In fact, it’s a story that rivals that of Tony Stark himself.
The actor’s childhood was anything but ordinary.
Unfortunately, his mother wascaught up in drugs and alcohol.
His father also struggled with drug addiction and allowed Downey Jr. to try marijuana atjust 6 or 7years old.
Over time, the pair wouldbond during these moments.
His solid performances helped earn him the role that would fully establish him as an incredible actor.
Downey Jr. was given the opportunity to portray Hollywood icon Charlie Chaplin, and he took thepreparation very seriously.
It was surprisingly not weird [to get together].
She provided me a home and understanding.
She tried to help me.
She was so miffed when I didn’t get my act together."
Eventually, Downey Jr. moved on.
After just 42 days of dating, he married singer/actress, Deborah Falconer, in 1992.
Two years later, the couplewelcomed their son, Indio Falconer Downey.
The court determined he needed to undergo regular drug testing while fulfilling three years of probation.
When he missed one of the mandatory tests,he served six monthsin the Los Angeles County jail.
Sadly, Downey Jr.’s downward spiral only continued.
At that stage, I didn’t give a [expletive] whether I ever acted again."
This helped to keep Downey Jr.from being sent back to jail.
you’ve got the option to’t make a diagnosis until somebody’s sober."
Uh, you might want to give it a shot."
Second chance at love
As his career began to recover, Robert Downey Jr. also found love.
The actor met producer Susan Levin in 2003 on the set ofGothika.
During production, their relationship grew despite the fact that she hadturned him downseveral times.
When Downey Jr.’s drug history made him, basically, uninsurable, Gibson was in his corner.
He just said, ‘Hey, welcome to the club.
Let’s go see what we can do to work on ourselves.'"
It came down to Robert offering to do a screen test.
And once we rolled the camera it was inarguable.
There was nobody who could say he was not Iron Man."
Downey Jr. took preparation for the role very seriously.
Once cast, he focused on making sure he was in great shape while acknowledging his personal shortcomings.
“But I’m not faking it.
I’m not a kid and I’m not a professional athlete.”
The chemistry between them was phenomenal and the movie absolutelyexploded at the box-office.
When it was revealedHoward was being replacedby Don Cheadle forIron Man 2, many were shocked.
We did a three-picture deal…
In response, Downey Jr. said, “Ihad nothing to dowith that decision.
I love Terrence very very much.
That’s all I’ll say because I haven’t talked to him yet…
It’s one of those situations where I still don’t quite know what happened or why.”
Fortunately, it seems the men havemended their relationshipand are “all good.”
Of his time in lockup,Downey Jr. explained, “Job one is get out of that cave.
A lot of people do get out but don’t change.
But I don’t even know if that was my experience.
But so many things have become less certain.
I swear to God.
I am not my story.”
I remember walking around the Village with my dad wearing a Superman shirt.
He was a great innovator and a heck of a filmmaker."
“I have to start over every time but I am starting over with a pretty solid base…
I just want to hang up my jersey before it’s embarrassing.”
Fortunately, considering his dedication and talent, we probably have a while before that happens.
