Robert Downey Jr. is a highly successful American actor, known for his leading roles in films that have collectively grossed over $14 billion worldwide. This achievement places him among the highest-grossing actors in history. Downey's influence extends beyond financial success, as he was recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2008. Further highlighting his prominence, Forbes listed him as Hollywood's highest-paid actor for three consecutive years, from 2013 to 2015.
April 4, 1965: Robert Downey Jr. Born
On April 4, 1965, Robert John Downey Jr. was born. He would grow up to be an American actor, achieve massive success, and be recognized as one of the highest-grossing actors of all time.
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1969: Film named "1969"
Robert Downey Jr. did not appear in a film in the year 1969, but starred with Kiefer Sutherland in the film "1969" in 1988.
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1970: Acting Debut in "Pound"
In 1970, at the age of five, Robert Downey Jr. made his acting debut in his father's film "Pound," marking the beginning of his career in the entertainment industry.
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1970: Acting Debut in "Pound"
In 1970, at the age of five, Robert Downey Jr. made his acting debut, playing a sick puppy in the comedy film "Pound," marking the start of his acting career.
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1972: Appeared in "Greaser's Palace"
In 1972, at the age of seven, Robert Downey Jr. appeared in the surrealist Western film "Greaser's Palace", continuing his early involvement in acting.
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1977: Parents' Divorce
In 1977, when Robert Downey Jr. was twelve years old, his parents divorced, leading him to live with his mother in New York.
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1982: Dropped out of High School
In 1982, Robert Downey Jr. dropped out of Santa Monica High School and later moved back to New York to pursue acting full-time, marking a turning point in his career path.
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1983: First Credited Film Role
In 1983, Robert Downey Jr. got his first credited film role in "Baby It's You", though his scenes were ultimately cut, marking an early challenge in his career.
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1983: Stage Debut and Off-Broadway Musical
In 1983, Robert Downey Jr. made his stage debut in "Alms for the Middle Class" and performed in the off-Broadway musical "American Passion," marking his early experiences in theater.
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1984: Part in "Firstborn" and Began Dating Sarah Jessica Parker
In 1984, Robert Downey Jr. got a part in the film "Firstborn", where he met Sarah Jessica Parker, and the pair started dating, beginning a significant relationship.
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1985: Joined Saturday Night Live Cast
In 1985, Robert Downey Jr. joined the cast of Saturday Night Live but was dropped after a year due to poor ratings and criticism, marking an early setback in his career.
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1985: Role in "Weird Science"
In 1985, Robert Downey Jr. worked with the Brat Pack, appearing in the teen film "Weird Science," contributing to his early exposure in popular teen cinema.
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1986: Molly Ringwald turned down Robert Downey Jr. for role
In 1986, Molly Ringwald turned down Robert Downey Jr. for the role of Duckie in "Pretty in Pink", which then went to Jon Cryer, marking a missed opportunity for Downey.
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1987: Starred in "Less Than Zero"
In 1987, Robert Downey Jr. played Julian Wells in "Less than Zero", receiving praise for his performance as a drug-addicted character, which resonated with his real-life struggles.
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1987: Starred in "The Pick-up Artist"
In 1987, Robert Downey Jr. starred with Molly Ringwald in his first lead role in "The Pick-up Artist", marking a significant step in his early career.
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1987: Role in "Less Than Zero"
In 1987, Robert Downey Jr. worked with the Brat Pack, appearing in the teen film "Less than Zero," contributing to his early exposure in popular teen cinema.
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1988: Starred in "1969"
In 1988, Robert Downey Jr. starred in the film "1969" with Kiefer Sutherland, continuing his work in coming-of-age films.
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1989: Starred in "Chances Are"
In 1989, Robert Downey Jr. starred in "Chances Are" with Cybill Shepherd and Ryan O'Neal, expanding his roles in bigger-budget films.
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1990: Starred in "Air America"
In 1990, Robert Downey Jr. starred in "Air America" with Mel Gibson, taking on roles in action-oriented films.
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1991: Starred in "Soapdish"
In 1991, Robert Downey Jr. starred in "Soapdish" with Sally Field, Kevin Kline, Cathy Moriarty, and Whoopi Goldberg, participating in ensemble comedies.
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1992: Starred in "Chaplin"
In 1992, Robert Downey Jr. starred as Charlie Chaplin in "Chaplin", earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and critical acclaim for his dedicated performance.
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1992: BAFTA Award and Academy Award Nomination for "Chaplin"
In 1992, Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in the biopic "Chaplin" earned him a BAFTA Award for Best Actor and his first Academy Award nomination, marking a significant achievement in his career.
