Much of the internet generation only knows Robert Downey, Jr. from the Iron Man role, which is pretty big, but it’s only the most recent part of his career. There’s also his strange childhood, Saturday Night Live, Chaplin, and various personal struggles. In case you don’t remember all that, here’s a sample:
Being the son of movie director Robert Downey Sr. and actress Elsie Downey, acting runs in Downey’s veins. His first appearance on screen was as a puppy in his father’s film Pound in 1970. Robert Downey Sr., his father, is both a writer and a director whose work gained an underground following in the ’60s. Coming from a family such as this one, it was almost impossible for Downey to do anything other than act because it was a major influence in the years as he grew up.
When he was 17, Robert Downey Jr. dropped out of Santa Monica High School in California to pursue a future in acting. He moved to New York and struggled through part-time jobs while looking for an acting gig. He bused tables, performed in off-Broadway shows and was once hired as a piece of living art in a SoHo nightclub in New York City. Robert Downey Jr. is the poster kid for the saying ‘hard work and dedication merits rewards’. Take a cue from him and go out and chase after your dreams.
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend dropping out of high school, but hard work will get you further than anything else. Read a lot more about Robert Downey, Jr. at Money Inc.