February 20, 2011
"Inherent Vice" movie rumor
Rumors about Robert starring in Paul Thomas Anderson's 2009 adaption of Thomas Pynchon
novel "Inherent Vice" have been floating around the internet for a while. According to Hollywood
Reporter, Robert's "commitment has recently grown serious." The film is about a stoner
detective in 1969 who gets involved in a number of mysteries while the Manson family trial growls
in the background.
February 10, 2011
Wanted for Elton John biopic
Elton wants Robert to play him in a biopic. Quote: "My biopic would actually need two or three actors who
vary in weight I think. I would love Robert Downey Jr. to play me at a certain stage, he would be fantastic."
January 24, 2011
British Comedy Awards
Robert participated on Jan 22 via video link together with other celebrities to honor Russell Brand who won
the 'Outstanding Contribution to Comedy' award.
January 19, 2011
"Prayer Cycle 2"
As reported in Nov 2006, Robert and other celebrities will read poems on Jonathan Elias'
album "Prayer Cycle 2". New info: Robert and Sinead O'Connor read poem by Jim Morrison.
The album will benefit the anti-nuclear org. Global Zero. Tracks:
ATOMIC MOTHER - Sting, Trudie Styler, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
TRINITY - Jonathan Davis, Salif Keita, Hakim
DELIVERANCE - Angelique Kidjo, Richard Bona, Yunghen Lhamo
DEVOTION - Jon Anderson, Richard Bona, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Dadawa
FALLOUT - Robert Downey, Jr., Sinead O'Connor, Serj Tankian, Jim Morrison
AWAKENING - The American Boys Choir
MANY SUNS - Alex Ebert, Joanne Shenandoah, Lilli Elias
January 18, 2011
Not starring in "Oz"
According to Hollywood Reporter, Robert will not star in Disney’s "Oz, the Great and Powerful"
and the studio is now in discussions with Johnny Depp for the part.
January 17, 2011
"Peabody and Sherman"
Robert has signed on to voice Mr. Peabody in "Peabody and Sherman" for DreamWorks animation.
This new computer animated 3D version is to be released in 2014. Mr. Peabody will not only sound like Robert, but apparently
look like him too.
December 4, 2010
Warner Bros. musical
Robert and Susan are developing a musical project for Warner Bros. written by
composers Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt. Team Downey will produce and Robert might be starring in it.
The musical is about a pair of down-on-their-luck songwriters who take counselor jobs at a theater camp.
November 18, 2010
No "Gravity"
Robert is no longer attached to the space thriller "Gravity". Instead he's now turning his attention to Fox's
"How to Talk to Girls", an adaptation of a book by a nine-year old boy. Team Downey would be producing.
No deals have been made yet.
November 9, 2010
"I Want Love" on MTV's Next Movie
Robert's and Elton's "I Want Love" is #27 on MTV's NextMovie, a compiled list of the top 40 music
videos featuring movie stars.
October 20, 2010
"Emergency!: This book will save your life
Team Downey will produce, and Robert may also be starring in, a film adaptation of Neil Strauss' bestseller book
"Emergency!: This Book Will Save Your Life". The story is about one man's journey on how to stay alive and protect his loved
ones by learning to survive in the wild.
October 13, 2010
Jamie Foxx music video
Jamie Foxx revealed in an interview with Extra that Robert will appear in his new music video -
possibly referring to the single "Yep, That's Me".
Update April 8, 2011: The "Yep, That's Me" video is out but no Robert in it.
June 15, 2010
New role: "Yucatan"
As their first project, Robert's and Susan's production company "Team Downey" will produce
"Yucatan", a film originally crafted by Steve McQueen that was discovered in a trunk long after his death.
Robert is to play a renegade deep-sea salvage expert hired to steal a hidden treasure hidden underwater
in the Mayan ruins of Yucatan. Robert's and Susan's production company is producing.
June 14, 2010
Box office hights
Robert's movies have grossed over $1.66 billion. His five movies from "Iron Man" on
have accounted for nearly 60 percent of that total. "Iron Man 2" has topped "Iron Man" with a worldwide gross
of $594,311,000.
February 18, 2010
Warner Bros. first-look deal
Warner Bros. is in negotiations to sign Robert and Susan's production company to a 'first-look deal' which
means that WB would be first to have a look at their future projects.
November 5, 2009
"Due Date" tickets charity auction
Robert donated two "Due Date" premiere tickets to The 6th Annual Chevy Chase Green School Auction,
held November 3-18.
