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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Mousemickey4 (talk | contribs) at 04:37, 1 July 2010 (→‎He is FINE Anyway). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

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Good articleRobert Downey Jr. has been listed as one of the good articles under the good article criteria. If you can improve it further, please do so. If it no longer meets these criteria, you can reassess it.
Article milestones
DateProcessResult
August 8, 2008Good article nomineeListed


Substance abuse writing style

The end of the substance abuse paragraph "Downey decided to quit drugs once and for all while standing on the coast of California, in possession of narcotics. Realizing he was stronger than that which was fueling his addiction,[32] he promptly threw the narcotics into the Pacific Ocean, and has been clean and sober ever since." is written much like a fairytale... should this be changed perhaps? Also since I believe that such statement is not really appropriate for an encyclopaedia.. -- 82.45.125.208 (talk) 17:05, 16 January 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Criminal photo

Removed criminal photo of Robert Downey Jnr, by reason that there is already a section on his drug addiction and this is not the most significant aspect of what he is famous for.

Half-Jewish

Removed reference to him considering himself half Jewish. Anyone reading the source can tell he was saying "half" for a play on words; besides he's not religious so it shouldn't matter what he considers himself half of. 

--68.103.154.140 13:49, 1 August 2006 (UTC)[reply]

DRUG ADDICTION

why is there so little information here on downey jr's drug addiction? it is the defining characteristic of his public persona. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 207.237.212.101 (talk) 23:18, 18 January 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The article currently cites a 2003 interview that dates RDJ's sobriety to 2001, but I feel like more recently, he's cited 2003 as the date of his sobriety. See this article, for example http://www.okmagazine.com/news/view/7230. Given how dated the original source is (the interview was done in 2003... if he was still using at that point, he had strong incentive not to admit it), might it be better to push back the sobriety date to 2003? JoelleJ (talk) 14:20, 28 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

IIRC, RDJ finished up with rehab in the 2001-2002 timeframe--coming out sober and getting released from probation, which closed out the last of his legal problems--but 2003 was when he gave up drugs for good, tossing them into the ocean according to an article in Esquire magazine, so 2003 is probably the correct date. Scarletsmith (talk) 21:33, 22 September 2008 (UTC)[reply]

There is so little talk about his drug addiction because others do not feel that it defines him as a person. It may have helped to form him in positive ways. However, to be reminded of that all the time even by the fans must be aggravating. Move away from that just like he did. Drugs shouldn't be the center of who he is. Monny Mon Mon<3 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.146.10.188 (talk) 23:01, 8 February 2009 (UTC)[reply]


"Helped form him"? How come drug addiction is seen as a positive?

How did Downey's role in Less Than Zero (1987) push his "already existing drug habit one step further"? Whatever that means.124.197.15.138 (talk) 06:40, 26 December 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Friendships

This will quickly get out of hand. I don't think who he is friends with has any relevance, unless it is stated in a relevant context, such as someone who helped him find work during the dark days. But just general friendships, especially of the fleeting nature found in entertainment, has no relevance to Downey's encyclopedic entry. --DavidShankBone 22:38, 8 August 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Profile picture

What's the point of having a profile photo that covers his face?

There should be at least one good photo of him on the page.

Notable roles

How can "tony stark" be a notable role for him, when the film hasn't even been released? Troubleshooter 23:44, 1 June 2007 (UTC)[reply]

The same way "Dagny Taggart" can be a notable role for Angelina Jolie, even though the working draft for Atlas Shrugged: The Movie is probably still a year away: the buzz. First, the visuals we've seen (via a leaked ComicCon trailer) are awesome. Second, the character is one of Marvel's flagships. Third, he will be playing a recovering alcoholic, and the angst he puts on screen will likely be his own. --71.38.212.4 04:44, 13 August 2007 (UTC)[reply]

I did a slight correction of Robert Downey Jr plaing Iron Man. The original post said that he is playing the titular character. I changed this to the title character as titular has a slightly different meaning. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.245.84.200 (talk) 01:15, 3 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

"Drug Addiction"

