Robert Downey Jr.

COMING SOON!

He was Oscar-nominated for his role in Chaplin but is as famous an addict as an actor. Could the talented but troubled performer finally have overcome his personal demons?

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Robert Downey Jr
born: 04-04-1965
birth place: Greenwich Village, New York

Love him or loathe him, Robert Downey Junior always provokes a strong reaction in people. With his dark, brooding looks and rock-star lifestyle, he has spent much of his life in and out of the tabloids, rehabilitation and prison. Living life on the edge, Downey Jr managed to weather his personal storm and finally overcame his addiction to drugs.

As a youngster, he was afraid of mediocrity rather than of failure, and grabbed life with both hands to pursue his dreams of becoming an actor, determined to succeed. In over three decades in the industry, Downey Jr has come to be recognised as an extremely versatile, not to mention award-winning, actor. Further exploring his musical potential, Downey Jr released his debut album ‘The Futurist’ in 2004.

Robert Downey Junior was born in Greenwich Village, New York, to parents already in the entertainment industry. His father, Robert Downey Senior, was an actor, producer, writer cinematographer and independent filmmaker, and his mother, Elsie Ford, a singer and dancer. His older sister, Allyson, was born two years before him in 1963. Downey Jr made his film debut at the age of five, cast as a puppy in his father’s film, ‘Pound’ (1970). Next he was given a small role, along with his mother, in another of his father’s films, ‘Greaser’s Palace’ (1972).

The family moved frequently, due to Downey Sr’s work, living in New York, California, Woodstock, Connecticut, Paris and London. Whilst in London, at age ten, Downey Jr attended the Perry House School in Chelsea, where he studied classical ballet. The following year, 1977, his parents divorced. Downey Jr moved to New York with his mother whilst his sister, Allyson, moved with their father to California.

A few years later, Downey Jr joined his father and sister in Los Angeles, where he attended the Santa Monica High school. He immediately joined the school theatre club and was cast in several school productions. Once more in a Downey Sr film, the 15-year-old Downey Jr played a bit part in ‘Up the Academy’ (1980). His passion for acting was growing strong and in 1982, aged 17 and with his father’s permission, he dropped out of high school to become a professional actor.

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