Now, we all know him as Marvel’s beloved Iron Man. But that hasn’t always been the case for Robert Downey Jr. Let’s take a look at his turbulent career.
RDJ has been the one who saved his career. He was at the bottom of his career in the late 1990s. Suffering from substance abuse and after spending a year in a correctional facility – it looked like the end of his career. Yet, 10 years later, the actor bagged MCU titular role Iron Man, and since then, he’s been a household name with a net worth of $300 million.
Robert made his debut in film at five years of age, back in 1970. Pound was just one of his father’s films that he had a minor role in at a young age. His father struggled with substance abuse and RDJ said many times that this was a factor in his downfall.
He lived in California with his father after his parents divorced. In 1982, he dropped out of high school to pursue acting.
Before making it to Saturday Night Live, he appeared in a few off-broadway productions. However, his stint didn’t last long. Fans were unhappy with the new cast. Rolling Stone named Robert the worst SNL cast member ever.
Even though it was harsh, it was what RDJ needed to gain recognition. RDJ played many roles throughout the 1980s that helped him rise in Hollywood. He was landed his first major role as The Pick-Up Artist in 1987.
It all culminated in his first major career achievement. In 1992, he starred in the biopic of Charlie Chaplin’s life, and it put him right into the spotlight. For the role, he was only 27 years old. Although this was a huge step forward in his career, it also contributed to his addiction to drugs. He struggled behind the scenes as he appeared in more films.
Robert was first arrested in 1996 for driving naked down Sunset Boulevard. He did drugs, drove dangerously and even broke into his neighbour’s house. He tried several rehab programs but his problems got worse.
He was sentenced to three-years in a correctional institution, but was released after only one. This was his turning point.
He was immediately released and it looked like the rest of history was about to repeat itself. He won a Golden Globe quickly for his role on Ally McBeal. However, he was later fired due to drug possession. He was found by police multiple times while under the influence over the following months. His behavior cost him prominent jobs and it appeared that his career was done.
That was until Mel Gibson came along as a sponsor and RDJ was signing onto big productions such as Gothika, A Scanner Darkly, and David Fincher’s Zodiac.
He was then cast as Iron Man in 2007.
Robert married Susan in 2005. He was able to land the role of the billionaire philanthropist playboy and the film earned $585 million worldwide.
He has been the patriarch of MCU since then. He was a star in many of his sequels, including the Avenger films. And it wasn’t just the Marvel films. He was also part of the Sherlock Holmes and Dolittle franchises.
Most importantly, he’s welcomed two more children and appears happier than ever. It was definitely rocky at the beginning, but Robert Downey Jr. found his happy ending.
In other news: Homage to Robert Downey Jr.’s Iron Man is spotted in Black Panther 2 trailer
