At Oscar 2024, Robert Downey Jr. faced his past head-on when his history of addiction was publicly mentioned, yet he remained unfazed. When he took the stage to accept his first-ever Oscar, the actor didn’t shy away from his troubled past, even thanking his “terrible childhood” for shaping him.
First Oscar Win
On March 11, 2024 (Vietnam time), at the 96th Academy Awards, Robert Downey Jr. captured the attention of both the audience and critics as a leading contender for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Oppenheimer. During the star-studded event, Jimmy Kimmel made light of Downey’s past, saying: “This is the highlight of Robert Downey Jr.’s long and illustrious career—or perhaps, one of the ‘highest’ moments.”
The camera then panned to the Iron Man star, who responded with a light touch to his nose. Kimmel continued the joke: “On the nose, huh? Is this what you do when you’re on something?” Downey played it cool, motioning for the host to carry on.
Moments later, this awkward exchange was overshadowed when Robert Downey Jr. was announced as the winner of the Best Supporting Actor award for his role as Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer. This marked the first Oscar win for the 59-year-old actor after more than five decades in the industry.
Triumph Over Tragedy
As he took the stage, Downey thanked his film crew and collaborators but also gave a heartfelt nod to his tumultuous past. “I want to thank my terrible childhood, and I thank the Academy for this honor,” Downey said. He also gave special thanks to his wife, Susan Downey, remarking, “I want to thank my vet—oh, I mean my wife, Susan. She found me like a grumbling stray and saved me. That’s why I’m standing here today.”
This poignant moment highlighted how far Robert Downey Jr. has come from the depths of addiction and legal troubles to becoming one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood.
A Career in Free Fall
Born in 1965 in New York, Robert Downey Jr. was the son of filmmaker Robert Downey Sr. and actress Elsie Ann. Raised in an artistic but troubled household, Downey was introduced to drugs at a very young age. The actor once revealed that he first tried marijuana at just 6 years old, under the influence of his father, who also struggled with addiction. By the age of 8, father and son were using drugs together, which Downey recalls as his father’s twisted way of showing love.
When his parents divorced at 13, Downey’s life spiraled out of control. At 16, he dropped out of high school to pursue acting. Despite early successes in his career, his addiction worsened, leading to public scandals and the end of his relationship with actress Sarah Jessica Parker after five years.
Throughout the 1990s, Downey landed high-profile roles in films like Chaplin (1992), for which he earned an Oscar nomination. But his growing success was overshadowed by his increasingly destructive drug habits. In 1996, he was arrested for speeding while under the influence, carrying heroin, cocaine, and a firearm. Over the next few years, Downey was in and out of rehab and even served jail time in 1997 and 1999 for violating parole related to his drug charges. His career hit rock bottom, and he was fired from the hit TV series Ally McBeal, facing financial ruin and near bankruptcy.
Road to Redemption
In the early 2000s, after losing his career and his family, Robert Downey Jr. realized he needed to turn his life around. His turning point came in 2003 when he appeared in Gothika, where he met Susan Levin (now Susan Downey), the woman who would change his life. With her support, he successfully kicked his addiction and rebuilt his career.
Downey’s return to the spotlight began with films like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Zodiac, and Tropic Thunder, which earned him his second Oscar nomination. In 2005, he married Susan Levin, and they later welcomed two children.
The Rise of Iron Man
Robert Downey Jr.’s career reached new heights in 2008 when he was cast as Tony Stark (Iron Man) in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The role resurrected his career, catapulting him to global stardom. His portrayal of Iron Man became iconic, appearing in multiple films, including The Avengers series, which grossed billions worldwide.
From 2013 to 2015, Downey was the highest-paid actor in Hollywood, according to Forbes. He became one of the most bankable stars, with his films earning over $14 billion at the box office worldwide.
A New Era
After stepping away from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Downey faced some career challenges with the box office disappointment of Dolittle (2020). However, his stunning performance in Oppenheimer (2023) silenced critics and brought him back to the top of his game. The film swept the Oscars, winning seven awards, including Downey’s first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.
Robert Downey Jr.’s journey from addiction and incarceration to becoming an Oscar-winning actor is nothing short of inspiring. His resilience, talent, and unwavering support from his wife have transformed him into a Hollywood legend.
