Robert Downey, Jr. is an actor, producer, and singer from the United States. Robert Downey, Jr. is worth $300 million. He is probably best known today for his portrayal of Iron Man in the Marvel franchise of the same name. He became one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors as a result of the role.
In both his personal and professional lives, Robert Downey, Jr. has experienced incredible ups and downs. He was always recognized as a brilliant actor, but he also had a bad habit of drinking and/or drugging himself into a stupor. Sadly, his way of life caught up with him and derailed his career. He finally got himself together after spending time in jail and multiple trips to rehab.
In the last ten years, he has risen to the top of Hollywood’s A-list, appearing in films such as “Sherlock Holmes,” “Iron Man,” “The Soloist,” “Tropic Thunder,” the surprise independent hit “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints,” and “Kiss Kiss Bang,Bang,” among many others.
Early Life
Robert Downey, Jr. was born in New York City on April 4, 1965. Robert Downey Sr. is a writer, actor, and director. Elsie Ann Downey, an actress who appeared in many of her husband’s films, is his mother. Allyson Downey Jr. is Downey Jr.’s older sister. Greenwich Village was home to the family. Downey Sr. was a drug addict who gave his son marijuana when he was six years old.
Related- Dolly Parton, Cardi B and More Pay Tribute to Leslie Jordan.
Downey moved to California with his father after his parents divorced in 1987. Downey went to the same high school as Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Charlie Sheen, Holly Robinson-Peete, Ramon Estevez, Rene Estevez, and Dean Cain. Downey dropped out of high school in 1982 and returned to New York City to pursue his career.
Career
Downey worked in theater before joining the new, younger cast of “Saturday Night Live” in the mid-1980s, along with Joan Cusack, Nora Dunn, Anthony Michael Hall, Jon Lovitz, Dennis Miller, Randy Quaid, Terry Sweeney, and Danita Vance. The 1985-1986 season of “SNL” received poor ratings, and all of the new cast members hired in 1985 were fired. In John Hughes’ 1985 film “Weird Science,” Downey Jr. played a high school bully. In the 1987 film “Less Than Zero,” he played Julian Wells, the drug-addicted rich kid. He went on to star in 1989’s “Chances Are” alongside Cybill Shepherd, 1990’s “Air America” alongside Mel Gibson, and 1991’s “Soapdish” alongside Sally Field, Whoopi Goldberg, and Kevin Kline.
Drug Issues
Downey’s career suffered when his drug use spiraled out of control. He was arrested several times on drug charges between 1996 and 2001. At various times, he was found to be in possession of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana. He tried several drug rehab programs but failed each time. Downey was speeding down Sunset Boulevard in April 1996 when he was pulled over.
He was discovered with heroin, cocaine, and an unloaded.357 Magnum handgun. He was apprehended. A month later, Downey was released on parole and went to sleep in one of his neighbor’s beds while under the influence of something.
Related- Travis Scott’s Ex-Girlfriend, Rojean Kar, Claims He Often Cheats On Kylie Jenner
He was given three years of probation and mandated to undergo drug testing. He missed one of the court-ordered drug tests in 1997 and was sent to the L.A. County jail for six months. Two years later, he missed another drug test and was arrested again. This time he was sentenced to three years in prison at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison. He spent nearly a year at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility, posted $5,000 bail, and was eligible for early release.
Career Comeback
It wasn’t easy for Downey to relaunch his career after overcoming his drug addiction. He was unhirable because the insurance companies used by productions assigned a too high price to Downey, and filmmakers were unwilling to pay it. Mel Gibson, Downey’s friend since “Air America,” was the one who made the second half of Downey’s career possible. He personally paid Downey’s insurance bond for “The Singing Detective.” When Downey finished the film without incident, other filmmakers were eager to hire him again.
Then, in 2007, he was cast in the role of a lifetime as Tony Stark in “Iron Man.” In the spring of 2008, the first Iron Man film was released. Downey received critical acclaim for his performance in Iron Man. He also played Tony Stark in the “Iron Man” sequels in 2010 and 2013, as well as “The Incredible Hulk” in 2008. “The Avengers” in 2012, “Avengers: Age of Ultron” in 2015, “Captain America: Civil War” in 2016, “Spider-Man: Homecoming” in 2017, “Avengers: Infinity War” in 2018, and “Avengers: Endgame” in 2019.
Personal Life
Downey married actress and singer Deborah Falconer on May 29, 1992, after a 42-day courtship. Downey’s drug use and frequent trips to rehab caused the marriage to end in 2001. Falconer left Downey with their son Indio (born in 1993). In 2004, Downey and Falconer divorced.
On the set of “Gothika” in 2003, Downey met Susan Levin, a film executive. She turned down his date request twice. She couldn’t deny the chemistry between them for long. In November 2003, Downey proposed to Levin the night before her 30th birthday. They tied the knot in 2005. Their son Exton was born in February 2012. Avri, their daughter, was born in November 2014.
Related- Let’s Have a Look on MacKenzie Scott Net Worth, Personal Life, Relationship Status, Etc.
Downey has been drug and alcohol free since July. He credits his wife Susan with helping him overcome his addictions. Downey has been a member of 12-step recovery programs.
Salary Highlights
Between June 2016 and June 2017, Robert earned around $50 million, making him one of the world’s highest-paid actors. He earned $80 million between June 2017 and June 2018. He earned $65 million between June 2018 and June 2019.
RDJ made “only” $500,000 from the first Iron Man film. Outside of Marvel, his biggest paychecks include $12 million for the 2010 film “Due Date” and $15 million for the 2011 film “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.” Depending on various box office milestones, Robert could earn as much as $75 million from “Avengers- Endgame.” He also has a lucrative endorsement deal with the Chinese smartphone manufacturer OnePlus.
Stay Tuned for more!