July 1, 2009
"Ally McBeal" DVD release
"Ally McBeal" complete series will finally be released on DVD region 1.
September 24, 2008
500 Greatest Movies
Empire has compiled a list of The 500 Greatest Movies Of All Time which includes four of Robert's films:
364 "Natural Born Killers", 376 "Zodiac", 406 "Iron Man", 425 "Wonder Boys".
July 22, 2008
Autobiography on hold
Old news really, but since we still get questions about it... It's now official. Robert's autobiography is put on
hold and he has returned his advance to the publisher.
May 23, 2008
"Playboy" Hung Hefner biopic
Hugh Hefner wants Robert to star in a big-screen Hefner biopic. Brett Ratner, announced last year as the "Playboy" director,
is no longer attached to the project but may return to it. Robert's representatives says he is interested but unlikely to commit
until a script is ready and a director chosen.
November 25, 2006
"Prayer Cycle 2" album
Robert, Sting and other celebrities will read poems on Jonathan Elias' upcoming album "Prayer Cycle 2". For the album
Elias also envisions exotic instruments and singers using traditional song to ask a higher being for peace and
protection from nuclear war.
July 7, 2006
Autobiography in the works
Robert is in the process of writing his autobiography, promised to be a candid look at the highs and lows of his life.
The book will be published by Harper Entertainment in 2008.
Update April 28, 2008: According to an interview in The Seattle Times the book has been put on hold:
"I gave 'em back their money and said maybe another time."
August 30, 2005
Robert and Susan married!
The wedding took place 6:30 p.m on Saturday, August 27, in Amagansett, Long Island, New York,
at the Windy Dunes estate under a gazebo built for the occasion. Around 150 guests attended, among them
Keanu Reeves, Billy Joel (who sang 'Just The Way You Are' at the ceremony) and Sting.
After the ceremony, the celebration continued with dinner on red and gold accented tables
topped with exotic greenery, while Sting and Billy Joel performed under a clear-topped tent so
the guests could enjoy the sunset. The rehearsal dinner Friday night was held at the East Hampton Point Restaurant. On Sunday, the newlyweds
threw an informal Sunday brunch for about 100 guests at JL East in the Hamptons where they enjoyed crepes, fruits, veggies and fish.
August 21, 2005
"Miami Ink"
In July it was reported that Robert would appear in the new TLC reality series
"Miami Ink", about a tattoo parlor in South Beach. The show premiered on July 19, but as of yet we
haven't heard of anyone spotting him in it.
April 4, 2005
Happy 40th birthday!
Fans around the world celebrates Robert's birthday today. Several fansites and groups joined forces to arrange that a
package was sent to him containing a book with birthday messages and a donation to The Sam Vance Foundation.
March 14, 2005
Recovers domain name
Guiding Rights Blog reports that Robert has recovered the domain name www.robertdowneyjr.com, which was previously used to redirect
Internet user to a site with pornographic content. The decision based relief on Downey's
common law rights in his name, stating: "Famous people using their name in trade and commerce can have a common law trade
mark in their public name. The Panel accepts the Complainant’s contention that the
Complainant’s longstanding involvement in the motion picture and television industries
has resulted in the 'Robert Downey Jr.' name becoming unquestionably associated, in the
public’s mind, with the Complainant."
November 9, 2004
The talking basketball
To promote Fox Sports Net's local NBA coverage, TBWA has produced a campaign that features a
talking basketball with the voice of Robert Downey Jr. It's a story of a man and his best
friend - a basketball - who helps the main character, Harold, through life's daily grind. It
gives him advice, challenges him, and is there for him at all times. The campaign is set to
launch this weekend.
October 8, 2004
New agent
After having been signed with International Creative Management (ICM) for many years, Robert
has now switched to a new agent; Creative Artists Agency (CAA). Robert's former ICM agent,
Nick Styne, moved to CAA about a year ago and was expected to bring his high profile clients with him.
November 13, 2003 Engaged!
It's official. Robert and film producer Susan Levin, who met during the filming of "Gothika"
in April, are engaged to be married. Robert broke the news when interviewed on
"The Frank Skinner Show" in London on November 9. We wish them all the best and a big
CONGRATULATIONS!
August 14, 2003
The 104 funniest films
Reader's Digest is conducting a poll of the '104 funniest films ever'.
"Soapdish" (1991) is nominated.
November 15, 2002
Silver Lake benefit 2002
Just as last year, Robert was very much involved in the Silver Lake benefit for the
Hollywood-Sunset Free Clinic and had already begun getting it organized. Sadly, the Clinic had to cancel the event this
year due to a loss of funding, budget cuts etc.