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1993: Appeared in "Heart and Souls" and "Short Cuts"
In 1993, Robert Downey Jr. appeared in the films "Heart and Souls" and "Short Cuts", along with writing a documentary about the 1992 presidential campaigns titled "The Last Party".
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1994: Appeared in "Only You"
In 1994, Robert Downey Jr. appeared in "Only You" with Billy Zane, marking a role in a romantic comedy during his career.
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1994: Starred in "Only You" and "Natural Born Killers"
In 1994, Robert Downey Jr. starred in the films "Only You" and "Natural Born Killers", showcasing his versatility in different genres.
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1995: Appeared in "Restoration", "Richard III", and "Home for the Holidays"
In 1995, Robert Downey Jr. appeared in "Restoration", "Richard III", and "Home for the Holidays", taking on diverse roles in different film genres.
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June 1996: Arrested for Drug and Weapon Possession
In June 1996, Robert Downey Jr. was arrested for possession of heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, and an unloaded .357 Magnum handgun while speeding down Sunset Boulevard, marking a serious legal and personal crisis.
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November 1996: Sentenced to Live-In Rehab and Probation
In November 1996, after spending time in court-ordered rehab, Robert Downey Jr. received a further six months of live-in rehab, three years' probation, and was ordered to undergo compulsory drug testing, indicating a serious effort to address his addiction issues.
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1996: Arrested on Drug-Related Charges
From 1996, Robert Downey Jr. was arrested several times on charges related to drugs, including cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, leading to drug treatment programs and time in jail and prison.
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1996: Time in Incarceration Facilities
In 1996, Robert Downey Jr.'s time in incarceration facilities began, which led to an unexpected early release in 2000.
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1996: Prior to 1996 Arrest
Prior to his 1996 arrest for drug-related charges, Robert Downey went through a number of interventions and stints in rehab
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1997: Appeared in "Two Girls and a Guy"
In 1997, Robert Downey Jr. appeared in the film "Two Girls and a Guy", continuing to work in independent film projects.
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1997: Jail Time for Missed Drug Test
In 1997, Robert Downey Jr. missed a court-ordered drug test and had to spend six months in the Los Angeles County jail, followed by a court-ordered 120-day rehab program, showcasing the ongoing legal consequences of his addiction.
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1998: Appeared in "U.S. Marshals"
In 1998, Robert Downey Jr. appeared as Special Agent John Royce in the film "U.S. Marshals", taking on action-oriented roles.
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1999: Appeared in "Black and White"
In 1999, Robert Downey Jr. appeared in the film "Black and White", participating in projects that explored social and cultural themes.
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1999: Relapse and Prison Sentence
In 1999, Robert Downey Jr. relapsed after being clean, leading to another arrest for missing a required drug test and a three-year prison sentence at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corcoran, California.
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1999: Addiction Admission
In 1999, Robert Downey Jr. told a judge about his addiction, stating he had been addicted to drugs since the age of eight because his father had been giving them to him, revealing a difficult aspect of his childhood.
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1999: Seeking Psychiatric Advice
In 1999, while at Corcoran II, Robert Downey Jr. wrote to Dr. Manijeh Nikakhtar, a psychiatrist, seeking advice regarding his condition and potential bipolar disorder. She noted a lack of comprehensive psychiatric evaluation at the time.
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December 18, 2000: Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder
On December 18, 2000, Robert Downey Jr.'s stepmother, Rosemary, revealed in an article that he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder "a few years ago", suggesting it contributed to his struggles with sobriety.
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2000: Early Release from Prison and Joined "Ally McBeal"
In 2000, Robert Downey Jr. was unexpectedly freed from prison and joined the cast of the hit television series "Ally McBeal", marking a significant turning point in his life and career.
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2000: Joined "Ally McBeal" and Won Golden Globe
In 2000, after a period of personal challenges, Robert Downey Jr. joined the cast of the TV series "Ally McBeal," and won a Golden Globe Award for his role, signaling a comeback in his career.
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2000: Arrested on Thanksgiving
On Thanksgiving in 2000, Robert Downey Jr. was arrested after his room at Merv Griffin's Hotel and Givenchy Spa in Palm Springs, California, was searched by the police, leading to further legal troubles.
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January 2001: Scheduled to Play Hamlet
In January 2001, Robert Downey Jr. was scheduled to play the role of Hamlet in a Los Angeles stage production directed by Mel Gibson, indicating a high-profile opportunity in his career.
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April 2001: Final Arrest and Decision to Recover
In April 2001, Robert Downey Jr. had his last arrest, leading him to the decision to pursue a full recovery from drugs and seek help, marking a turning point in his battle with addiction.
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April 2001: Arrested in Culver City
In April 2001, Robert Downey Jr. was arrested in Culver City on suspicion of being under the influence of drugs, leading to his firing from "Ally McBeal" and cancellation of the "Hamlet" production.
