A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Robert Downey Jr..
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.
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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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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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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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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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: 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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