History of Robert Downey Jr. in Timeline
Robert Downey Jr. (RDJ) is a highly successful American actor whose films have earned over $14 billion globally. Recognized as one of the highest-grossing actors, he was also named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2008. Forbes listed him as Hollywood's highest-paid actor from 2013 to 2015. Downey's achievements include a Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Academy Award, along with multiple Primetime Emmy nominations.
1999: Downey seeks advice on his condition
In 1999, during his time at Corcoran II, Robert Downey Jr. allegedly sent a letter to Dr. Manijeh Nikakhtar seeking advice on his condition and potentially inquiring whether he was bipolar.
December 18, 2000: Rosemary Downey discusses Downey's bipolar disorder diagnosis
On December 18, 2000, Downey's stepmother, Rosemary, revealed to People magazine that Downey had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder "a few years ago," attributing it as the reason for his struggle with sobriety, suggesting medication and intensive psychotherapy as potential treatments.
April 2001: Downey's arrest leads to decision for recovery
In April 2001, after his last arrest and facing potential incarceration, Downey realized he needed to change and decided to seek help for his addiction. He recognized the difficulty of committing to recovery but understood it was necessary to overcome his problems.
August 2001: Downey gets first post-rehab job in Elton John's music video
In August 2001, Robert Downey Jr. secured his first acting job post-rehabilitation by lip-syncing in Elton John's "I Want Love" music video. Director Sam Taylor-Wood used the last of 16 takes, noting Downey's relaxed demeanor and fantastic underplaying, marking the beginning of his return to the entertainment industry.
2003: Mel Gibson pays Downey's insurance bond for 'The Singing Detective'
In 2003, Mel Gibson, a close friend, paid Robert Downey Jr.'s insurance bond for the film 'The Singing Detective,' directed by Keith Gordon. Gibson's support paved the way for Downey's comeback, allowing him to return to mainstream films.
2003: Woody Allen unable to cast Downey in 'Melinda and Melinda'
In 2003, Woody Allen wanted to cast Robert Downey Jr. in his film 'Melinda and Melinda,' but completion bonding companies would not bond the picture unless they could insure him. Allen expressed his disappointment as he had always wanted to work with Downey and considered him a huge talent.
November 2004: Downey discusses recovery on Oprah
In November 2004, Downey discussed his past substance abuse and recovery on Oprah Winfrey's show, emphasizing that overcoming problems requires a genuine decision to seek and accept help, referencing his past struggles and the consequences he faced before committing to recovery.
November 23, 2004: Downey releases his debut album, 'The Futurist'
On November 23, 2004, Robert Downey Jr. released his debut musical album, 'The Futurist,' on Sony Classical. He designed the cover art and track listing label for the CD with his son Indio. While the album received mixed reviews, Downey later stated he probably wouldn't create another album due to the energy investment not being compensated.
2006: Downey guest stars on 'Family Guy'
In 2006, Robert Downey Jr. made a return to television by providing voice acting for the 'Family Guy' episode 'The Fat Guy Strangler'. Downey, prompted by his son Indio's fondness for the show, asked if he could assist in episode creation. The show's producers accepted his offer and created the character of Patrick Pewterschmidt specifically for him.
2006: Downey signs book deal then cancels memoir
In 2006, Robert Downey Jr. signed a deal with HarperCollins to write a memoir billed as a 'candid look' into his life and career.
March 2007: Downey denies being bipolar in Esquire interview
In March 2007, Downey addressed the 'bipolar' claims in an interview with Esquire, denying he ever said he was bipolar and attributing the statement to Dr. Malibusian. He stated that previous diagnoses were skewed because he was "smokin' crack" during evaluations, making accurate diagnosis impossible.
2007: Downey appears in 'Zodiac'
In 2007, Robert Downey Jr. appeared in David Fincher's mystery thriller 'Zodiac,' based on a true story. He played the role of San Francisco Chronicle journalist Paul Avery, who was reporting on the Zodiac Killer case.
2007: Downey cast as Iron Man
In 2007, Robert Downey Jr. was cast as the title character in the film 'Iron Man.' Director Jon Favreau selected Downey because he believed that Downey understood the essence of Tony Stark and could elevate the film similar to how Johnny Depp elevated the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Downey gained over 20 pounds of muscle in five months for the role.
March 2008: 'Tropic Thunder' screens well with African Americans
In March 2008, a rough cut of the movie 'Tropic Thunder' was screened, and scored high with African Americans. Stiller was relieved at the reaction.
