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Robert Downey Jr: A Real Life Iron Man

Today, the name Robert Downey Jr. is instantly associated with Iron Man. Despite playing a role in classics such as Dolittle, Sherlock Holmes, and Zodiac, the MCU’s original hero is what first comes to mind. While Iron Man is recognized around the world as a top-tier fictional hero, the character once saved the life of RDJ and is now the reason he gives back to the community.

 

In the summer of 1996, Robert Downey Jr. was arrested on multiple occasions. This included one incident when police stopped him for speeding and found him not only intoxicated, but with heroin and cocaine on him, and an unloaded .356 magnum in his passenger seat. Soon after, he was picked up by police again when he wandered into a neighbor’s home and passed out in their son’s bedroom. After spending time in prison, rehab facilities, and addiction treatment facilities, Downey had quite literally hit “rock bottom”. This downward spiral had an effect on his personal life as well. His wife filed for separation and took their son in the process. RDJ was on the verge of bankruptcy, and with nowhere to turn, his future did not seem bright.

 

Susan Levin was the first person to pull Downey Jr. out of his problems. Back in the acting game, he was working on the film Gothika in 2003 when he fell in love with Levin, the producer. She made him fully commit to his recovery, and this action had numerous positive results. Kevin Feige, the president of the Marvel Cinematic Franchise, admitted that casting Robert Downey Jr as Tony Stark in Iron Man was the “biggest risk” the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has taken in the past. “Jon Favreau really had that vision for that movie and for Robert in that role. That decision, and the success of that decision, I think empowered us with further risks and further choices.” 

 

What was expected to be a moderate start to the franchise turned into an all-time classic. The movie grossed over $585 million worldwide and instantly made Iron Man a household name. Since taking a chance on Downey, Marvel has had nothing but success. Iron Man 2 grossed slightly more than its predecessor at approximately $623 million internationally. When the remaining heroes assembled for the blockbuster event of the year, Marvel’s The Avengers grossed $1.5 billion worldwide. Downey’s success carried on until his final appearance in the MCU. Avengers Endgame gave RDJ a 75 million dollar paycheck. Considering just how much money Downey’s movies ended up racking up, he was probably worth that initial $500,000 deposit, having gone on to earn more himself than Iron Man did over its entire domestic run at the box office.

Robert Downey Jr. has put much of his success and fortune towards the community. He is a continuous donor to organizations such as the Orca Network and Clothes Off Your Back. Much like his alter-ego Tony Stark, Downey has invested in technology for the betterment of the planet. The actor launched The Footprint Coalition, designed to utilize technology to promote a clean environment, at an Amazon event in 2019, and embraced his inner Tony Stark by saying,  “Between robotics and nanotechnology, we could clean up the planet significantly, if not totally, in 10 years. Most recently, Downey paired with the non-profit charity Limbitless Solutions. Joining as “another bionics expert”, Robert Downey Jr recently presented a 3D-printed bionic arm to Alex, who was born with a partially developed arm. Through the second chance, he was given, Downey has shown the world the importance of second chances. Although he no longer plays Iron Man, the character will always be a part of him and everything he does.