A Real Iron Man

By: Alexander M. Bishop
New Rochelle, NY-

Critically acclaimed actor, Robert Downey Jr., is a superhero in his own way through conquering battles of drug addiction and drug arrests. He has stayed clean for the last five years.

Robert Downey Sr. gave his son drugs starting at the age of 8. From that point on, Robert Downey Jr. has been through drug infested crimes and ordeals throughout his career as a successful actor.

Robert Downey Jr. stated in a recent Rolling Stone Magazine interview: ”Smoking dope and smoking coke, you are rendered defenseless. The only way out of that hopeless state is intervention.”

Indeed, Mr. Downey has overcome a part of his life that many can never overcome. He admits of being an alcoholic, enduring years of snorting cocaine, smoking crack and getting involved with heroin. He even had his first taste of marijuana at the tender age of 6.

His drug use was not the only handicap that was preventing his career to propel. The academy award nominee for his role as Charlie Chaplin, was arrested several times between the years of 1996 and 2001. Along with jail sentences, he was in and out of rehab numerous times. Due to his consistent drug related problems, producers and directors wouldn’t allow roles to be filled by RDJ because of the fear he wouldn’t be completely “focused.”

However, since leaving rehab in 2002, Robert Downey Jr. has been considered one of the best comebacks in entertainment history.

During his rehabilitation weeks, RDJ went to therapy sessions and took part in group recreation. It has been a long road back but family and friends have helped believe in what Robert Downey Jr's recovery.

Mary Jo Slater, a casting director and the mother of famous actor Christian Slater, has said: "When he gets that smile, and we look at each other, I know he's back inside there. Robert wants to get better...I think people will root for him because of his talent."

Indeed people have rooted RDJ to victory and he has proven himself through his recent accomplishments in the motion picture industry. In the first years of a sober lifestyle, Robert Downey Jr. has won critics over with his lead acting roles. The most recent movie Due Date has been dubbed one of the funniest movies of the year. Along with Due Date, Robert Downey Jr. has gotten positive results with Tropic Thunder, The Soloist, Iron Man 1 &2 and Sherlock Holmes.

There is no speculation about Robert Downey Jr.'s sober lifestyle returning to drugs and certainly no future of his acting career.

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