He was a coke head. His problem with cocaine is always refered to as "drug addiction". Some where in this article it should say he was a bonified coke head and he spent HELLA amounts of money on it. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.23.246.162 (talk) 19:58, 3 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you for your unvarnished opinion. However, I think that there is enough mention of his addictions in the article. We have to tread lightly, as this is a BLP, and cite everything up the wazoo. Speculation cannot - I repeat, cannot - and will not be allowed here. - Arcayne (cast a spell) 07:16, 11 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]
Plus, RDJ wasn't just a coke addict (though it was one of his major demons); he's also a recovering alcoholic, and in at least one arrest, he was found with narcotics on him as well (mostly heroin, but some more legal opiate meds as well). Studies show that an increasing number of stimulant addicts (coke, crack, meth) use either alcohol, opiates, or both to come down from the stimulant high; for example, cocaine + heroin = "speedball" (a.k.a. the drug cocktail that killed John Belushi). Scarletsmith (talk) 07:14, 29 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]


Why so much on his drug problem?

His drug problem certainly deserves a paragraph or two but this very long section seems disproportionate--Calan (talk) 03:01, 14 August 2008 (UTC).[reply]

I don't think it is, considering that Downey Jr.'s father gave him his first joint at age 8, and he spent most of his 20s as a "functioning addict" until he began using drugs on set during the shooting of Home for the Holidays in 1995, according to the RDJ installment of Biography. At one point, he was sentenced to 180 days in jail on drug possession and public intoxication charges (he spent a year in prison, then was let out on bond in 1999, only to turn around and be arrested again in early 2000), and he bounced in and out of rehab and/or prison for most of the 90s and early 2000's before he finally hit rock bottom (including Deborah Falconer leaving him and taking Indio with her in 2001) and committed himself fully to recovery. I agree that the "Substance abuse" section needs some work, but if anything, the section itself is too short because of the extent of his problems and the sheer number of times Downey bounced through the California courts system between 1996 and 2001. Scarletsmith (talk) 13:58, 29 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Hi Calan, when I wrote that section I tried to be thorough without going into details. The section does not talk only about his drug problem but about that whole period of his life, but if there is something in particular you disagree with please tell us and we'll discuss it.--Yamanbaiia(free hugs!) 17:53, 29 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

this doesnt make sense

These sentences from the opening paragraph don't make sense.

During his period of drug addiction during the late 1990s, Downey Jr. continued his acting career, appearing on the television series Ally McBeal as well as in a number of supporting and lead film roles, including Good Night, and Good Luck, Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, Zodiac and the upcoming Iron Man.

It talks about roles he completed during drug addiction in the late 90s, however, it mentions upcoming roles(as well as other roles from the 2000s) in the same sentence.

WacoJacko 09:22, 20 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]

uhm ya the whole article doesn't make sense. a whole section should be dedicated to his drug addictions and arrests. why is it you fuckos water down the controversy surrounding white actors and blow up all others?? panda —Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.193.101.49 (talk) 18:54, 26 October 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Wing Chun

Totally unimportant, but does anybody know what branch/lineage of Wing Chun he studied? —Preceding unsigned comment added by BlauNacht (talk • contribs) 20:59, 4 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Nevermind. Found it here: http://www.cheungswingchun.com/g/4232/a-martial-art-for-the-mind.html —Preceding unsigned comment added by BlauNacht (talk • contribs) 21:02, 4 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Nick Fury in the Ultimate Universe

The comments about Nick Fury in Marvel's Ultimate universe "referencing" Downey are a bit confusing. I left them in, but if they mean that he was used as the visual model, that is incorrect, as the Ultimate universe character is clearly based on Samuel L. Jackson. Can anybody figure out what the intent was? Maybe it isn't important enough to keep in either way, and it should just be yanked. David A Spitzley (talk) 15:30, 11 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

What I understand of that sentence is that the character has mentioned Downey on the comic, which seems trivial. So, I agree with you, unless someone can explain this further it's confusing and unimportant.--Yamanbaiia(free hugs!) 16:14, 11 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Why is there no mention of his recurring role in Grey's Anatomy?

I was wondering why his role in Grey's isn't referenced? 216.161.216.60 (talk) 06:16, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Downey was never on Grey's, you are probably thinking of Jeffrey Dean Morgan.--Yamanbaiia(free hugs!) 08:47, 27 May 2008 (UTC)[reply]

He is FINE Anyway

I dont care about his addictions this man is drop dead gorgeous —Preceding unsigned comment added by 66.166.184.234 (talk) 15:08, 1 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

why has this totally irrelevant entry been left to exist?

