Robert Downey Jr. Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Robert John Downey Jr. |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 4, 1965 |
| Age | 61 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Manhattan, New York City, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, producer |
| Years Active | 1970-present |
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.74 m) |
| Spouse | Married to Susan Downey (2005-present) |
| Children | 3 |
| Net Worth | ~$320 million |
| Known For | Reinvigorating the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Iron Man |
Early Life & Background
Downey Jr. was born to underground filmmaker Robert Downey Sr. and actress Elsie Ann Ford. Raised around New York and Los Angeles sets, he studied ballet in London before moving to Santa Monica High School. After early roles in his father's films, he joined Saturday Night Live (1985-1986) and appeared in 1980s coming-of-age classics.
Career Journey
Breakthrough and Acclaim
Downey Jr. earned critical praise portraying Charlie Chaplin in Chaplin (1992), earning his first Academy Award nomination. He followed with standout turns in Short Cuts, Natural Born Killers, and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.
Setbacks and Recovery
Substance struggles led to legal troubles and rehab stays in the late 1990s. Support from friends like Mel Gibson and a steady television role on Ally McBeal facilitated his comeback. After getting sober in 2003, he rebuilt his reputation with indie films and steadfast work ethic.
Marvel Era and Global Stardom
Jon Favreau fought for Downey Jr. to play Tony Stark in Iron Man (2008), launching the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He starred in multiple Avengers films, Captain America: Civil War, and led the Sherlock Holmes franchise, becoming one of the world's highest-paid actors.
Renewed Awards Recognition
Downey Jr. expanded into producing with Team Downey, releasing Perry Mason and The Sympathizer. His portrayal of Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer (2023) earned Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor, reinforcing his dramatic prowess.
Recent & Upcoming Work
In 2026 he is executive producing discovery docuseries Downey's Dream Cars Season 2, filming Sherlock Holmes 3, and developing an AI ethics thriller with Park Chan-wook. He continues philanthropic work through the FootPrint Coalition's climate-tech investments.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Chaplin | Charlie Chaplin | Oscar nomination |
| 2008 | Iron Man | Tony Stark/Iron Man | MCU launch |
| 2009 | Sherlock Holmes | Sherlock Holmes | Golden Globe win |
| 2012 | The Avengers | Tony Stark | Team-up blockbuster |
| 2014 | The Judge | Hank Palmer | Also producer |
| 2019 | Avengers: Endgame | Tony Stark | Culmination of MCU arc |
| 2023 | Oppenheimer | Lewis Strauss | Academy Award win |
| 2024 | The Sympathizer | Multiple roles | HBO limited series |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Academy Awards | Best Actor | Chaplin | Nominated |
| 2010 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor - Musical or Comedy | Sherlock Holmes | Won |
| 2009 | Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Tropic Thunder | Nominated |
| 2024 | Academy Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Oppenheimer | Won |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$320 million (2026)
Downey Jr. earns from Marvel backend deals, Team Downey production fees, Warner Bros. contracts, real estate holdings in Malibu and East Hampton, brand partnerships (Audi, HTC Vive, Swiss luxury watches), and climate-tech venture investments.
Personal Life
He lives between Malibu and East Hampton with wife Susan, practicing Wing Chun, meditation, and plant-forward living. Downey Jr. is vocal about sobriety, crediting family and structured routines for sustaining his health.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
Through FootPrint Coalition, he funds carbon capture startups, sustainable agriculture tech, and ocean cleanup initiatives. He also supports children's arts programs, the Motion Picture and Television Fund, and organizations addressing addiction recovery.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram: @robertdowneyjr features playful videos, FootPrint Coalition news, cosplay fan art, and behind-the-scenes footage.
- Twitter: Shares environmental milestones, birthday shoutouts, and film announcements.
- Facebook: Houses longer-form letters, charity spotlights, and event livestreams.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Downey Jr. keeps rescue alpacas on his Malibu property, appearing in his docuseries.
- He adopted a largely vegetarian diet after filming Dolittle.
- Downey Jr. composes experimental electronic music under the alias RDJ3 for fun.
- He holds a black belt in Wing Chun kung fu.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Downey Jr. is in London rehearsing Sherlock Holmes 3, expanding FootPrint Coalition's accelerator into Europe, and guest starring on Marvel's Ironheart as a holographic mentor. He will also host the 2026 Academy Museum Gala celebrating innovation in visual effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Robert Downey Jr.?
Robert Downey Jr. is an American actor and producer who rose from 1980s teen films to global fame as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
What is Robert Downey Jr. most famous for?
He is most famous for playing Tony Stark/Iron Man, leading Sherlock Holmes, and winning an Oscar for Oppenheimer.
Is Robert Downey Jr. active on social media?
Yes. Downey Jr. actively engages fans on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, often highlighting environmental initiatives and new releases.