Robert Downey Jr. has been a big name within Hollywood ever since he bagged the role of Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His success as the character and how he helped skyrocket the franchise played one of the most significant parts in uplifting his career and reputation. It is not new for him to face difficulties in life and it is not unknown for him to overcome them either.
Downey is the prime example of what influence parents can have on their children, be it negative or positive. Seeing that addiction can be hereditary, he too became a victim of the drugs that his parents were intaking. His journey from his parents’ basement to having one of the biggest names in the industry.
Robert Downey Jr. Talked About His Fight With Addiction
The Iron Man actor claimed in the Netflix documentary of his father, Sr, that he had been long aware of what his parents had been brewing in their house’s basement and how he too joined them in their drug addiction unfortunately just at the age of eight. He even admitted to how it first began as a game of whether he could keep himself appeased or high. This soon slipped up as the actor found himself addicted to them.
“We altered our consciousness with substances”
Addiction is not a choice, and naturally, Downey did not expect to fall into this trap either. His struggle with drugs and how it influenced his acting career was no hidden aspect of his life, however, he managed to overcome this and become the actor that he is now. His efforts and acting skills shone brighter and his journey from facing jail to being the face of the MCU was truly a full circle for him.
Robert Downey Jr. Overcame His Drug Addiction And Made His Father Proud
It was a long time before Downey could fight his addiction and that too was after a traumatic push that took both him and his father aback. After his mother died from ALS, Robert Downey Jr.‘s father realized just how important his family was and how being without them was a fear he did not want to manifest.
This push helped both him and his recovery and inspired them to pick their lives up and make them worth living for. His father even directed him to be patient in getting his life back even if it took over twenty years.
Source: Marca