What ever he does he will always be one of my favorite actors, he has been since the 80's. Dang and he's only five years older then me ;-} June, 2010 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.234.146.239 (talk) 04:21, 1 July 2010 (UTC) He'll always be the best in my books —Preceding unsigned comment added by Mousemickey4 (talk • contribs) 04:34, 1 July 2010 (UTC) Mousemickey4 (talk) 04:37, 1 July 2010 (UTC)mousemickey4[reply]

The late Morton Downey

Is Robert Downey related to the Morton Downey, the late talk show host? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 166.82.218.97 (talk) 00:03, 22 November 2008 (UTC) DUH! gadfly46 07:26, 20 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Film Chart

There is a section on the chart that says 2011 the avengers that is put next to 2010, someone needs to put the 2011 the avengers section under the 2010 section, so it looks appropiate and proffessinal, we cant make wikipedia look bad.

Suggestions before GA review

I saw this nominated at GAC and thought I'd make a few suggestions before a reviewer arrives. First, the lead needs to be expanded a good deal per WP:LEAD. The entire article should be summarized; his family/early life, critical acclaim, downfall, comeback, current success, personal life, etc. The lead should turn out to be two-three paragraphs, I think, but it definitely needs to be expanded before it is promoted to GA-class. Also, watch those dashes (en dashes for year spans, i.e. it should be "1992–2004" in the infobox) and newspapers/magazines (Time, The New York Times) should be italicized in the references. María (habla conmigo) 20:07, 6 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

GA Review

This review is transcluded from Talk:Robert Downey, Jr./GA1. The edit link for this section can be used to add comments to the review.

GA review – see WP:WIAGA for criteria

This article is in decent shape, but it needs more work before it becomes a Good Article.

