Hollywood actor Robert Downey Jr's father and filmmaker, Robert Downey Sr has passed away. He was 85.
On Instagram, Downey Jr released a public statement following the demise of his father. He informed that his father passed away late Tuesday in his sleep at home in New York.
He was battling Parkinson's disease for more than five years.
Bidding his dad adieu and sharing the news with the world, the actor shared a photo of his dad from his young days. He also called him 'a true maverick filmmaker'.
Downey Jr wrote on Instagram, "RIP Bob D. Sr. 1936-2021…Last night, dad passed peacefully in his sleep after years of enduring the ravages of Parkinson’s ..he was a true maverick filmmaker, and 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.
Born in New York City in 1936 as Robert Elias Jr., he later changed his surname to Downey — his stepfather's name — in order to join the army early.
Known for making films that were miles away from the mainstream, Downey Sr made his place as an actor, producer, writer, director and cinematographer.
He was a Hollywood journeyman who made a name for himself with radical, anti-establishment films, like the low-budget Madison Avenue advertising industry satire 'Putney Swope' and the Western Jesus parable 'Greaser’s Palace' starring Allan Arbus.
He also appeared in 'Boogie Nights' (1997), 'Magnolia' (1999) and 'Tower Heist' (2011). He was also featured in the film 'To Live and Die in L.A.'.
The last film he directed was the 2005 documentary 'Rittenhouse Square.'
