance of seeking help and committing to the process.
November 23, 2004: Musical Debut
Robert Downey Jr. released his debut musical album, "The Futurist," on November 23, 2004. He was involved in designing the album art and track listing.
2004: Release of The Futurist Album
Robert Downey Jr. released his album titled "The Futurist" in 2004.
August 2005: Robert Downey Jr.'s Marriage to Susan Levin
Robert Downey Jr. married Susan Levin, an executive vice-president of production at Joel Silver's film company, Silver Pictures, in August 2005, in a Jewish ceremony in Amagansett, New York.
2005: Downey Stars in "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang"
Robert Downey Jr. took on the lead role in the black comedy "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" in 2005, further demonstrating his versatility and captivating audiences with his charismatic performance.
2006: Voice Acting on Family Guy
Downey Jr. lent his voice to the animated sitcom "Family Guy" in 2006, voicing the character of Lois Griffin's brother. This came about due to his son's fondness for the show.
2006: Mel Gibson's DUI and Support for Robert Downey Jr.
In 2006, Mel Gibson faced controversy surrounding a DUI incident. Robert Downey Jr. defended Gibson, stating, "nobody's perfect." Gibson acknowledged Downey's support, mentioning how Downey was one of the first to offer friendship and guidance during that time.
2006: Memoir Plans and Cancellation
Robert Downey Jr. signed a book deal in 2006 for a memoir about his life and career, but he later canceled the project and returned the advance in 2008.
March 2007: Addressing Bipolar Label in Esquire Interview
In March 2007, Robert Downey Jr. clarified his stance on the bipolar label in an interview with Esquire magazine, denying making those claims and highlighting the difficulty of accurate diagnosis amidst substance abuse.
2007: Downey's Role in "Zodiac"
In 2007, Robert Downey Jr. starred in the thriller "Zodiac", showcasing his ability to portray complex characters in intense and gripping narratives.
2007: Role in Zodiac
Robert Downey Jr. starred in the mystery thriller "Zodiac" in 2007, portraying journalist Paul Avery, who covered the Zodiac Killer case.
2007: Casting as Iron Man
Robert Downey Jr. was cast as Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, in 2007. Director Jon Favreau saw Downey's personal experiences as relevant to the character and believed he could elevate the film.
March 2008: Positive Reception of Tropic Thunder
In March 2008, a rough cut of "Tropic Thunder" was screened and received positive feedback, particularly from African American audiences, easing concerns about potential controversy.
May 3, 2008: Iron Man Release and Critical Acclaim
"Iron Man" was released worldwide by May 3, 2008, achieving significant commercial success and receiving praise for Robert Downey Jr.'s performance.
August 13, 2008: Tropic Thunder Release and Critical Success
"Tropic Thunder" was released in the United States on August 13, 2008, to positive reviews and box-office success. Robert Downey Jr.'s performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
October 2008: Signing for Iron Man Sequels and The Avengers
By October 2008, Robert Downey Jr. had committed to reprise his role as Iron Man in two sequels and "The Avengers," solidifying his place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
November 2008: The Soloist Delayed Release
The release of "The Soloist" was delayed from November 2008, potentially impacting its chances for awards consideration.
November 18, 2008: Tropic Thunder Home Video Release
"Tropic Thunder" was made available on home video on November 18, 2008, following its theatrical run.
2008: Downey's Iconic Role as Iron Man
Robert Downey Jr. achieved global recognition and redefined his career in 2008 by taking on the iconic role of Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This marked the start of a highly successful journey within the franchise, spanning multiple films and cementing his status as a Hollywood superstar.
2008: Time Magazine Recognizes Downey's Influence
In 2008, Time magazine included Robert Downey Jr. as one of the 100 most influential people globally, marking a significant milestone in his career resurgence.
2008: Downey Discusses Political Views
In 2008, Robert Downey Jr. shared his perspective on how his time in prison had influenced his political views, suggesting it had moved him away from liberal ideologies.
2008: Memoir Cancellation
Robert Downey Jr. canceled his planned memoir in 2008 without providing a specific explanation.