  1. Is it well written?
    A. The prose is clear and concise, and the spelling and grammar are correct:
    In the Early life and family section, this sentence ---> "Elsie (née Ford), is also an actress and appeared in his father's films", does it mean she appeared in her father's films or does it mean that she appeared in her husband's films? In the Career comeback section, this sentence ---> "Another 2008 release is The Soloist, which will premiere on November but is already being mentioned as a possible Academy Award candidate", "on" needs to be replaced with "in".
    Done--Yamanbaiia(free hugs!) 20:08, 8 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    Check. --  ThinkBlue  (Hit BLUE) 20:24, 8 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    B. It complies with the manual of style guidelines for lead sections, layout, words to watch, fiction, and list incorporation:
    In the lead, it would be best if these sentences ---> "During 1996-2001", "After Ally Mcbeal and one last stay in a drug treatment program", "In 2004", and "In 2006" had a comma after 2001, program, 2004, and 2006. Same thing for Substance abuse and Career comeback sections. In the Beginnings and critical acclaim section, it would be best to add (SNL) after "Saturday Night Live", I mean I know what it is, but how 'bout the person that reads this article. Same section, "The New York Times" needs to be italicized, per here. In the Substance abuse section, the quote that Downey states, is not supposed to be italicized, per here. Same section, it would be best if "cocaine" was linked once, per here. In the Career comeback section, "Pirates of the Caribbean" needs to be italicized. The article has a "red link", if it doesn't have an article, it would be best to un-link it, per here.
    Done--Yamanbaiia(free hugs!) 20:08, 8 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    Check. --  ThinkBlue  (Hit BLUE) 20:24, 8 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  2. Is it verifiable with no original research, as shown by a source spot-check?
    A. It contains a list of all references (sources of information), presented in accordance with the layout style guideline:
    B. Reliable sources are cited inline. All content that could reasonably be challenged, except for plot summaries and that which summarizes cited content elsewhere in the article, must be cited no later than the end of the paragraph (or line if the content is not in prose):
    In the Beginnings and critical acclaim section, is there a source for this ---> "At the age of twenty, he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, but was a cast member for only one season. His SNL recurring characters included Jimmy Chance, a hipster movie critic (paired with Nora Dunn's Ashley Ashley) and Rudy Randolph III: Son of Randy Quaid's Rudy Randolph Jr. He did a number of celebrity impersonations, including Elvis Presley, George Michael, John Cougar Mellencamp, Sean Penn, Paul Simon, and John Oates from Hall and Oates (Darryl Hall was played by Anthony Michael Hall)" and this ---> "His other films in the 1990s included Heart and Souls, Only You, Natural Born Killers, Restoration, and The Last Party, which is a documentary written by Downey"? A source is needed for guest starring on Family Guy.
    I've been looking for a source for all those "recurring characters" sentence ever since it was added, I'll take it out of the article and place it on the talk page. I added a source for "family guy" but he being on those films doesn't need a source as it's not "material that is challenged or likely to be challenged".--Yamanbaiia(free hugs!) 20:08, 8 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    Check. --  ThinkBlue  (Hit BLUE) 20:24, 8 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    C. It contains no original research:
    D. It contains no copyright violations nor plagiarism:
  3. Is it broad in its coverage?
    A. It addresses the main aspects of the topic:
    B. It stays focused on the topic without going into unnecessary detail (see summary style):
  4. Is it neutral?
    It represents viewpoints fairly and without editorial bias, giving due weight to each:
    In the Beginnings and critical acclaim section, this ---> "Zero drove Downey into films with bigger budgets and names", sounds like POV.
    Not really, "Less than Zero"s budget was 8 million, while "Air America" had a 35 million budget. Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Kline and Mel Gibson were at the time and today "bigger names" than James Spader, Andrew McCarthy and Molly Ringwald. I'm not trying to fight this, I just want to tell you my POV. If you still think it's inappropriate I'll change it.--Yamanbaiia(free hugs!) 20:08, 8 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    Well, when I read it, that's what it sounded like, POV. But, I guess there's no harm in the sentence being the way it is. Check. --  ThinkBlue  (Hit BLUE) 20:24, 8 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]
  5. Is it stable?
    It does not change significantly from day to day because of an ongoing edit war or content dispute:
  6. Is it illustrated, if possible, by images?
    A. Images are tagged with their copyright status, and valid non-free use rationales are provided for non-free content:
    B. Images are relevant to the topic, and have suitable captions:
  7. Overall:
    Pass or Fail:
    If the statements above can be answered, I will pass the article. Good luck with improving this article!
    After this review I added a couple of sentences. Sorry :)--Yamanbaiia(free hugs!) 20:08, 8 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]
    No no, I don't mind. Like its stated, additional comments are welcome. ;) --  ThinkBlue  (Hit BLUE) 20:24, 8 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

--  ThinkBlue  (Hit BLUE) 16:40, 8 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you to Yamanbaiia for getting the stuff I left at the talk page, because I have gone off and placed the article as GA. Congrats. ;) --  ThinkBlue  (Hit BLUE) 20:24, 8 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]
Thank you for reviewing the article. Cheers and see you around :) --Yamanbaiia(free hugs!) 20:32, 8 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

1st section too long

In biography articles, the first section is usually shorter, between 10-15 lines. Examples: Marlon Brando - 12, Jack Nicholson - 13. In this article it's 26 lines. Keep in mind, everything on the 1st section is elaborated later on. Would you agree? Thanks Kvsh5 (talk) 19:03, 25 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Do you mean the lead? --  ThinkBlue  (Hit BLUE) 00:01, 27 October 2008 (UTC)[reply]
I think the lead is a good length, considering that RDJ is (whether he likes it or not) the poster boy for Hollywood's rampant drug culture in the '90s as well as the poster boy for finding recovery (five years sober in 2008). There's a lot of stuff there, but I often think the leads of articles on some of the Hollywood legends are too short. Just a thought... Scarletsmith (talk) 21:23, 13 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Press Article

I believe a link to this article should be added: to his Wiki page: http://daily.chictoday.com/2009/01/23/inside-the-golden-globes/,

Publisher is: Spotlight TM, Walking the Walk on Chic Today. Article Author: Adrienne Papp


3/26/09 Cheryle Bernard —Preceding unsigned comment added by Cherylebernard (talk • contribs) 17:58, 26 March 2009 (UTC)[reply]

