If the success of the recently released Iron Man (2008) is an indicationthat Robert Downey Jr. is back on his way to the top,the actor is in luck. For the first time in a long time, Downey hasreleased a huge commercial box–office hit, offering critics and fanshope that his newfound strength in his craft is indicative of stabilityin his personal life.
Many have heard of him, watched him act on television, seenhim bring a character to life in a movie, and even watched his personallife unravel in the press. Praised by manycritics as one of the most talented and versatileactors of his generation, his onscreen performanceshave earned him a Golden Globewin, and an Academy Award nomination aswell as multiple other nominations. However,his off–screen behavior has not alwaysreceived as much positive press. Downey’sbattle with addiction and substance abusehas been well chronicled throughout his career.
Downey started his acting path at a veryyoung age. By the age of five he was given hisfirst role, cast by his father, Robert Downey,an underground filmmaker from New York.It was he who sparked the actor’s interest in acareer in film. The young Downey did everythingfrom working as a busboy, to standingin as a model at a New York City museum, to taking small roles inoff–Broadway plays before landing his first serious role in the 1983movie, Baby, It’s You. In the late 80s and early 90s his career gotgoing through supporting roles in films including Weird Science(1985) and Rodney Dangerfield’s Back to School (1986), as well asa year–long stint at "Saturday Night Live." "I know very little aboutacting. I’m just an incredibly gifted faker," said Downey. But clearlyhis fans and peers saw something more. Eventually, the actorearned leading roles in movies, including Chaplin (1992), whichwon him the respect of his critics. But as his career was advancing,his personal life was unraveling.
Through the press the public watched Downey’s increasinglyunpredictable and problematic behavior. But with a loyal followingalready built, his critics and fans were not going to write himoff due to his erratic behavior and drug use. However, it was in1996 that the law finally caught up with him. He was stoppedby law enforcement for speeding and arrested when they founddrugs and an unloaded firearm in his vehicle. The actor was sentencedto three years on probation and ordered to rehab. Overthe next few years his personal life took a toll on his career, withhis arrests, convictions, and stints in rehab. Eventually, he endedup having to serve a year in a California corrections facility.
Downey’s first role after his release was as a recurring characterin the television series Ally McBeal, which eventually earnedhim a Golden Globe. "It was so nice to go intothis fake courtroom [on Ally McBeal]. I immediatelywent up into the judge’s chair. Niceview. A preferable perspective," said Downey.He seemed to be on the right path, but whilefilming the final season of the series Downeywas rearrested, causing the director to fire theactor and change the series’ ending.
Even though Downey was ordered to completeanother trip to rehab he still continuedto struggle with his sobriety. It wasn’t until aftera 2003 drug binge, and over a Burger Kinghamburger, that the actor realized that he wasfinally done with the drugs. With his personalreputation a little bruised and battered hewas determined to continue to make films. Inmost of the films he would take the supportingrole up against big stars, such as Halle Berryin Gothika (2003) or George Clooney in the 2005 movie GoodNight and Good Luck. He eventually worked his way back up toleading roles, where is his today. It was director John Favreau andMarvel Studios who placed their bets on Downey for the leadingrole as Tony Stark in Iron Man. After passing the $300 million dollarmark at the box–office, it is clear that the film is a success andthat the fans and critics clearly view Downey as a talented actorand strong person who has overcome his share of setbacks. "Thelesson is that you can still make mistakes and be forgiven," saidDowney.
From underdog to top dog, Robert Downey Jr. has overcomehis troubles and replaced them with a new stride. With his brilliantacting abilities and loyal fans, Downey’s future is bright. Besure to catch his next film Tropic Thunder, due to release in mid–August.