October 8, 2002
Sexiest People of Our Time
The A&E Network has presented Biography's "The 15 Sexiest People of Our Time" and Robert came in
as #6. The list was compiled from 75.000 votes in an online poll on their website. Here's a
few comments made on the show about Robert:
- "Women desperately want to bed him."
- "People want to take care of him and nuture him."
- "He's the James Dean of our day."
- "He rose to fame in the Hollywood Brat Pack of the 1980's but wasn't the typical pretty boy.
He wasn't the blonde, tanned, good looking California surfer guy, that we saw in the 80s,
he was dark he was brooding. He had a lot going on."
Complete list: 1. Marilyn Monroe, 2. John F. Kennedy Jr., 3.Tommy Lee Jones, 4. Ralph Lauren,
5. Sean Connery, 6. Robert Downey Jr., 7. Tyra Banks, 8. Audrey Hepburn, 9. Cindy Crawford,
10. Halle Berry, 11. Anna Kournikova, 12. Princess Diana, 13. Elizabeth Taylor, 14. Jackie
Collins, 15. Jon Bon Jovi.
October 7, 2002
America's favorite pairings
According to the COOKIES "Better Together" survey conducted by Harris Interactive, who
would be best fit to play the new boyfriend of Carrie Bradshaw, Sarah Jessica Parker's
character, on "Sex in the City"? Brad Pitt outdistanced such formidable competitors as Robert
Downey, Jr., Rob Lowe and Matthew Perry. One-in-five (20%) of those queried concluded that the
role was a perfect fit for Pitt, while Downey, Jr. followed with 18%, nipping Lowe and
Perry (17%).
September 18, 2002
Premiere: Best of 1987-2002
Premiere magazine's 15th Anniversary Collector's Edition select best Comedy, Villain, Kiss,
Director, Tearjerker, Action Hero, Sci-Fi Movie, Trend, Producer, Film Noir, Oscar Host, Drama,
Onscreen Couple, Plot Twist, Romantic Film, Scene Stealer, Teen Movie, Hair, and Much More.
Robert is mentioned three times:
Best Scene Stealer - "Also really great: Robert Downey Jr. in Natural Born Killers".
Did I really say that? - "What's amazing is, no matter how much I fuck up, it keeps
straightening itself out." (Robert Downey Jr. April 1989)
Photo from Premiere, April 1989 - Up With Downey: Above, Robert Downey Jr. "He's now the guy
that everybody wants," said producer Scott Rudin.
There's also a Skechers ad (#1) in this magazine!
July 27, 2002
Wanted for "West Wing"
After it had been reported that actor Rob Lowe was to leave the popular TV series "West Wing",
USAToday set up a poll to see who the viewers would like to see replace him. Robert won,
which was also mentioned on Extra.
April 18, 2002
"Ally McBeal" cancelled
Creater/writer of "Ally McBeal", David E. Kelley, announced on April 17 that the show has been cancelled. The season 5 May finale
will be the last episode. "It's sad to say goodbye to something you love, even when
perhaps it is time," Kelley said.
January 16, 2002
Sting's wife producing "Saints"
New York Post: Trudie Styler is wed to rock superstar Sting. She is said to be having top secret meetings with Robert Downey Jr.
and Dito Montiel, former cover boy and Calvin Klein underwear model, regarding a film of the latter's
autobiography, titled "A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints". If everything works out,
they say Trudie will produce. Downey's interest? He brought her the project, is working on a
rewrite, might do a cameo in the film and hopes to direct.
January 8, 2002
Not returning to "Ally McBeal"
It was reported on TV Guide Online today, that Robert's publicist, Mr. Alan Nierob, is denying widespread rumors that Robert would return to "Ally McBeal" in May. He says; "There are no plans for him to return at this point." A representative from "Ally McBeal" says; "While the show
is fond of him and has never ruled out his returning, there are no plans to have him return in
May or any other time this season."
December 3, 2001
Auction for America
The burberry jacket Robert wore as 'Larry Paul' in "Ally McBeal" season 4, episode Falling Up,
was auctioned out on eBay, signed and personalized by Robert. Proceeds from the auction was forwarded to
The New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund. The jacket was sold for $3.100.01.
November 27, 2001
"River" public service announcement
Robert's recording of Joni Mitchell's song "River" is featured in a CBS TV ad/public service announcemet
from Circuit City called "Message from America". It was first shown during the Thanksgiving parade, and
the song is played in the background while showing American soldiers in the desert over seas, decorating
their tents with Christmas ornaments. Those who've seen it says it's very touching.
