We bring you factoids about Iron Man himself; Robert Downey Jr
From train wreck to Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr has had one of the most successful comebacks in cinema history. IRON MAN 3 reteams the actor with the director who is in part responsible for his return to the big screen; Shane Black. Movies.ie took on the arduous task of researching one of Hollywood’s most charismatic actors and brings you ten factoids we really think you should know about Robert Downey Jr.
RDJ’s first role was in his father’s film, POUND. Jr played a puppy waiting to be adopted and was credited as ‘Bob Downey’.
We think Robert Downey Jr works better, although we do like RDJ too.
RDJ had well publicised troubles with substance abuse for decades, which led to numerous arrests, incarcerations and rehab visits, but has been clean and sober since 2003.
Good for you RDJ; we love a good redemption story!
Met his wife Susan, on the set of GOTHIKA and proposed on her 30th birthday.
And they have set up a production company together.
During his days of drug addiction, RDJ once wandered into a stranger’s house and passed out on a child’s bed.
Little did the kid realise that Iron Man was crashing in their bed.
He’s the first regular cast member of Saturday Night Live to be nominated for an Academy Award in the category Best Actor in a Leading Role.
RDJ was nominated for CHAPLIN in 1993 but lost out to Al Pacino.
Downey got his first post-rehab acting job in August 2001, lip-syncing in the video for Elton John’s single I WANT LOVE.
And it’s a great video…
RDJ lived with Kiefer Sutherland in the 80s.
That would have been some party house!
Is the first, and thus far only, actor to win a Golden Globe for portraying Sherlock Holmes.
We’re not going to start a whole Benedict Cumberbatch was robbed thing, not now.
Robert Downey Jr. composed music for his first music album, THE FUTURIST, during the production of KISS KISS, BANG BANG.
Oh he sings too? Swoon.
To prepare for his role as Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. spent five days a week weight training and practiced martial arts to get into shape.
Nothing like dedication to make you great…
Words: Brogen Hayes