Robert Downey Jr. is a 'multifaceted talent' in the truest sense of the term.
The cool and charismatic Iron Man/Tony Stark who redefined superhero films, the sharp-witted Sherlock Holmes who unraveled mysteries with ease, the mastermind Lewis Strauss who had us on the edge of our seats (and the list continues)—Robert Downey Jr. is a force to be reckoned with, and we can never get enough of him. But acting isn't his only talent. Beyond his iconic filmography, there are many other fascinating sides to him that often go unnoticed.
So, on RDJ's 60th birthday, let’s dive into some of his lesser-known aspects.
Beyond being a phenomenal actor, Robert Downey Jr. is also a gifted musician that many are unaware of. In fact, before making it big in Hollywood, he dreamed of becoming a singer. “I used to entertain my friends, and then, it developed into something more serious,” he once shared.
His musical journey started with playing the keyboard and writing songs alongside his acting career. In 2004, he released his debut album, 'The Futurist', featuring eight original songs along with covers of Yes’ Your Move and Charlie Chaplin’s Smile. Reflecting on his album, he admitted, “People used to say my songs were depressing… but they were just shaped by my experiences.”
Among his best songs, 'The Futurist' stands out for its heartfelt lyrics and soothing melody. '5:30' blends jazz with melancholic undertones, making it an emotional experience. 'Broken', reportedly about his ex-wife Deborah Falconer, explores self-reflection in love.
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Despite his monumental success in acting, music remains a personal passion for RDJ. He might not have pursued it as a full-time career, but his songs give us a raw and unfiltered glimpse into his soul—one that fans will forever cherish.
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Yes, Iron Man can fight in real life too! Downey Jr. is a skilled martial artist and has been practicing Wing Chun since the mid-2000s. “I can’t even say how much martial arts have impacted my ability to stay well and focused. It’s a spiritual practice,” he once said.
Wing Chun, a traditional South Asian martial art, has been practiced by legends like Bruce Lee and Donnie Yen. Downey Jr. trained under Wing Chun master Eric Oram, who also worked with him on 'Sherlock Holmes'. The discipline helped him regain balance in life, both physically and mentally.
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And he credits Wing Chun for sharpening his creativity and problem-solving skills. “Guard your center. Keep your eye on the lead elbow. Get to the blind side. Wing Chun problems are life problems, and life problems are Wing Chun problems,” he explained. He even applied its principles to his acting, helping him tackle creative challenges with a fighter’s mindset.
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As he puts it, “Half the stuff I’ve been able to do right in my creative life are principles I learned on the mat.”
Beyond his artistic legacy, RDJ has a strong presence in the business world as well. In 2010, he and his wife, Susan Downey, founded Team Downey, a production company dedicated to creating compelling film and television content. Based in California, Team Downey has produced acclaimed projects like 'The Judge', 'Dolittle', and the HBO series 'Perry Mason' among others.
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In 2024, Downey expanded his entrepreneurial pursuits by co-founding Happy Coffee alongside Craig Dubitsky. Happy Coffee offers a range of thoughtfully sourced and expertly blended coffees, aiming to bring joy to everyday rituals. The brand has rapidly gained traction, securing placements in major retailers such as Target and Albertsons.
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Demonstrating a commitment to social responsibility, Downey and Dubitsky have pledged an undisclosed equity stake in Happy Coffee to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), supporting mental health initiatives.
Robert Downey Jr. is an institution in himself. Whatever he does, on or off the screen, is pure gold. Today, we send him our best wishes for all his upcoming endeavors!
