Robert Downey Sr. — the father of “Iron Man” star Robert Downey Jr. — died on Wednesday in New York. He was 85.
- Downey Sr. reportedly died after battling Parkinson’s disease.
Downey Jr. honored his father in an Instagram post on Wednesday, celebrating his father for being a “true maverick filmmaker” and “optimistic person.”
“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.”
Downey Sr. had a notable career in his own right. He was the director of films such as “Putney Swope,” “Boogie Nights,” “Magnolia” and “The Family Man.”
- Downey Jr. appeared in two films directed by Downey Sr., including “Pound” and “Too Much Sun,” per CNN.
Downey Sr. was married three times, including to Elsie Ann Ford (the marriage ended in divorce) and Laura Ernst, who passed away. His third wife, Rosemary Rogers, is still alive, according to NBC News.