Robert Downey, Sr. — the pioneering filmmaker and father of Iron Man trilogy actor Robert Downey, Jr. — has passed away at age 85.
Downey, Sr. (Boogie Nights, To Live and Die In L.A., Putney Swope, The Family Man) was not only an accomplished actor, producer, and director, but a former Minor League Baseball player and Army soldier.
Both movie industry insiders and fans are taking to social media to react to the news of RDJ’s father’s death.
Filmmaker and journalist Bilge Ebiri wrote:
The great Robert Downey Sr. has died. He was a pioneering underground filmmaker, a true original, and a lovely man. (A prince, even.) One of the highlights of my time at the Village Voice was this broad-ranging interview I got to do with him
The great Robert Downey Sr. has died. He was a pioneering underground filmmaker, a true original, and a lovely man. (A prince, even.) One of the highlights of my time at the Village Voice was this broad-ranging interview I got to do with him: https://t.co/HBrMan12VX
— Bilge Ebiri (@BilgeEbiri) July 7, 2021
Alec Behan posted a simple tribute to the late actor, who passed following a long battle with Parkinson’s disease:
R.I.P.
Robert Downey Sr.
(June 24th 1936 – July 7th 2021)
The father of Robert Downey Jr.
R.I.P.
Robert Downey Sr.
(June 24th 1936 – July 7th 2021)
The father of Robert Downey Jr.— Alec Behan (@alec_behan) July 7, 2021
A Twitter user named Joe is already imagining a future film about Downey, Sr.’s life:
RIP Robert Downey Sr, if they make a biopic of you they will surely cast your son’s pal Matthew Rhys.
RIP Robert Downey Sr, if they make a biopic of you they will surely cast your son's pal Matthew Rhys. pic.twitter.com/uXO9s46Q70
— plain, simple Joe (@joemacare) July 7, 2021
Related: RDJ Improvised One Line and Changed The MCU Forever
Nick Newman shared the impact the late filmmaker’s movies had on his life:
Robert Downey Sr. had a decade’s run — Babo 73, Chafed Elbows, Putney Swope, No More Excuses, Pound, Two Tons of Turquoise to Taos Tonight — during which he was basically the world’s greatest filmmaker. I value those movies as much as anything.
Robert Downey Sr. had a decade's run — Babo 73, Chafed Elbows, Putney Swope, No More Excuses, Pound, Two Tons of Turquoise to Taos Tonight — during which he was basically the world's greatest filmmaker. I value those movies as much as anything.
— Nick Newman (@Nick_Newman) July 7, 2021
Related: Charles Grodin, Star of ‘The Great Muppet Caper’ Dies at 86
Silenjoker 45 shared thoughts about how RDJ will continue to live out his father’s Hollywood legacy:
Robert Downey Sr rip you lived well and your son will continue your legacy
Robert Downey Sr rip you lived well and your son will continue your legacy
— silenjoker 45 (@silentjoker45) July 7, 2021
Related: Original Boba Fett, Jeremy Bulloch, Has Passed Away
Aaron Hillis, a friend of the Downeys, shared a touching story about Downey, Sr.’s passing overnight at his home in New York City:
“Goodnight sweet prince.” That was the text I got from Bob’s wife Rosemary at 6am, as we were trying to schedule a visit this weekend. I knew Parkinson’s was kicking his a**, but wish I could’ve seen him once more. One of the funniest people I’ve ever met, a hero and friend. RIP.
"Goodnight sweet prince." That was the text I got from Bob's wife Rosemary at 6am, as we were trying to schedule a visit this weekend. I knew Parkinson's was kicking his ass, but wish I could've seen him once more. One of the funniest people I've ever met, a hero and friend. RIP. https://t.co/oHh5RFxP4G pic.twitter.com/f1ktEM0ZRc
— Aaron Hillis (@cobblehillis) July 7, 2021
And last, but perhaps most importantly, Robert Downey, Jr. posted a loving memorial to his late father — RDJ’s mother, Elsie passed away several years ago. The MCU Avengers franchise and Sherlock Holmes actor wrote:
RIP Bob D. Sr. 1936-2021…Last night, dad passed peacefully in his sleep after years of enduring the ravages of Parkinson’s ..he was a true maverick filmmaker, and remained remarkably optimistic throughout..According to my stepmoms calculations, they were happily married for just over 2000 years.
Rosemary Rogers-Downey, you are a saint, and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
At this time, although reactions and tributes are continuing to pour in, none of his Marvel Cinematic Universe costars have publicly commented on RDS’s passing at the time of publication.
The ITM team sends our sincere thoughts and condolences to all who knew Robert Downey, Sr. Have you watched any of the late Hollywood icon’s movies?