Iconic filmmaker Robert Downey Sr has passed away at the age of 85.
The father of Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr. died in his sleep at his New York City home after battling Parkinson’s Disease for more than five years.
In a touching tribute to his father, Robert Jr. called him a ‘true maverick filmmaker’ as he shared a black and white photo of him.
“RIP Bob D. Sr. 1936-2021…,” Robert Jr. wrote on Instagram. “Last night, dad passed peacefully in his sleep after years of enduring the ravages of Parkinson’s.. he was a true maverick filmmaker, and remained remarkably optimistic throughout…
“According to my stepmoms calculations, they were happily married for just over 2000 years. Rosemary Rogers-Downey, you are a saint, and out thoughts and prayers are with you.”
Robert Sr. served in the army and played minor league basketball. According to IMDB, he was also a Golden Gloves boxing champion and a playwright for off-Broadway productions before he turned 22.
An actor, producer, filmmaker, and writer, Robert Sr. was best known for ‘Greaser’s Palace’ and ‘Putney Swope.’ He also appeared in ‘To Live and Die in L.A,’ ‘Magnolia,’ ‘The Family Man,’ ‘The Sunchaser,’ and ‘Boogie Nights.’
His last acting credit was for the 2011 action-comedy ‘Tower Heist.’ The movie starred Eddie Murphy, Casey Affleck, and Ben Stiller.
One fan commented: “Downey Sr made the movie Putney Swope, an independent movie way ahead of it’s time and very clever. Should be seen by movie fans everywhere.”
Another wrote: “Fathers and sons who have a good relationship are a witness and a blessing of how families should be.”
A third said: “Great tribute from his son. R.I.P. Sir, glad your suffering has ended. My father went through the same and you are sad he is gone but relieved that they do not suffer anymore.”
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