Robert Downey Sr. (Robert Downey Sr.): filmography, biography and personal life (photo)

American director, actor and producer Robert Downey, Sr., whose photo is not so often seen on posters and magazine covers, is the father of the most popular actor and idol of millions of Robert Downey Jr.. Popularity to him brought roles in the films "Johnny, be good" (1988) and "How to steal a skyscraper" (2011), as well as his scripts for the films "The Palace of Griser" (1972) and "Hugo Company" (1997).

The appearance of the light

Robert Downey Sr. was born on June 24, 1935 in the United States of America. His father, Robert Elias, was Russian-Jewish, and his mother - a girl from the cover of Betty McLaughlin - of Irish-German descent. Being still a minor, Robert wanted to be a military man, so his real name (Elias) was changed to the surname of his stepfather, James Downey. In his youth Robert played in the League of Baseball and was the team's "golden glove".

Carier start

The first popularity and recognition of critics was brought to him by a film called "Putney Swope", which was released in 1969. Roberta was then 34 years old. In the title role starred Arnold Johnson. This comedy ridicules the advertising world and the nature of corporate corruption. It falls into the list of TOP-10 best films according to New York Magazine. In the film "Zagon", filmed in 1970, for the first time the puppy played his son - then not yet the famous Robert Downey Jr..

Later in the life of Robert came a black streak, he stepped on the wrong path - began to use drugs. The consequence was that his first wife, Elsie Downey, had left him. She took two children with her. Salvation was his second wife - Laura Ernst, who helped him cope with this disease.

An unprecedented success came with the great name writer Robert Downey Sr. after the film "Hugo Company" (1997), starring Alyssa Milano, Mark Boon Jr., Malcolm McDowell, Robert Downey Jr., Sean Penn and others . Robert Downey Sr. and Jr. played an important role in the creation of this film.

Personal life

Robert John Downey Sr. was married three times. His first lady was the actress Elsie Downey (nee Ford). Her fame was brought to roles in such films as "The Palace of Griser" (1972) and "Pound" (1970), which were shot according to Robert's scenarios. In the first marriage, two children were born: daughter - Ellison Downey, who became a writer and actress, and son - an actor, producer and musician Robert Downey Jr.. The marriage of Robert and Elsie ended in divorce in 1975.

The hero of our narrative married for the second time in 1991 on Laura Ernst, who was a screenwriter and an actress. Under the joint scenario of Robert John Downey Sr. and Laura Ernst, the films "Too Much Sun" (1990), "Hugo Company" (1997) and "Wrath" (1983) were made. After some time, Laura died of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis ( Charcot's disease ).

Currently, Robert lives in New York with his third sweetheart, Rosemary Rogers, whom he married four years after Laura's death (in 1998).

Talented screenwriter

Robert Downey Sr. has shown himself in many fields of activity. He is a popular actor and producer, a famous director and screenwriter, as well as an operator and an editor.

In 1960, Robert began writing scripts and directing. Thus, in 1961, "Balls Bluff" is released, a short film in which a soldier during a battle in the Civil War is transported in time and lands in the Central Park of New York in 1961. The hero of the film explores Manhattan in search of his comrades.

In 1964, a film entitled "Babo 73" was released for hire, and in 1966, Downey Sr. released a mad comic parody made for $ 12,000, entitled "Wiped Elbows." This film brought unprecedented success, Robert made the most of the film with a still 35-millimeter camera. Interestingly, all 13 roles were played by his first wife - Elsie Downey, and the man's role went to George Morgan.

After the success of the movie "Erased Elbows" and the trio "Putney Swope" (1969), "Pound" (1970) and "The Palace of Griser" (1972), Downey Sr. invented a 46-minute cinematic "goulash" called "No More Excuses" (" 1968). In translation, this means the following: "No excuses." This film is a crazy mix of politics, humor and various oddities that move from one part of the tape to another.

Around the same time, he was working on a project for Joseph Papp and the New York Theater. In 1973, the movie "Sticks and Bones" is released - this is a black comedy about a blind veteran of the Vietnam War who is not able to reconcile himself with his actions on the battlefield. The hero is alienated from his family, because relatives can not accept his disability and understand his military experience. The film was so controversial that half of the filial affiliates refused to show it.

The success brought Robert his film called "Hugo Company", filmed in 1997. In 2005, director Robert Downey Sr. turned his cameras at Rittenhouse Square. This documentary film shows the great works of artists who regularly visit the square, and also tells about many interesting personalities.

Actor career

As an actor, Downey Sr. can be seen in such films as "Boogie Nights" (1997), Magnolia (1999) and Familyman (2000). He appeared twice on the evening show of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) and in countless other television and radio shows. From 1985 to 1989, Downey starred in a series called "Twilight Zone" (founded by Rod Serling). Each episode is a mixture of science fiction, fantasy and drama. Often the series have an unexpected outcome.

You can see Robert in the movie "How to steal a skyscraper", which was released in 2011. Downey senior plays Judge Ramos. In addition, he participated as a speaker at film festivals throughout the country.

As operator, Robert Downey Sr. appeared in such films as "The American Road" (1953), "Literature Au-Go-Go" (1966) and "Sweet Smell of Sex" (1965).

The legacy of Robert John Downey Sr.

From the first marriage, Robert had two children: a daughter and a son. Daughter - an actress and author of many written works by Ellison Downey - appeared in October 1963 in New York. Known for the films "Zagon" (1970), "Girls and Boys" (1998) and "The Story of a Love" (2005). Son - the producer, the famous actor and even musician Robert Downey Jr.. Robert was born on April 4, 1965 in New York. The first role of little Robert was at the age of five in his father's film, called "Zagon".

The dizzying success of Downey Jr.

Downey Jr. gained popularity after he starred in the biopic "Chaplin" (1992), in which he inherited the role of a comedian of all times, Charlie Chaplin. The actor's play of Downey Jr. impressed everyone without exception, the actor was awarded the nomination for all the famous "Oscar" award, falling into the category "Best Actor".

Also, Robert deserved the Golden Globe Award. Played the best supporting actor in the series "Ellie Macbil". In addition, he was awarded the Golden Globe Award for the best comedic male role (Sherlock Holmes).

Filmography of actor Robert Downey-ml. Rich enough - more than eighty films, as well as short films. Moreover, he often engaged in voice acting characters of various cartoons. The most famous films with participation of Downey Jr .: Gothic (2003), Iron Man 1,2,3 (2008, 2010, 2013), Sherlock Holmes: The Game of Shadows (2011), "Chaplin" (1992), "The Avengers" (2013) and many others.

As for his personal life, Robert was married twice. Both marriages gave him sons. The eldest son of Robert Downey Jr. - Indio - has followed in the footsteps of his father and is now building an acting career, and is also a talented musician. The younger son from the second marriage - Ekstonu - February 7, 2014 was two years old.

And finally

Today, Robert Downey senior is 78 years old. He lives in New York with his third wife, Rosemary Rogers.

"I have something to be proud of," he told an American journalist. American cinema owes a lot to such a great screenwriter and director as Robert Downey Sr.. His filmography includes more than 18 roles, 20 written scripts and at least 18 created tapes.