Robert Downey Jr.: From the drug stocking to the Oscar king on his 60th birthday!

Robert Downey Jr.: From the drug stocking to the Oscar king on his 60th birthday!

Krone, Österreich - Robert Downey Jr. celebrates his 60th birthday on April 4, 2025. His birthday has been particularly celebrated in the past few days because in 2024 he received the Oscar for the "best supporting role" in the well -respected film "Oppenheimer". This award comes in the film industry after more than 30 years and is his first win after three previous nominations. The Oscar for his role as Rear ADM. Lewis Strauss in "Oppenheimer" marks an impressive highlight of his eventful career. Downey also won the Golden Globes, BAFTA Film Awards, Sag Awards and Critics Choice Awards in this Awards season.

his thank you speech at the Oscars was characterized by humor and gratitude in which he was mentioned in his wife, Susan Levin, who helped him to "awaken again" and to cope with the challenges of his past. Downey looks back on a cabaret career with numerous ups and downs: In the 80s and early 90s, he was considered a promising talent before serious drug problems between 1996 and 2001 significantly impaired his career. This led to several legal proceedings and a total of 16 months and cost him a role in the "Ally McBeal" series.

a difficult past

Through these dark times, Susan Downey actively supported her husband. His comeback finally started in 2003 with the film "Gothika". But the shadows of his past accompanied him, and he never smiled back from his drug problems, which began at the age of 8. In an interview, he confessed that his struggle with dependencies and the uncontrollable memories of his childhood were a constant companion.

downey often reflects on his time while filming “Chaplin”, where he was nominated for an Oscar for the first time, and compares her with the challenges of his co-star Cillian Murphy in “Oppenheimer”. In retrospect, he noticed that at the time he did not possess the maturity that Murphy brought with him for his role. Despite his creative talent and acting skills, the pursuit of sobriety was one of the greatest challenges of his life, as he emphasizes.

a successful return

his admired roles in films such as "Iron Man" (2008), which set new standards in the Marvel world, and "Sherlock Holmes" (2009), for which he received a Golden Globe, consolidated him as one of Hollywood's best paid actors. Downey dominates the game of the superheroes and is brought in connection with rumors about another comeback for "Avengers" and the "Fantastic Vier".

his ascent in the film industry was not without setbacks. Downey was initially avoided by producers, including Christopher Nolan, and lost the chance of the role of villain Scarecrow in "Batman Begins". Ironically, he received the role of Tony Stark in "Iron Man" after a screen test that exceeded all expectations. This casting turned out to be a turning point that sealed its climb to one of the most sought -after and respected actors in the industry.

Despite all the difficulties, Robert Downey Jr. managed to survive with certainty and talent in the Hollywood landscape, and proudly looks back on a career that includes many altitudes.