The American director, actor and producer Robert Downey Sr., whose photo is not often seen on posters and magazine covers, is the father of the most popular actor and idol of millions, Robert Downey Jr. He gained popularity in the films “Johnny Be Good” (1988) and “How to Steal a Skyscraper” (2011), as well as his scripts for the films “Griser's Palace” (1972) and “The Hugo Company” (1997).
Birth
Robert Downey Sr. was born on June 24, 1935 in the United States of America. His father, Robert Elias, was Russian-Jewish, and his mother was cover girl Betty McLaughlin of Irish-German descent. As a minor, Robert wanted to be a soldier, so he replaced his real name (Elias) with the name of his stepfather, James Downey. In his youth, Robert played in the Baseball League and was the team’s “golden glove”.
Carier start
The first fame and recognition of critics brought him a film called "Putney Swope", which was released in 1969. Robert was then 34 years old. The main role was played by Arnold Johnson. This comedy ridicules the advertising world and the nature of corporate corruption. She is on the list of TOP 10 best films according to New York Magazine. In the film "Corral", filmed in 1970, for the first time played the role of a puppy his son - then still not famous Robert Downey Jr.
Later in the life of Robert, a black streak came ; he took the wrong path - he began to use drugs. The consequence was that his first wife, Elsie Downey, left him. She took with her and two children. Salvation was his second wife - Laura Ernst, who helped him cope with this disease.
Unprecedented success came to the screenwriter with a big name Robert Downey Sr. after filming the film “The Hugo Company” (1997), starring Alyssa Milano, Mark Boone Jr., Malcolm McDowell, Robert Downey Jr., Sean Penn and others . Robert Downey Sr. and Jr. have been instrumental in making this film.
Personal life
Robert John Downey Sr. has been married three times. His first chosen one was actress Elsie Downey (née Ford). Her fame was brought to her roles in films such as "Griser's Palace" (1972) and "Pound" (1970), which were shot according to the scripts of Robert. In the first marriage, two children were born: a daughter - Allison Downey, who became a writer and actress, and a son - actor, producer and musician Robert Downey Jr. The marriage of Robert and Elsie ended in divorce in 1975.
The hero of our story married for the second time in 1991 to Laura Ernst, who was a screenwriter and actress. In a joint script by Robert John Downey Sr. and Laura Ernst, the films Too Much Sun (1990), The Hugo Company (1997) and Anger (1983) were made. After some time, Laura died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( Charcot's disease ).
Robert currently lives in New York with his third lover, Rosemary Rogers, whom he married four years after Laura’s death (in 1998).
Talented screenwriter
Robert Downey Sr. has proven himself in many fields of activity. He is a popular actor and producer, well-known director and screenwriter, as well as operator and editor.
In 1960, Robert began writing scripts and directing. So, in 1961, “Balls Bluff” was released - a short film in which a soldier during a battle in a civil war is transported in time and lands in Central Park in New York in 1961. The hero of the film explores Manhattan in search of his comrades.
In 1964, a movie called “Babo 73” was released, and in 1966, Downey Sr. released a crazy comic parody made for $ 12,000 called “Blurred Elbows”. This film brought unprecedented success, Robert shot most of the film with a still 35 mm camera. Interestingly, all 13 roles were played by his first wife - Elsie Downey, and the male role went to George Morgan.
Following the success of Erased Elbows and the trio Putney Swope (1969), Pound (1970) and Griser's Palace (1972), Downey Sr. came up with a 46-minute cinematic goulash called No More Excuses ( 1968). Translated, this means the following: "No excuses." This film is a crazy mixture of politics, humor and various oddities that move from one part of the tape to another.
Around the same time, he was working on a project for Joseph Papp and the New York Theater. In 1973, the movie “Sticks and Bones” was released, a black comedy about a blind Vietnam War veteran who is unable to come to terms with his actions on the battlefield. The hero is alienated from his family, because relatives cannot accept his disability and understand his military experience. The film was so controversial that half of the filmmakers refused to show it.
Robert brought success to his film, The Hugo Company, shot in 1997. In 2005, director Robert Downey Sr. turns his cameras to Rittenhouse Square. This documentary shows the great works of artists who regularly visit the square, and also talks about many interesting personalities.
Actor career
As an actor, Downey Sr. can be seen in films such as Boogie Nights (1997), Magnolia (1999) and Family Man (2000). He appeared twice on the evening show The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) and in countless other television and radio shows. From 1985 to 1989, Downey starred in the series called The Twilight Zone (founded by Rod Serling). Each episode is a mixture of science fiction, fantasy and drama. Often the series have an unexpected denouement.
You can see Robert in the movie "How to Steal a Skyscraper", which was released in 2011. Downey Sr. plays Judge Ramos. In addition, he participated as a speaker at film festivals across the country.
As a cameraman, Robert Downey Sr. has shown himself in films such as The American Road (1953), Literature Au-Go-Go (1966) and Sweet Smell of Sex (1965).
Legacy of Robert John Downey Sr.
From his first marriage, Robert left two children: a daughter and a son. Daughter - actress and author of many written works, Allison Downey - appeared in October 1963 in New York. Known for the films "Corral" (1970), "Girls and Boys" (1998) and "The Story of One Love" (2005). Son - producer, famous actor and even musician Robert Downey Jr. Robert was born on April 4, 1965 in New York. Little Robert got his first role at the age of five in his father’s film, called The Corral.
Dizzying success of Downey Jr
Downey Jr. gained popularity after starring in the biopic “Chaplin” (1992), in which he got the role of the comedian of all time Charlie Chaplin. The acting of Downey Jr. impressed everyone without exception, the actor was awarded a nomination for the well-known Academy Award, falling into the category of "Best Actor".
Robert also earned the Golden Globe Award because played the best supporting role in the series "Ellie McBeal". In addition, he was awarded the Golden Globe Award for the best comedy male role (the film Sherlock Holmes).
The filmography of the actor Robert Downey Jr. rich enough - more than eighty films, as well as short films. Moreover, he was more than once engaged in the voice acting of characters in various cartoons. The most famous films with the participation of Downey Jr.: “Gothic” (2003), “Iron Man 1,2,3” (2008, 2010, 2013), “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” (2011), Chaplin (1992), Avengers (2013) and many others.
As for his personal life, Robert was married twice. Both marriages gave him sons. The oldest son of Robert Downey Jr. - Indio - has followed in his father's footsteps and is now building an acting career, and is also a talented musician. On February 7, 2014, the youngest son from his second marriage, Exton, turned two years old.
And finally
Today Robert Downey Sr. is 78 years old. He lives in New York with his third wife, Rosemary Rogers.
“I have something to be proud of,” he told an American journalist. American cinema owes a lot to such a great screenwriter and director as Robert Downey Sr. His filmography includes more than 18 roles, 20 written scripts and at least 18 created tapes.