I believe a link to this article about Robert Downey, Jr. should be added to his Wiki page:

http://daily.chictoday.com/2009/01/23/inside-the-golden-globes/

Publisher is: Spotlight TM, Walking the Walk on Chic Today. Article Author: Adrienne Papp


3/26/09 Cheryle Bernard —Preceding unsigned comment added by Cherylebernard (talk • contribs) 17:59, 26 March 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Hi, Cheryle: I like that article, but it doesn't really contain anything about RDJ's experience at the Golden Globes that isn't already mentioned in this entry. But it's a great article, nonetheless. Scarletsmith (talk) 23:48, 17 April 2009 (UTC)[reply]

poop —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.192.74.248 (talk) 15:30, 31 May 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Obsessive Jewish stuff again

Robert Downey Jr. is not, as far an any sources claim, an adherent Jew. If you want to add a category based on his words, create Category:Jewish-Buddhist actors. Furthermore, you can't "identify" with an ethnicity - only a religion. You either are of that ethnicity or aren't. If you're going to add "Jewish actors" on the basis of his ethnic heritage, you need to also add Category:German actors, Category:Irish actors, etc... Otherwise, leave it out. Pretty simple. 72.144.147.8 (talk) 15:05, 8 December 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Judaism is a religion. Anyone who is a follower (be it by birth or as a convert) would be considered a jew. Downey was married in a Jewish ceremony, so it's pretty safe to say that he is Jewish. Erzsébet Báthory(talk|contr.) 16:16, 8 December 2009 (UTC)[reply]
Did you not read a word of what was written above? 72.144.125.242 (talk) 02:03, 9 December 2009 (UTC)[reply]
I did, but you don't make a whole lot sense since you bring up ethnicity, and whatnot. What does belonging to a religion have anything to do with your heritage? Downey is a follower of Judaism, hence considered to be Jewish. Simple as that. Erzsébet Báthory(talk|contr.) 02:15, 9 December 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Judaism is a religion. Hebrew is an ethnicity. They are different. Just like you don't have to be Arabic to be Muslim or Indian to be Buddhist. Sailorknightwing (talk) 04:37, 5 February 2010 (UTC) Somebody please add him to the category American Jews and Jewish Actors. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.245.21.177 (talk) 23:03, 30 March 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Non-free image

How does File:LessThanZero-Downey.png help "comment on a role which was a breakthrough professionally for Downey, but which caused strain on his personal life"? All it shows is a picture of his face, and doesn't contribute anything to the critical commentary. rʨanaɢ talk/contribs 02:14, 3 February 2010 (UTC)[reply]

"Downey, Jr." vs. "Downey Jr." – the comma behind the surname

Does anybody know about the conventions / rules with regards to those "Jr. names"? IMDb, for example, doesn't use commas for names like his or Sammy Davis Jr.'s. Here, in this article, on the other hand, both versions are used seemingly interchangeably (plus, sometimes, the "Jun." is left out altogether). So, for consistency's sake, anybody with some knowledge of the issue? – ὁ οἶστρος (talk) 00:38, 30 April 2010 (UTC)[reply]

I'd say because he is usually credited (on films/press releases) without the comma that's how it should be.173.88.129.35 (talk) 23:32, 17 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

IRON MAN

IRON MAN 2 IS THE GREATEST FILM EVER. I CAN'T WAIT TILL IRON MAN 3 AND THE AVENGERS. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 94.193.130.159 (talk) 20:27, 24 May 2010 (UTC)[reply] 

  ==Rumor is he might not be in the Avengers Movie, this could be a huge set down in ratings. check this site http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/BrentSprecher/news/?a=12116 MFPen (talk) 19:42, 15 June 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Robert Downey Jr. Hand and Foot print ceremony

From the red carpet http://whatsshakininhollywood.wordpress.com/ —Preceding unsigned comment added by Tookie Clothespin (talk • contribs) 16:03, 28 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Prophecy in Films

During charactor studiy and thematic material chosen for classes in elementary school, NBK Wayne Gayle was difficult to dismiss. Children are smarter than what is presented as being "allowed" for age groups, especially when grow ups watch smut. Just ask Mr. Rogers Kitty Cat. VH1, beyond musics. Trapeze. Charles, the accuser. Beautiful Mind </\>75.200.133.15 (talk) 03:58, 30 May 2010 (UTC)[reply]

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