Robert Downey Sr. facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Robert Downey Sr.
Downey during the 1960s
Born	Robert John Elias Jr. (1936-06-24)June 24, 1936 New York City, U.S.
Died	July 7, 2021(2021-07-07) (aged 85) New York City, U.S
Occupation	Filmmaker actor
Years active	1953–2013
Spouse(s)	Elsie Ann Ford ​ ​ (m. 1962; div. 1975)​ Laura Ernst ​ ​ (m. 1991; died 1994)​ Rosemary Rogers ​ (m. 1998)​
Children	2, including Robert Jr.

Robert John Downey Sr. (born Elias Jr.; June 24, 1936 – July 7, 2021) was an American filmmaker and actor. He was known for making unique and often funny movies. One of his most famous films was Putney Swope, which made fun of the advertising world in New York City.

Robert Downey Sr. was also the father of the famous actor Robert Downey Jr.. His movies from the 1960s were known for being bold and using humor to challenge common ideas. They were made with small budgets and were part of the "counterculture" movement of that time.

Early life and growing up

Robert Downey Sr. was born Robert John Elias Jr. in Manhattan, New York City, on June 24, 1936. His mother, Elizabeth, was a model, and his father, Robert John Elias Sr., managed motels and restaurants.

He grew up in Rockville Centre, New York. When he was young, he wanted to join the United States Army. To do this, he changed his last name to Downey, which was his stepfather's name, because he was too young to join on his own. He later said he wrote a book while in the army, but he also spent time in military prison.

Career as a filmmaker

Robert Downey Sr. started his career by making independent films. These movies were made with very little money. They were part of a movement called "Absurdist fiction." This style of film often showed things that were silly or didn't make sense on purpose. His films fit in with the "counterculture" of the 1960s, which was about going against traditional rules and ideas.

His movies from the late 1960s and 1970s were all about being different. They showed the new freedoms in filmmaking at the time. Many of his films were made independently with very small budgets. They became known as "cult classics," meaning they had a small but very dedicated group of fans.

Early films and unique style

In 1961, Downey began writing and directing short films. These were often made on 16mm film, which is a smaller film size. His first film was Ball's Bluff (1961). It was a fantasy short film about a Civil War soldier who wakes up in Central Park in 1961.

He later made bigger movies like the dream-like Greaser's Palace (1972). His last film was Rittenhouse Square (2005). This was a documentary that showed everyday life in a park in Philadelphia.

Family in his films

Downey often included his family in his movies. His first wife, Elsie Ann Ford, appeared in four of his films. She also helped write one of them.

His daughter, Allyson, and his son, Robert Downey Jr., both started acting in his 1970 comedy Pound. Allyson was 7 years old, and Robert Jr. was 5. Allyson appeared in one more of her father's films. Robert Jr. acted in eight of his father's movies. He also appeared in two films where his father was also an actor.

Personal life and later years

Robert Downey Sr. was married three times. His first marriage was to actress Elsie Ann Ford in 1962. They had two children: Allyson (born 1963) and Robert Jr. (born 1965). They divorced in 1975.

His second wife was actress-writer Laura Ernst. She passed away in 1994. In 1998, he married his third wife, Rosemary Rogers. She is a humorist and writer. They lived in New York City.

Downey passed away in his sleep at his home in Manhattan on July 7, 2021. He was 85 years old. He died from Parkinson's disease.

Legacy and recognition

Some of Robert Downey Sr.'s films are part of The Criterion Collection. This is a special collection of important and classic movies. Five of his films, including Putney Swope, are in this collection.

In 2022, a documentary film called "Sr." was made about him. It was directed by Chris Smith and produced by his son, Robert Downey Jr. The film won an award for Best Documentary Feature.

Filmography

See also

In Spanish: Robert Downey Sr. para niños