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July 2001: Pleaded No Contest to Palm Springs Charges
In July 2001, Robert Downey Jr. pleaded no contest to the Palm Springs charges and was sent to drug rehabilitation, benefiting from California Proposition 36, which aimed to help nonviolent drug offenders overcome their addictions, avoiding further jail time.
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August 2001: First Post-Rehab Job
In August 2001, Robert Downey Jr. secured his first acting job after rehabilitation, lip-syncing in the video for Elton John's single "I Want Love".
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2001: Fired from "Ally McBeal"
In 2001, Robert Downey Jr. was fired from the show "Ally McBeal" in the wake of additional drug charges, causing a setback in his career.
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2001: Arrests on Drug-Related Charges Continued
Through 2001, Robert Downey Jr. continued to be arrested on drug-related charges, including cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, continuing a period of significant personal challenges.
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2003: Comeback with "The Singing Detective"
In 2003, Mel Gibson paid Robert Downey Jr.'s insurance bond for the film "The Singing Detective", paving the way for Downey's return to the big screen.
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2003: Acting Comeback in "The Singing Detective"
In 2003, Robert Downey Jr. made his acting comeback in the film "The Singing Detective," after Mel Gibson helped him secure insurance, marking a new chapter in his career.
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2003: Unable to be Cast Due to Insurance Issues
In 2003, director Woody Allen wanted to cast Robert Downey Jr. in his film "Melinda and Melinda" but was unable to do so because he could not get insurance on him due to his past issues, showcasing the lasting impact of his earlier challenges.
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2003: Maintained Sobriety
Since 2003, Robert Downey Jr. has maintained his sobriety, marking a turning point in his personal life and career.
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November 2004: Discussion on Addiction and Recovery
In November 2004, Robert Downey Jr. spoke with Oprah Winfrey about his struggles with addiction and his decision to seek help after years of failed attempts to control his addictive behavior.
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November 23, 2004: Release of "The Futurist"
On November 23, 2004, Robert Downey Jr. released his debut musical album, "The Futurist", on Sony Classical, designing the cover art himself with his son Indio.
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2005: Starred in "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang"
In 2005, Robert Downey Jr. starred in the black comedy "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang," further establishing his return to acting and showcasing his versatility.
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2006: Voice Acting on Family Guy
In 2006, Robert Downey Jr. made a return to television by doing voice acting on Family Guy, creating the character of Patrick Pewterschmidt.
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2006: Memoir Deal and Subsequent Cancellation
In 2006, Robert Downey Jr. signed a deal with HarperCollins to write a memoir, but he later cancelled the book in 2008 and returned his advance.
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March 2007: Denial of Bipolar Diagnosis
In March 2007, Robert Downey Jr. addressed claims that he was bipolar in an Esquire article, denying any formal diagnosis and attributing past assessments to the influence of drug use during evaluations.
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2007: Role in "Zodiac"
In 2007, Robert Downey Jr. appeared in David Fincher's mystery thriller "Zodiac", playing the role of journalist Paul Avery.
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2007: Starred in "Zodiac"
In 2007, Robert Downey Jr. starred in the thriller "Zodiac", showcasing his acting abilities in a serious and suspenseful role.
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2007: Casting as Iron Man
In 2007, Robert Downey Jr. was cast as Tony Stark in the film "Iron Man", with director Jon Favreau citing Downey's understanding of the character as a key factor in the decision. Downey gained more than 20 pounds of muscle for the role.
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March 2008: Screening of Tropic Thunder
In March 2008, a rough cut of Tropic Thunder was screened with the crew, and it scored high with African Americans, which provided some relief about the movie.
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May 3, 2008: Release of Iron Man
On May 3, 2008, "Iron Man" was released worldwide to critical acclaim and commercial success, with Downey's performance particularly praised.
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August 13, 2008: Release of Tropic Thunder
On August 13, 2008, "Tropic Thunder" was released in the United States, receiving positive reviews and earning $26 million during its opening weekend.
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October 2008: Iron Man Sequels and Avengers Agreement
In October 2008, Robert Downey Jr. agreed to star in two "Iron Man" sequels and "The Avengers", solidifying his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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November 2008: Delay of The Soloist Release
In November 2008, Paramount Pictures delayed the release of "The Soloist", a film starring Robert Downey Jr., due to a tight end-of-year release schedule.
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November 18, 2008: Home Video Release of Tropic Thunder
On November 18, 2008, "Tropic Thunder" was released on home video after grossing $180 million in theaters.
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2008: Cancellation of Memoir
In 2008, Robert Downey Jr. cancelled his memoir and returned the advance to HarperCollins.
