Robert Downey Jr. showed his grace and humor by taking Jimmy Kimmel’s Oscars joke about his past struggles with addiction in stride. The Iron Man star even offered a warm compliment to the late-night host.
During his opening monologue at the 96th Academy Awards on March 10th, Kimmel took a jab at Downey Jr.’s well-documented past with substance abuse. While introducing the actor, who was nominated for a supporting role, Kimmel said, “Congratulations to [Cillian Murphy’s] costar, Robert Downey Jr. This is the highest point of Robert Downey Jr.’s career…well, one of the highest points.” The audience chuckled, and the camera panned to Downey Jr. in the audience, who playfully touched his nose. Kimmel then added, “Was that too on the nose or was that a drug motion you made?” Downey Jr. initially seemed to gesture for Kimmel to move on but then changed his mind with a “keep going” sign.
While some audience members found the joke funny, many viewers took to social media to criticize Kimmel for making light of a serious issue like addiction.
Nearly a month after the Oscars, Robert Downey Jr. finally addressed the joke in an interview for Esquire Magazine. His response? He doesn’t care and actually holds Kimmel in high regard.
“I don’t care,” Downey Jr. told the magazine. “I love Jimmy Kimmel. I think he’s a national treasure.”
A Look Back at RobertDowney Jr.’s Struggles
Robert Downey Jr. battled substance abuse in the public eye throughout the early years of his career. These struggles led to multiple arrests and stints in rehab before he finally achieved sobriety in 2003. The actor has openly credited his wife, Susan Downey, for her unwavering support in his recovery.
Robert Downey Jr. Thanks Wife and Announces Upcoming Project
During his acceptance speech for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in Oppenheimer, Downey Jr. gave a heartfelt shoutout to his wife. He joked, “I’d like to thank my terrible childhood and The Academy, in that order.” Then, turning serious, he added, “I’d like to thank my veterinarian—I mean, my wife, Susan Downey. She found me, a snarling rescue pet, and you loved me back to life. That’s why I’m here.”
On the professional front, Robert Downey Jr. is gearing up for a return to television after a two-decade hiatus. He will star in the upcoming HBO limited series, “The Sympathizer.”
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