• Robert Downey, Jr.

  • The Biography
  • By: Martin Howden
  • Narrated by: Philip Ormond
  • Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.2 out of 5 stars (454 ratings)

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Robert Downey, Jr.  By  cover art

Robert Downey, Jr.

By: Martin Howden
Narrated by: Philip Ormond
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Publisher's summary

Find out about his film debut at age five playing a puppy in one of his father's cult underground films, his attempt at becoming a comedian during his ill-fated stint on comedy show Saturday Night Live, how he burst onto the scene with his moving performance in Less than Zero and how he charmed Hollywood with his Oscar nominated turn as troubled funny man Charlie Chaplin.

With a life that has had more twists and turns than the plots of some of his acclaimed movies - Robert Downey Jr's journey from hell-raiser to Hollywood royalty - is a shocking, moving, funny, and inspirational one.

©2010 John Blake Publishing (P)2013 Prospero Media

What listeners say about Robert Downey, Jr.

Average customer ratings
Overall
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  • 01-10-20

True Story

I really enjoyed this audiobook. I have been a Robert Downey jr. ever since I can remember seeing him in a little tiny part. I always watched anything he was in no matter how great or small. I think I always will. He is very talented. I like his personality not blaming his parents for his own problems. The narrator did a wonderful job. This would have been better if it was read by Robert Downey jr. himself. It would have brought a personal touch to the book .

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story - the fat lady is not warming up yet

I've been a fan of his for years & wondered about this "fall from grace" years ago. It's so refreshing to see him recover (even though it took a couple fights to do so) and to come back out the other side! He is a terrific talent & I hope he can remain clean & sober & continue to entertain us all for many years to come. The fat lady isn't singing -- she's not even warming up yet. God Bless u, Mr. Downey. Keep entertaining!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

You are never down and out unless you think you are

Inspiring to learn Downey's story. Even the challenging times in our lives have purpose and his life proves that. Met Robert twice and now actually understand why there is a glow when you are around him. If you like him as an actor, after listening to the book, you will admire Robert even more as a person. The book is entertaining and motivational.




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23 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Cool insight

This is an interesting insight into Robert Downey Jr's life and is very well narrated.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

great read

loved it. great story by great guy. family upbringing explains it all!!! I really enjoyed reading.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I am in awe of Robert Downey, Jr.

What a fricking survivor. He is the epitome of strength and brilliance. Way to go!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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What a successful Adventure!

Motivational life to listen! Love listening to behind the scenes of Robert Downey Jr. . He defiantly lived life to the fullest and still is; he makes the best in life even he had the worst of his days and after grew successful for the better.

Touch that has never been touched and lived the hard way of life to experience himself; lived through it to tell the tale of his adventures! 💜

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

The Ups and Downs of Robert Downey, Jr

Where does Robert Downey, Jr. rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

For a biography/non fiction, it is one of the better books that I have listened to. I would listen to it again.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The most interesting is the fact that you got to hear about RDJ from his friends and family.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked the part where the author wrote about RDJ's interest in Charlie Chaplin and all that he went through to get the part and bring Chaplin to life.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When RDJ finally saw the truth of his addiction and made the steps to stay clean.

Any additional comments?

Martin Howden's book "Robert Downey, Jr a Biography" is a story that seems to have been cobbled together by gathering information from other magazine articles. I didn't find any scenes that could have been considered actual author interviews. (Please note that no whee in the description of this book does it say that there are personal interviews given by the subject, friends and/or family to Mr. Howden.)

Mr. Ormond breathed life into this book. I felt that he gave RDJ a voice and made him even larger than life. As this was non fiction, there was no need for the vocal highs and lows that a romance or thriller would require, but Mr. Ormond kept me interested in the story and I was wanting more. I would like to listen to more of his work.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent read

I've always liked Robert Downey, Jr. gone through a lot & made it. Must read.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I've always Loved him as an actor. Good listen

I followed his struggles on the news and I truly rooted for him . I'm happy he's found some peace. He is a brilliant actor.

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