2008: Commercial Success with Iron Man and Tropic Thunder
Robert Downey Jr. achieved major commercial success in 2008 with starring roles in "Iron Man" and "Tropic Thunder," marking a significant turning point in his career.
2008: Marley & Me Box Office Record
The film "Marley & Me" held the previous box office record for a Christmas Day release in 2008 before "Sherlock Holmes" surpassed it.
April 2009: The Soloist Release
"The Soloist," a film Robert Downey Jr. completed in 2008, was released in April 2009 after being delayed due to Paramount Pictures' release schedule.
December 25, 2009: Sherlock Holmes Release and Box Office Success
"Sherlock Holmes" was released on December 25, 2009, setting box office records for a Christmas Day release and achieving significant commercial success. Robert Downey Jr. won a Golden Globe Award for his performance.
2009: Downey Embraces Sherlock Holmes
Robert Downey Jr. took on the role of the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes in Guy Ritchie's 2009 film, showcasing his ability to bring iconic literary characters to life on the big screen.
May 2010: Release of Iron Man 2
In May 2010, "Iron Man 2", with Robert Downey Jr. reprising his role as Tony Stark, hit theaters, marking the first of two planned sequels to "Iron Man".
June 14, 2010: Launch of Team Downey Production Company
Robert Downey Jr. and his wife, Susan, established their own production company, Team Downey, on June 14, 2010.
November 2010: Release of Due Date
The comedy road trip film "Due Date", starring Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis, was released in November 2010.
October 2011: Robert Downey Jr. Honored at American Cinematheque Awards
In October 2011, Robert Downey Jr. received an award for his life's work at the 25th American Cinematheque Awards. He chose Mel Gibson to present the award, taking the opportunity to speak favorably about Gibson and explain his choice of presenter.
December 16, 2011: Release of Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
On December 16, 2011, "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows", starring Robert Downey Jr., premiered worldwide.
2011: Downey Returns as Sherlock Holmes in "A Game of Shadows"
Robert Downey Jr. reprised his role as the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes in the 2011 sequel, "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows", solidifying his portrayal of the iconic character.
February 2012: Birth of Robert Downey Jr.'s Second Son
Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey welcomed their first child together, a son, in February 2012.
2012: Robert Downey Jr. in The Avengers
In 2012, Robert Downey Jr. took on the role of Tony Stark once again in "The Avengers", a film that achieved remarkable success, becoming the third highest-grossing film of all time both in the United States and globally.
2012: Downey Supports Obama
Robert Downey Jr. donated to Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign in 2012.
2013: Downey Named Highest Paid Actor
From 2013 to 2015, Robert Downey Jr. topped Forbes' list of Hollywood's highest-paid actors.
2013: Release of Iron Man 3
Robert Downey Jr. continued his portrayal of Tony Stark in "Iron Man 3", which was released in 2013.
2013: Downey Becomes Highest-Paid Actor
Starting in 2013, Robert Downey Jr. topped Forbes' list as the highest-paid actor in Hollywood, reflecting his immense commercial success. This recognition continued until 2015.
November 2014: Birth of Robert Downey Jr.'s Daughter
The Downeys' second child, a daughter, was born in November 2014.
2014: The Judge Premieres at Toronto International Film Festival
In 2014, "The Judge", a dramedy co-produced by Robert Downey Jr.'s production company, Team Downey, and directed by David Dobkin, was selected as the opening film for the Toronto International Film Festival.
2014: Downey Supports Democratic Party
In 2014, Robert Downey Jr. showed his support for the Democratic Party by attending a fundraiser and donating to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.
2014: Downey's Dramatic Role in "The Judge"
Robert Downey Jr. took on a dramatic role in the 2014 film "The Judge", demonstrating his range as an actor and his ability to captivate audiences in diverse genres.
December 2015: Robert Downey Jr. Receives Pardon
In December 2015, Robert Downey Jr. was among 91 individuals pardoned by California Governor Jerry Brown for past drug offenses. While the pardon doesn't erase his criminal record, it grants him the eligibility to serve on a jury.
2015: Downey Clarifies Political Stance
In 2015, Robert Downey Jr. clarified his political stance, stating that he doesn't identify strictly as a Republican, Democrat, or Liberal, seemingly distancing himself from his earlier comments about prison changing his political views.
