Motion Picture Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Actor. He dropped out of high school at the age of sixteen and enlisted with the United States Army with who he served for three-years during the Korean War. Following his discharge, he played semipro baseball (pitcher) and worked as a waiter, in addition to boxing in which he achieved Golden Gloves status. His interest in writing plays led to off-Broadway productions and in 1961, he penned, directed, produced and starred in the short "Balls Bluff." He earned critical acclaim with his directing efforts for the off-beat, low-budget comedy "Chafed Elbows" (1966) and went on to helm and write stories for the projects "Putney Swope" (1969), "Pound" (1970), "Greaser's Palace" (1972) and "Up the Academy" (1980). He had further acting roles in the features "To Live and Die in L.A." (1984), "Johnny Be Good" (1988) and "Boogie Nights" (1997). His TV acting credits include "The Twilight Zone" and "Matlock." He was the father of actor Robert Downey Jr and actress Allyson Downey.
Motion Picture Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Actor. He dropped out of high school at the age of sixteen and enlisted with the United States Army with who he served for three-years during the Korean War. Following his discharge, he played semipro baseball (pitcher) and worked as a waiter, in addition to boxing in which he achieved Golden Gloves status. His interest in writing plays led to off-Broadway productions and in 1961, he penned, directed, produced and starred in the short "Balls Bluff." He earned critical acclaim with his directing efforts for the off-beat, low-budget comedy "Chafed Elbows" (1966) and went on to helm and write stories for the projects "Putney Swope" (1969), "Pound" (1970), "Greaser's Palace" (1972) and "Up the Academy" (1980). He had further acting roles in the features "To Live and Die in L.A." (1984), "Johnny Be Good" (1988) and "Boogie Nights" (1997). His TV acting credits include "The Twilight Zone" and "Matlock." He was the father of actor Robert Downey Jr and actress Allyson Downey.
Bio by: C.S.
Family Members
Advertisement
See more Downey memorials in:
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
