Robert Downey Sr.

Robert Downey Sr.

Deceased · Born: Jun 24, 1936 · Died: Jul 7, 2021

Personal Details

BornJun 24, 1936 Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA
Spouse
  • Rosemary Rogers

    ( May 8, 1998 to Jul 6, 2021 )
  • Laura Ernst

    ( Mar 15, 1991 to Jan 27, 1994 )
  • Elsie Downey

    ( Jun 18, 1962 to Feb 18, 1982 )
Relatives
  • Indio Falconer Downey (Grandchild)
  • Avri Roel Downey (Grandchild)
  • Exton Elias Downey (Grandchild)

Biography

Robert Downey Sr. was a man of many talents and accomplishments, having served in the army, played minor-league baseball, and even won a Golden Gloves championship before the age of 22. Born in New York City to a model mother and a hotel/restaurant management father, he took the surname of his stepfather, James Downey, when enlisting in the army.

His father was of Lithuanian Jewish descent, while his mother was of half-Irish and half-Hungarian Jewish ancestry. Before pursuing a career in film, Downey began writing and directing basement-budgeted, absurdist films that gained an underground following in the early 1960s. These films included "Balls Bluff", "Babo 73", "Chafed Elbows", and "No More Excuses".

In 1969, Downey's film "Putney Swope" received a mainstream release, becoming the first of his films to do so. A satire of Madison Avenue, it explored what happens when an African-American activist is given carte blanche at an advertising agency. The film was among the year's Top 10 Films in New York Magazine.

Throughout the 1970s, Downey thrived in the laissez-faire film world, creating irreverent films such as "Pound", where humans play dogs waiting to be adopted, and "Greaser's Palace", an outrageous restaging of the life of Christ in "spaghetti western" terms. His film "Sticks and Bones" for CBS, a live broadcast of David Rabe's play, resulted in a major controversy when its sponsors pulled out at the last minute.

Downey's work continued to push boundaries, with films such as "Two Tons of Turquoise to Taos Tonight" and "Hugo Pool", which examines a day in the life of a female pool cleaner in Hollywood. He also acted in films like "Boogie Nights", "Magnolia", and "The Family Man", and appeared on numerous TV and radio shows.

In addition to his work in film, Downey was a guest speaker at film festivals and universities throughout the country, and developed an update of his film "Putney Swope". He lived in New York City with his wife, Rosemary Rogers, and was the father of actors Robert Downey Jr. and Allyson Downey.

