• Film And TV
  • 08 Jul 21

Robert Downey Sr. passes away aged 85

Robert Downey Sr. passes away aged 85
Peter O'Neill
Peter O'Neill

The Putney's Swope director is survived by his wife and two children.

Director and actor Robert Downey Sr. died Tuesday in his sleep, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease.

The filmmaker behind movies such as Putney Swope and Greaser's Palace was known for his unorthodox filmmaking.

Father of Robert Downey Jr. and author Allyson Downey, his death was confirmed by his third wife, writer Rosemary Rogers, to the New York Daily News after his passing.

His son paid tribute to him on social media, with the Iron Man star writing, "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 our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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Robert Sr. was also known for his acting roles, such as "Burt" in the acclaimed Paul Thomas Anderson film Boogie Nights and appearing in Magnolia and Tower Heist.

He gave his son his first credit in his 1970 movie Pound when Downey Jr. was just five years old.

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