Robert Downey Sr. dies at 85

Robert Downey Sr., known for his cult-classic, absurdist comedy films, died peacefully in his sleep aged 85 after battling Parkinson’s disease for five years.

On Wednesday, July 7, Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr. announce the passing of his father, calling him a “true maverick filmmaker” who “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,” he added.

Robert Downey Sr. is an acclaimed veteran filmmaker who is most known for making low-budget, underground films such as Moment to Moment, No More Excuses, and Balls Bluff.

His first taste of mainstream exposure was writing and directing the film Putney Swope in 1969. The film was very controversial at the time of its release when multiple newspapers refused to print its poster, which featured a raised fist and a girl printed on the out-stretched middle finger. Putney Swope went on to be selected for the United States National Film Registry in 2016.

His other underground works, Babo 73, Chafed Elbows, and Balls Bluff, were later restored by Martin Scorsese’s Film Foundation.

Robert Downey Sr. was married thrice. His marriage to his first wife Elsie Ann Ford ended in divorce, while his marriage with Laura Ernst ended after she died due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 1994. In 1998, Downey Sr. married Rosemary Rogers.

Robert Downey Sr. is survived by Robert Downey Jr., his son from Elsie Ford, and daughter Allyson Downey. – with reports from Adrian Soriano/Rappler.com

Adrian Soriano is a Rappler intern.