For over five decades, Robert Downey Jr. has been a constant presence in Hollywood. Fans can thank his actor-director father Robert Downey Sr. for nurturing his son’s creativity. As such, the passing of the older Downey came as a surprise to many moviegoers and fans. But instead of shying away from the public, Robert took the time to make the announcement. RDJ decided to pay tribute to his late father and his stepmom in a touching post.
The former MCU star took to his Instagram to memorialize his father in the best way possible. Robert Downey Jr. paired an old-school photo of Robert Downey Sr. with a loving dedication to his father and his stepmom. According to RDJ, his father’s passing wasn’t completely surprising due to his long-time illness. Check out RDJ’s touching tribute to his late father below:
As the actor pointed out, his father no longer must endure “the ravages of Parkinson’s” after passing away. Like any son who idolizes his father, Robert Downey Jr. made sure to give Robert Downey Sr. his props by calling him “a true maverick filmmaker.” Downey Sr.’s career as an actor and countercultural director helped to pave the way for RDJ’s blockbuster Hollywood career. His first film role was in the elder Downey’s 1970 comedy Pound. So, the older Downey obviously saw something in the younger Downey before his breakthrough in the 1980s.
But Robert Downey Jr. didn’t just pay homage to his late father. He decided to shout out his stepmother for her devotion and dedication to Robert Downey Sr’s Parkinson’s battle. RDJ quipped she felt the older Downey and she was “happily married for just over 2000 years.” The couple was married for over two decades before his untimely death. RDJ did send his stepmother a loving message by writing:
Rosemary Rogers-Downey, you are a saint, and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
The touching tribute wasn’t just a memorial to RDJ’s father but to the love and devotion the older Downey and his wife showcased over two decades of marriage. Robert Downey Jr.’s words displayed the love and admiration he had for their union. Given the Iron Man actor's own marriage, he must’ve drawn some inspiration from their love. But his father’s passing hasn’t been the only devastating loss the actor has experienced this year.
Earlier this year, Robert Downey Jr. suffered the loss of his assistant and close friend Jimmy Rich. Just like his father, RDJ posted a loving tribute to Rich. His post even led to his MCU co-stars giving their condolences to Downey Jr. and Rich’s family. With that said, we here at Cinemablend send our condolences at this time to the Downey family.