Comment from Circuit City customer support: "Robert Downey, Jr. is an amazing talent who can both act and
sing. When we heard this rendention of Joni Mitchel's "River" we were moved by it and it creatively fit
perfectly into the video being produced. This track was a perfect fit for the story we wanted to tell.
We share the concerns of may for Mr. Downey's health issues, and hope he can overcome them and will
continue to share his talents in the future."
November 8, 2001
ALLY McBEAL ON DVD
"Ally McBeal", season 4, will be released on DVD in Europe on December 5.
September 1, 2001
"A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints"
According to New York Post, Robert just optioned the rights to Dito Montiel's book, "A Guide to Recognizing
Your Saints", about Montiel's journey to New York to start a band.
August 22, 2001
WIN Awards
Women's Image Network, a nonprofit formed to dispel media sexism by increasing the number of
women's stories in film and television, announced its nominees for the 2001 WIN Awards. The
Third Annual WinFemme Film Festival and the WIN Awards will be held at the Clarity Theatre in
Beverly Hills on September 9, 2001.
Quote from Women's Image Network: "The WIN awards for the first time will go to films and TV shows nominated
for telling women's stories well. Robert Downey, Jr. was nominated in the
'Comedy Series' category, an "Ally McBeal" episode entitled The Last Virgin, for his work with Calista Flockhart.
He convinced her to let her guard down and let him in her heart."
May 16, 2001
Last 'Ally' episode rated sky hight
Reuters: The final appearance of actor Robert Downey Jr. on
"Ally McBeal'' Monday boosted that series to its best ratings since February, helping Fox
win easily in key demos for the second night in a row. 'Ally' topped CBS' second-place
comedies by a combined 2 shares in adults 18-49 and gave the series rare year-to-year ratings
growth. It teamed with a time slot victory in adults 18-49 for "Boston Public" to
give Fox the night by 3 shares in the coveted demographic and help pull the network into
a second-place tie for the May sweep.
May 1, 2001
"For Once In My Life" album #1
According to the Amazon.com Top Sellers list, the CD is ranked #1.
April 20, 2001
Outfest Screen Idol Award
Vanessa Redgrave and Robert Downey Jr. will receive the inaugural
Outfest Screen Idol Awards, an extension of the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film
Festival Outfest, to be held July 12-23 in L.A. The duo will be feted for their performances as gay characters in "If These Walls
Could Talk 2" (Redgrave) and "Wonder Boys" (Downey). The awards were created to honor
performances by an actor or actress in a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered role in
a feature film or television movie. Nominees were determined by members of Outfest.
Redgrave and Downey were selected by a national online vote that
began on March 14; more than 5,000 ballots were cast.
February 14, 2001
Returns to "Ally McBeal"
According to a press release, Robert has signed on to do 8 more "Ally McBeal" episodes.
Robert: "Working on "Ally McBeal" has been such a satisfying process that I am
grateful to have been asked to continue on for the remainder of the season."
David E. Kelley: "Robert is an incredible talent, and he and Calista just push
each other to new levels week after week." "Robert's personality is very
contagious on the set because he's got a terrific sense of humor and people tend to have a
better time when he's around. He brings enormous talent to the character and gives everyone a
lift because of the way he affects the show creatively and positively."
Gail Berman, FOX Broadcasting Company: "All of us at FOX
are extremely pleased with this announcement. Robert has done phenomenal work and justly
deserves his Golden Globe and the many other accolades he's received."
January 11, 2001
"Ally McBeal" completed
Fox confirmed that Robert has completed filming his arc of episodes on "Ally McBeal" without
ruling out future appearances." This means Robert has completed the episodes he had originally
signed on for. It also means he's welcome back to the show if he wants to continue.
November 28, 2000
More "Ally McBeal"
Production continues on "Ally McBeal", and Fox expect that Robert will be with them through
Ally's 12th episode of the season as per his agreement, says spokesman Chris Alexander today.
Robert is signed to do 10 episodes and is in the midst of shooting his ninth. His character
is written out after the show's 12th episode, with the door open for him to return.
August 11, 2000
New role: "Ally McBeal"
Robert is going to star in the well known TV series "Ally McBeal" in eight episodes beginning
on October 23. He will have a recurring role, playing a mysterious stranger who seems able
to connect with the complicated Ally and becomes her love interest. The series creator,
David E Kelley, says; "We're thrilled. We've admired his work for years and know he'll make an
enormous contribution."
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