Robert Downey Jr., born Robert John Downey Jr., is an American actor known for his versatility and iconic roles in various films. This timeline highlights significant events and milestones in his life from birth to the present day.
Birth
April 4, 1965
Robert Downey Jr. was born in Manhattan, New York City, to filmmaker Robert Downey Sr. and actress Elsie Ann (née Ford).
Acting Debut
1970
At the age of five, Downey made his acting debut in his father's film 'Pound'. This marked the beginning of his extensive career in film.
Family Move
1978
Following his parents' divorce, Downey moved to California with his father, which would influence his early life and career choices.
Early Career Struggles
1982
Downey moved to New York to study acting but ended up working as a shoe salesman, reflecting the challenges he faced in his early career.
Breakthrough Role
1992
Downey's portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in the biopic 'Chaplin' earned him a BAFTA Award for Best Actor and his first Academy Award nomination, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Career Revival
2000-2001
Downey joined the TV series 'Ally McBeal' and won a Golden Globe Award, but was fired due to additional drug charges. He then stayed in a court-ordered drug treatment program and maintained his sobriety since 2003.
Iron Man and Tropic Thunder
2008
Downey starred in 'Iron Man', which became a huge success, and also appeared in 'Tropic Thunder', earning him his second Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Sherlock Holmes and Marvel Cinematic Universe
2009-2015
Downey played Sherlock Holmes in Guy Ritchie's films and reprised his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man in several Marvel Cinematic Universe films, including 'The Avengers' and 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'.
Avengers: Endgame
2019
Downey's role as Tony Stark/Iron Man ended in 'Avengers: Endgame', marking a significant conclusion to his character's arc in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Oppenheimer
2023
Downey won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Lewis Strauss in 'Oppenheimer'.
The Sympathizer and Broadway Debut
2024
Downey was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for 'The Sympathizer' and made his Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar's 'McNeal'.
