Mozart's Magic Flute at The Little Orchestra Society

Revisiting Robert Downey Jr.’s Stage and Screen Career

Robert Downey Jr. is one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood, amassing a hugely successful career spanning around 50 years.

Despite early troubles, he’s become one of the highest-grossing actors of all time with a plethora of blockbuster films under his belt. He hasn’t shown signs of stopping any time soon either, as he’s recently coming off the back of an Oscar win and is set to make his Broadway debut in Ayad Akhtar’s production of McNeal, playing the leading role.

His career has been fascinating to watch, and he’s still pushing the limits and going for ambitious roles. So, here’s a look at Robert Downey Jr.’s stage and screen career:

Stage

Robert Downey Jr. will be making his Broadway debut in McNeal, where he’ll play the main role, as a bespectacled, successful writer with a challenging personal life and unhealthy fascination with artificial intelligence. He’ll be starring alongside cast members Andrea Martin, Melora Hardin, and Ruthie Ann Miles, all of whom have had experience on stage and screen. While this may be his first appearance on Broadway, he’s not new to the stage. Theater helped build Robert Downey Jr.’s acting career beyond the minor film roles in his childhood. He made his stage acting debut in Alms for the Middle Class in 1983. He also performed in an off-Broadway production of American Passion that same year. Despite a 40-year gap in between his last and upcoming appearances on stage, his debut is expected to draw much attention, considering his success in film and how that may translate on stage.

Screen

In the earlier stages of Robert Downey Jr.’s career, he starred in films like Less Than Zero and Chaplin and joined series like Saturday Night Live and Ally McBeal before taking a step back from the industry. However, it wouldn’t be until his comeback that he was launched into superstardom after starring as Tony Stark in the Iron Man and Avengers franchises. His role became a massive success thanks to his unique portrayal and acting prowess that made Iron Man a household name. He even helped popularize styles of sunglasses for men, with square, Aviator-style models like Dean and Gilmore frames becoming a hit with Marvel fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. His performance in these films helped establish the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), which has branched out into many more movies and series. Aside from his performances in MCU movies, he also gained critical acclaim for his role in Oppenheimer. His portrayal of Lewis Strauss won him multiple awards for Best Supporting Actor, and like with Tony Stark, he influenced the eyewear scene by wearing the LEMTOSH and MILTZEN glasses from eyewear brand MOSCOT in the film.

Looking to the future

With his success and level of fame, it would be easy to settle down and pursue smaller projects or do work behind the scenes. However, Robert Downey Jr. is still at the top of his game, which is showcased by his return to the stage in McNeal and other acting endeavors. Aside from Broadway, he’s also making a comeback to the MCU. Though he won’t be returning to play the beloved Tony Stark, he’ll be taking on a villain role as Doctor Doom in upcoming MCU films. Fans are also hoping to see him in more dramatic roles, as his success from Oppenheimer and the series The Sympathizer have also showcased his prowess in the genre. Wherever his career will go, there's no doubt he's made a lasting impact in the acting industry.