Career

{"id":682,"title":"Tower Heist","year":"2011","character":"Judge Ramos","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/tower-heist","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2ai7rj2jh8k0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2ai7rj2jh8k0.jpg"},"released":1}
2011
Tower Heist
Tower Heist as Judge Ramos
{"id":151880,"title":"Rittenhouse Square","year":"2005","character":"Interviewer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/rittenhouse-square","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_151880.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_151880.jpg"},"released":1}
2005
Rittenhouse Square
Rittenhouse Square as Interviewer
{"id":121504,"title":"From Other Worlds","year":"2004","character":"Baker","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/from-other-worlds","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_121504.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_121504.jpg"},"released":1}
2004
{"id":4138,"title":"The Family Man","year":"2000","character":"Man in House","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-family-man","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/72abd8t20470.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/72abd8t20470.jpg"},"released":1}
2000
The Family Man
The Family Man as Man in House
{"id":4217,"title":"Magnolia","year":"1999","character":"WDKK Show Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/magnolia","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/1kj0p7lq2m98.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/1kj0p7lq2m98.jpg"},"released":1}
1999
Magnolia
Magnolia as WDKK Show Director
{"id":4537,"title":"Boogie Nights","year":"1997","character":"Burt, Studio Manager","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/boogie-nights","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4l84g9nlsrd0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/4l84g9nlsrd0.jpg"},"released":1}
1997
Boogie Nights
Boogie Nights as Burt, Studio Manager
{"id":9553,"title":"The Sunchaser","year":"1996","character":"Telephone Voices","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-sunchaser","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_9553.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_9553.jpg"},"released":1}
1996
The Sunchaser
The Sunchaser as Telephone Voices
{"id":13816,"title":"Hail Caesar","year":"1994","character":"Butler","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/hail-caesar","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_13816.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_13816.jpg"},"released":1}
1994
Hail Caesar
Hail Caesar as Butler
{"id":56355,"title":"Moving Target","year":"1988","character":"Weinberg","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/moving-target-1988","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_56355.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_56355.jpg"},"released":1}
1988
Moving Target
Moving Target as Weinberg
{"id":6603,"title":"Johnny Be Good","year":"1988","character":"NCAA Investigator","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/johnny-be-good","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_6603.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_6603.jpg"},"released":1}
Johnny Be Good
Johnny Be Good as NCAA Investigator
{"id":10606,"title":"To Live and Die in L.A.","year":"1985","character":"Thomas Bateman","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/to-live-and-die-in-la","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/1sinom36utmg.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/1sinom36utmg.jpg"},"released":1}
1985
To Live and Die in L.A.
To Live and Die in L.A. as Thomas Bateman
{"id":1882,"title":"The Twilight Zone","year":1985,"character":"Mr. Miller (segment \"Wordplay\")","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/the-twilight-zone-1985","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/show_1882.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/show_1882.jpg"},"released":1}
The Twilight Zone
The Twilight Zone as Mr. Miller (segment "Wordplay")
{"id":165586,"title":"You've Got to Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat","year":"1971","character":"Head of Ad Agency","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/youve-got-to-walk-it-like-you-talk-it-or-youll-lose-that-beat-1971","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_165586.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_165586.jpg"},"released":1}
1971
{"id":22713,"title":"Putney Swope","year":"1969","character":"Putney Swope (voice) (uncredited)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/putney-swope","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_22713.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_22713.jpg"},"released":1}
1969
Putney Swope
Putney Swope as Putney Swope (voice) (uncredited)
{"id":166294,"title":"No More Excuses","year":"1968","character":"Pvt. Stewart Thompson","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/no-more-excuses","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_166294.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_166294.jpg"},"released":1}
1968
No More Excuses
No More Excuses as Pvt. Stewart Thompson
{"id":215850,"title":"Sr.","year":"2022","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/sr","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_215850.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_215850.jpg"},"released":1}
2022
{"id":168745,"title":"Searching for Mr. Rugoff","year":"2019","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/searching-for-mr-rugoff","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_168745.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_168745.jpg"},"released":1}
2019
{"id":103417,"title":"Don't Blink","year":"2017","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/dont-blink","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2bopokumbgng.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2bopokumbgng.jpg"},"released":1}
2017
{"id":41081,"title":"Radio Unnameable","year":"2012","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/radio-unnameable","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_41081.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_41081.jpg"},"released":1}
2012
{"id":40365,"title":"Pablo","year":"2012","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/pablo","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_40365.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_40365.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":7427,"title":"Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.","year":2012,"character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/show\/finding-your-roots-with-henry-louis-gates-jr","type":"show","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/3vtogqb8hnhg.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/shows\/poster\/3vtogqb8hnhg.jpg"},"released":1}
{"id":23872,"title":"The Last Party","year":"1993","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-last-party","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_23872.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_23872.jpg"},"released":1}
1993
{"id":165410,"title":"Is There Sex After Death?","year":"1971","character":null,"permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/is-there-sex-after-death","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_165410.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_165410.jpg"},"released":1}
1971
{"id":7445,"title":"The Gong Show Movie","year":"1980","job":"Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-gong-show-movie","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_7445.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_7445.jpg"},"released":1}
1980
{"id":151880,"title":"Rittenhouse Square","year":"2005","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/rittenhouse-square","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_151880.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_151880.jpg"},"released":1}
2005
{"id":268096,"title":"A Touch of Greatness","year":"2004","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/a-touch-of-greatness","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_268096.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_268096.jpg"},"released":1}
2004
{"id":9633,"title":"Hugo Pool","year":"1997","job":"Director, Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/hugo-pool","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_9633.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_9633.jpg"},"released":1}
1997
Hugo Pool
Hugo Pool as Director, Writer
{"id":23673,"title":"Too Much Sun","year":"1990","job":"Director, Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/too-much-sun","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_23673.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_23673.jpg"},"released":1}
1990
Too Much Sun
Too Much Sun as Director, Writer
{"id":61121,"title":"Rented Lips","year":"1987","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/rented-lips","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_61121.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_61121.jpg"},"released":1}
1987
Rented Lips
Rented Lips as Director
{"id":161530,"title":"America","year":"1986","job":"Director, Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/america-1986","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_161530.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_161530.jpg"},"released":1}
1986
America
America as Director, Writer
{"id":22488,"title":"Up the Academy","year":"1980","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/up-the-academy","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_22488.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_22488.jpg"},"released":1}
1980
Up the Academy
Up the Academy as Director
{"id":86170,"title":"Two Tons of Turquoise to Taos Tonight","year":"1975","job":"Director, Story, Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/two-tons-of-turquoise-to-taos-tonight","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_86170.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_86170.jpg"},"released":1}
1975
Two Tons of Turquoise to Taos Tonight
Two Tons of Turquoise to Taos Tonight as Director, Story, Screenplay
{"id":198343,"title":"Sticks and Bones","year":"1973","job":"Director, Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/sticks-and-bones","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_198343.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_198343.jpg"},"released":1}
1973
Sticks and Bones
Sticks and Bones as Director, Screenplay
{"id":64860,"title":"Greaser's Palace","year":"1972","job":"Director, Screenplay","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/greasers-palace-1972","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_64860.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_64860.jpg"},"released":1}
1972
Greaser's Palace
Greaser's Palace as Director, Screenplay
{"id":165723,"title":"Pound","year":"1970","job":"Director, Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/pound","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_165723.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_165723.jpg"},"released":1}
1970
Pound
Pound as Director, Writer
{"id":22713,"title":"Putney Swope","year":"1969","job":"Director, Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/putney-swope","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_22713.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_22713.jpg"},"released":1}
1969
Putney Swope
Putney Swope as Director, Writer
{"id":166294,"title":"No More Excuses","year":"1968","job":"Director, Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/no-more-excuses","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_166294.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_166294.jpg"},"released":1}
1968
No More Excuses
No More Excuses as Director, Writer
{"id":87649,"title":"Chafed Elbows","year":"1966","job":"Director, Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/chafed-elbows","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_87649.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_87649.jpg"},"released":1}
1966
Chafed Elbows
Chafed Elbows as Director, Writer
{"id":65612,"title":"Sweet Smell of Sex","year":"1965","job":"Director","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/sweet-smell-of-sex","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_65612.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_65612.jpg"},"released":1}
1965
{"id":65694,"title":"Babo 73","year":"1964","job":"Director, Writer","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/babo-73","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_65694.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_65694.jpg"},"released":1}
1964
Babo 73
Babo 73 as Director, Writer