May 3, 2008: 'Iron Man' released worldwide
On May 3, 2008, 'Iron Man' was released worldwide, grossing over $585 million and receiving high praise, particularly for Robert Downey Jr.'s performance as Tony Stark.
August 13, 2008: 'Tropic Thunder' released in the United States
On August 13, 2008, 'Tropic Thunder' was released in the United States to good reviews. The movie earned US$26 million in its North American opening weekend.
October 2008: Downey signs on for more Marvel movies
In October 2008, Robert Downey Jr. agreed to star in two 'Iron Man' sequels, as well as 'The Avengers', based on Marvel's comic book series.
November 2008: 'The Soloist' delayed release
In November 2008, 'The Soloist' was delayed by Paramount Pictures due to the studio's tight end-of-year release schedule. Critics who had seen the film in 2008 were mentioning it as a possible Academy Award candidate.
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. Downey was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Lazarus.
2008: Downey cancels memoir and returns advance
In 2008, Robert Downey Jr. returned his advance to HarperCollins and cancelled his book deal without further comment.
2008: Downey stars in 'Iron Man' and 'Tropic Thunder'
In 2008, Robert Downey Jr. starred in two critically and commercially successful films, 'Iron Man' and 'Tropic Thunder', marking a turning point in his career as he achieved mainstream 'blockbuster' success.
2008: Downey picks up an Academy Award nomination for his role in Tropic Thunder
Robert Downey Jr. picked up an Academy Award nomination for the 2008 release year for his role in Tropic Thunder.
April 2009: Release of 'The Soloist'
In April 2009, 'The Soloist,' a film Robert Downey Jr. finished in mid-2008, was released. The film's release was delayed from November 2008 due to the studio's scheduling constraints.
December 25, 2009: 'Sherlock Holmes' released
On December 25, 2009, Warner Bros. released 'Sherlock Holmes', starring Robert Downey Jr. The film set several box office records in the United States for a Christmas Day release, beating the previous record-holder, 2008's 'Marley & Me'.
May 2010: 'Iron Man 2' released
In May 2010, Robert Downey Jr. returned as Tony Stark in 'Iron Man 2', which grossed over $623 million worldwide.
November 2010: 'Due Date' released
In November 2010, 'Due Date', co-starring Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis, was released and grossed over $211 million worldwide.
December 16, 2011: 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows' released
On December 16, 2011, Robert Downey Jr.'s sole 2011 film credit was 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows', which opened worldwide.
2012: Downey reprises role as Tony Stark in 'The Avengers'
In 2012, Robert Downey Jr. reprised his role as Tony Stark in 'The Avengers'. The film received positive reviews and was highly successful at the box office.
2013: Downey plays Tony Stark again in 'Iron Man 3'
In 2013, Robert Downey Jr. played Tony Stark again in 'Iron Man 3'.
2014: 'The Judge' opens at Toronto International Film Festival
In 2014, 'The Judge', a film co-produced by Robert Downey Jr.'s production company Team Downey, was the opening film at the Toronto International Film Festival.
2015: Downey plays Tony Stark again in 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'
In 2015, Robert Downey Jr. played Tony Stark again in 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'.
2016: Downey plays Tony Stark again in 'Captain America: Civil War'
In 2016, Robert Downey Jr. played Tony Stark again in 'Captain America: Civil War'.
2017: Downey plays Tony Stark again in 'Spider-Man: Homecoming'
In 2017, Robert Downey Jr. played Tony Stark again in 'Spider-Man: Homecoming'.
2018: Downey plays Tony Stark again in 'Avengers: Infinity War'
In 2018, Robert Downey Jr. played Tony Stark again in 'Avengers: Infinity War'.
2019: Downey plays Tony Stark again in 'Avengers: Endgame'
In 2019, Robert Downey Jr. played Tony Stark again in 'Avengers: Endgame'.
2020: Downey stars in 'Dolittle'
In 2020, Robert Downey Jr. starred in 'Dolittle', playing the titular character, a 19th-century Welsh veterinarian who can communicate with animals. This film was the second production from Team Downey but was a box office disappointment and received negative reviews.
2023: Downey appears in Oppenheimer and hosts Downey's Dream Cars
In 2023, Robert Downey Jr. portrayed Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan's 'Oppenheimer', taking a pay cut for the role. He also hosted 'Downey's Dream Cars', where he and his team converted some of his cars from gas to electric. Downey described 'Oppenheimer' as "the best film" in which he has appeared to date.
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