This article is a tribute to Robert Downey Sr., a pioneer of independent US cinema, who died at 85 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and a complicated relationship with his son, actor Robert Downey Jr.
Courtesy of Robert Downing Jr. via Instagram
Cinema has lost one of its most original and influential voices. Robert Downey Sr., the acclaimed American film director, screenwriter, and actor, passed away peacefully at his home in New York City on July 7, 2021. He was 85 years old and had been battling Parkinson’s disease for more than five years.
Robert John Elias Jr., who later changed his surname to Downey, was born in New York City on June 24, 1936. He grew up in Rockville Centre, New York, where he developed a love for movies and baseball. Downey changed his surname to enlist in the United States Army as an underage individual. He chose the surname of his stepfather, who was of Irish descent. He served in the army during the Korean War and later worked as a semi-pro baseball player and a waiter.
In 1960, he started working in the film industry. He wrote and directed low-budget, absurdist films. These films challenged mainstream cinema’s conventions and norms. He was vital to the independent US cinema movement of the 1950s and 60s. Other pioneers in this movement included John Cassavetes, Andy Warhol, and Roger Corman. His films had a unique humor, satire, and social commentary style. They often had non-professional actors, improvised dialogue, and experimental techniques.
One of his most famous works was the film “Putney Swope” (1969). It made fun of the advertising industry in New York and its problems with racism, sexism, and corruption. The film mainly had black actors and a unique storyline. Critics and audiences loved it and thought it was a masterpiece of underground cinema. It also influenced filmmakers like Paul Thomas Anderson, Spike Lee, and Jim Jarmusch, who saw Downey Sr. as a mentor and hero.
Downey Sr. made films in the 1970s and 80s. Some of his films were “Greaser’s Palace” (1972), “Up the Academy” (1980), and “Too Much Sun” (1990). He often worked with his second wife, Elsie Downey, an actress and writer, and his son, Robert Downey Jr., an actor. His last film was “Rittenhouse Square” (2005), a documentary about life in a Philadelphia park. He made this film with his third wife, Rosemary Rogers, an author and filmmaker.
In his later years, Downey Sr. had many challenges. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a nervous system disorder that causes tremors, stiffness, and difficulty moving. He also had a complex relationship with his son, Robert Downey Jr., who went into the film industry but also had drug addiction and legal troubles. Downey Sr. admitted that he introduced his son to drugs at a young age, giving him his first taste of marijuana when he was six years old. He also cast him in his 1970 film “Pound,” where he played a puppy in a pound, making his film debut at five.
Despite the hardships, Downey Sr. never lost his sense of humor, creativity, and optimism. He was a loving father, husband, and friend who always supported and encouraged his family and colleagues. He was also a true maverick filmmaker who never compromised his vision and voice and left a lasting legacy in the history of cinema.
His son, Robert Downey Jr., paid tribute to him on Instagram,
He also shared a photo of his father smiling with the caption:
“Bob Downey (A prince. And a genuinely weird dude. You are already missed, B. I love you. Always, always. Yes, he was weird, eccentric, a legend, and an icon, but to me, he was just dad. He taught me to love and appreciate movies, the gift of a good joke, and a nice bowl of cereal. He was a true original. I can’t believe he’s gone, but I’m glad he’s not suffering anymore. He was my hero, my friend, and my mentor. I will miss him terribly. Thank you for everything, dad. You were the best. Rest in peace.”
FAQ
Who is Downing Sr.?
Robert Downing Sr. was a filmmaker, acting icon, and the father of actor Robert Downing Jr. He passed away at the age of 85 after battling Parkinson’s Disease.
What were some of Downing Sr.’s notable films?
Robert Downing Sr. directed and acted in several films, including “Putney Swope,” “Balls Bluff,” “Babo 73,” “Chafed Elbows,” and “Pound.”
How did Downing Sr. pass away?
Robert Downing Sr. passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Who confirmed Downing Sr.’s passing?
His son, Downing Jr., confirmed the news on his Instagram page.
Did Downing Jr. appear in his father’s films?
Yes, Downing Jr. appeared in two of his father’s films, “Pound” (1970) and “Too Much Sun” (1990).
Was Downing Sr. involved in sports?
Yes, he had a career in minor-league baseball and was a Golden Gloves Champion.
How many times was Robert Downing Sr. married?
Downing Sr. was married three times. His latest wife was author Rosemary Rogers, whom he married in 1998.
You spelt the name Dowing…It’s Downing. FYI.