Robert Downey Sr.
Biography
Robert Downey Sr. was an American filmmaker who wrote, directed and acted, and who grew up in Rockville Centre, New York. He began in 1961 with low-budget 16mm films made with the editor Fred von Bernewitz, which built an underground following; the first was Ball's Bluff, a fantasy short in which a Civil War soldier wakes in Central Park. He was known for writing and directing Putney Swope, a satire on the advertising world of Madison Avenue, and Greaser's Palace, a surrealist Western. Downey also appeared in films including Johnny Be Good (1988) and Hail Caesar (1994), and his final picture was the 2005 documentary Rittenhouse Square. Five of his films were issued by the Criterion Collection in its Eclipse Series, and Sr. (2022), a documentary by Chris Smith, earned the National Board of Review prize for best documentary.
85years old at death
- Born Manhattan
- Died Manhattan
- Star sign: CancerThe sign runs June 21 to July 22
- Robert John Elias Jr. (birth name)Also credited as Robert John Downey Sr., Robert Downey, Robert J. Downey, Bob Downey and Robert John Downey
Movie Career
- Films
- 5
- Career span
- 37 years1985 to 2022
Every film, newest first
- 2022"Sr."IMDb rating 7.2
- 1994Hail CaesarIMDb rating 3.2
- 1988Johnny Be GoodIMDb rating 4.6
- 1988Moving TargetIMDb rating 5.8
- 1985To Live and Die in L.A.IMDb rating 7.3
Genres
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First role
In 1961, Downey started writing and directing low-budget 16mm films with film editor Fred von Bernewitz. The first was Ball's Bluff, a fantasy short in which a Civil War soldier wakes up in Central Park in 1961.
Behind the camera
Downey wrote a 1980s script for Hal Ashby to direct, known under the titles Victor Hiatus and Almost Together. Paul Thomas Anderson was set to executive produce his 2000s film Forest Hills Bob.
Robert Downey Sr. movies on Netflix
Most often with
Robert Downey Jr. appears in three of them, more than any other actor. Pick a number on the chart or a name in the list to see the films they share.
Films together
Robert Downey Jr.'s page
Anthony Michael Hall's page
Michael Greene's page
Steve James's page
John Pankow's page
Awards
One award and honor.
| Year | Award | Film | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other honors | |||
| Guggenheim Fellowship | Won | ||
Online
Official profiles and reference pages.