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2008: Starred in "Tropic Thunder" and "Iron Man"
In 2008, Robert Downey Jr. gained global recognition for starring as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as starring in the action comedy "Tropic Thunder,"
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2008: Academy Award Nomination for Tropic Thunder
In 2008, Robert Downey Jr. picked up an Academy Award nomination for his role in Tropic Thunder.
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2008: Breakthrough Year with Blockbuster Films
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.
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2008: Named One of Time's 100 Most Influential People
In 2008, Robert Downey Jr. was recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, highlighting his significant impact and influence.
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April 2009: Release of The Soloist
In April 2009, "The Soloist", a film Robert Downey Jr. finished in mid-2008, was released after being delayed by Paramount Pictures.
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December 25, 2009: Release of Sherlock Holmes
On December 25, 2009, Robert Downey Jr.'s "Sherlock Holmes" was released, setting box office records for a Christmas Day release.
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2009: Starred in "Sherlock Holmes" and Earned Golden Globe
In 2009, Robert Downey Jr. played Sherlock Holmes in Guy Ritchie's "Sherlock Holmes", earning him his second Golden Globe and showcasing his talent in a different genre.
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May 2010: Release of Iron Man 2
In May 2010, Robert Downey Jr. returned as Tony Stark in "Iron Man 2", which grossed over $623 million worldwide.
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November 2010: Release of Due Date
In November 2010, Robert Downey Jr.'s comedy road film, "Due Date", co-starring Zach Galifianakis, was released, grossing over $211 million worldwide.
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December 16, 2011: Release of Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
On December 16, 2011, Robert Downey Jr.'s sole film credit for the year, "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows", opened worldwide.
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2011: Starred in "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows"
In 2011, Robert Downey Jr. reprised his role as Sherlock Holmes in the sequel "Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows", continuing his success in the franchise.
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2012: Reprising Role of Tony Stark in The Avengers
In 2012, Robert Downey Jr. reprised his role as Tony Stark in "The Avengers", which became one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
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2013: Iron Man 3 Release
In 2013, Robert Downey Jr. played Tony Stark in Iron Man 3.
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2013: Hollywood's Highest-Paid Actor
In 2013, Robert Downey Jr. was listed by Forbes as Hollywood's highest-paid actor, marking a peak in his financial success and recognition in the industry.
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2014: The Judge Premieres at Toronto International Film Festival
In 2014, "The Judge", a dramedy co-produced by Robert Downey Jr.'s Team Downey, was the opening film at the Toronto International Film Festival.
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2014: Starred in "The Judge"
In 2014, Robert Downey Jr. took on a dramatic role in "The Judge", showcasing his versatility as an actor.
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2015: Avengers: Age of Ultron Release
In 2015, Robert Downey Jr. played Tony Stark in Avengers: Age of Ultron.
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2015: Listed as Hollywood's Highest-Paid Actor by Forbes
In 2015, Robert Downey Jr. was listed by Forbes as Hollywood's highest-paid actor for the third consecutive year, further solidifying his status as a top earner in the entertainment industry.
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2016: Captain America: Civil War Release
In 2016, Robert Downey Jr. played Tony Stark in Captain America: Civil War.
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2017: Spider-Man: Homecoming Release
In 2017, Robert Downey Jr. played Tony Stark in Spider-Man: Homecoming.
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2018: Avengers: Infinity War Release
In 2018, Robert Downey Jr. played Tony Stark in Avengers: Infinity War.
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2019: Avengers: Endgame Release
In 2019, Robert Downey Jr. played Tony Stark in Avengers: Endgame.
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2019: Appeared in "Avengers: Endgame"
In 2019, Robert Downey Jr. starred as Iron Man in "Avengers: Endgame", marking the culmination of his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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2020: Starring in Dolittle
In 2020, Robert Downey Jr. starred in "Dolittle", which was the second film from Team Downey.
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2023: Role in Oppenheimer
In 2023, Robert Downey Jr. played Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer. He later won an Academy Award for this role.
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2023: Won Awards for "Oppenheimer"
In 2023, Robert Downey Jr. won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Lewis Strauss in "Oppenheimer", marking a significant achievement in his career.
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July 2024: Announcement of MCU Return
In July 2024, at San Diego Comic-Con, it was announced that Robert Downey Jr. would return to the MCU as Doctor Doom in future films.
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September 5, 2024: Broadway Debut in McNeal
On September 5, 2024, previews began for Robert Downey Jr.'s Broadway debut in "McNeal", playing Jacob McNeal.
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2024: Nominated for Emmy and Broadway Debut
In 2024, Robert Downey Jr. was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for "The Sympathizer" and made his Broadway debut in "McNeal", marking new achievements in his career.
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