2015: Release of Avengers: Age of Ultron
Robert Downey Jr. appeared as Tony Stark in "Avengers: Age of Ultron", released in 2015.
2015: Downey's Reign as Highest-Paid Actor Continues
Robert Downey Jr. continued his reign as Hollywood's highest-paid actor in 2015, further solidifying his dominance in the industry and marking a period of remarkable financial success.
2015: Downey Named Highest Paid Actor
From 2013 to 2015, Robert Downey Jr. topped Forbes' list of Hollywood's highest-paid actors.
2016: Downey Urges Vote Against Trump
Robert Downey Jr. appeared in an online video in 2016, encouraging the American public to vote against Donald Trump in the upcoming presidential election.
2016: Release of Captain America: Civil War
Robert Downey Jr. continued to portray Tony Stark in "Captain America: Civil War", released in 2016.
2017: Release of Spider-Man: Homecoming
Robert Downey Jr. appeared as Tony Stark again in "Spider-Man: Homecoming", released in 2017.
2018: Release of Avengers: Infinity War
Robert Downey Jr. starred as Tony Stark in "Avengers: Infinity War", released in 2018.
2019: Release of Avengers: Endgame and The Age of A.I. Documentary Series
Robert Downey Jr. took on the role of Tony Stark for the last time in "Avengers: Endgame", which hit theaters in 2019. In the same year, he hosted a YouTube documentary series, "The Age of A.I.".
2019: Downey's Final Performance as Iron Man in "Avengers: Endgame"
In 2019, Robert Downey Jr. concluded his run as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with "Avengers: Endgame". His portrayal of the beloved superhero over a decade left an indelible mark on cinema and popular culture, concluding a significant chapter in his career.
January 2020: Downey Adopts Vegan Diet
In January 2020, while promoting his film Dolittle, Robert Downey Jr. announced his decision to adopt a vegan lifestyle in response to the climate crisis, acknowledging his own environmental impact and aiming to make a positive contribution. He also launched the Footprint Coalition, an organization dedicated to using technology to reduce carbon footprints globally.
2020: Downey Participates in Biden Fundraiser
In 2020, Robert Downey Jr., along with fellow Avengers cast members, participated in a virtual fundraiser for Joe Biden's Presidential Campaign and his running mate, Kamala Harris.
2020: Release of Dolittle
Robert Downey Jr. played the title character in "Dolittle", a 19th-century Welsh veterinarian who could communicate with animals, released in 2020. This marked the second film produced by his company, Team Downey.
2023: Robert Downey Jr. in Oppenheimer and Downey’s Dream Cars
In 2023, Robert Downey Jr. appeared in Christopher Nolan's "Oppenheimer" as Lewis Strauss, a bureaucratic antagonist. For his critically acclaimed performance, he received numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. In the same year, he hosted the television series "Downey’s Dream Cars", showcasing the conversion of his gas-powered vehicles into electric ones.
2023: Downey's Acclaimed Performance in "Oppenheimer"
In 2023, Robert Downey Jr. delivered a critically acclaimed performance as Lewis Strauss in "Oppenheimer", garnering an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA Award for his portrayal.
January 2024: Downey Shifts to Pescetarian Diet
In January 2024, Robert Downey Jr. revealed he had transitioned to a pescetarian diet, having given up his vegan lifestyle due to health concerns related to vitamin B12, calcium, and iron deficiencies. He also co-authored the book 'Cool Food: Erasing Your Carbon Footprint One Bite at a Time', advocating for a low-carbon plant-based diet to mitigate environmental impact.
2024: Launch of Happy Coffee Company
In 2024, Robert Downey Jr. collaborated with Craig Dubitsky to launch a coffee venture named Happy.
2024: The Sympathizer and McNeal
In 2024, Robert Downey Jr. is set to star in the HBO Max adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyen's historical satire, "The Sympathizer". He is also slated to make his Broadway debut in "McNeal" by Ayad Akhtar, portraying a talented novelist facing family difficulties and a complex relationship with artificial intelligence.