Robert Downey, Jr.

By: Martin Howden

Narrated by: Philip Ormond

Length: 6 hrs and 23 mins

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

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.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

A Roller Coaster Ride

I was amazed of RDJ's, one of my favorite actors to date; roller coaster ride through life. There are "highs", lows, and a lot of loops. He is a great example of how anyone can hit rock bottom more than once, claw their way out, reform their life, and really prosper in a way that you can see their light; RDJ's light is bright.

I've seen and grown up with most of the films he's been in and was blown away to learn about his personal life and all the crap he's been through.

The narrator is perfect for this bio and really helped to keep me engaged in the story. I'd definitely recommend this book to anyone who's a fan and not a fan of RDJ.


This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBlast dot com.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

He Won Me Over

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

Definitely a top 3 of celebrity memoirs

Who was your favorite character and why?

Of course him. Honesty, humor, interesting life. What's not to love?

Which scene was your favorite?

The life between Jessica Sarah Parker and Downey is so special.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, I practically did, save for a few interruptions from my own life's obligations.

Any additional comments?

I was never a fan of RD Jr but after seeing him on Ellen I thought I'd give his book a try. I have a totally different perspective of him now.
PS I wish his son the best.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Incredible ... for today at least

What I find the most uplifting about Downey's story is his ability to find humility and sobriety for today. It is a theme he repeats over and over, and regardless of talent or life circumstance, one any addict must cling to in order to remain clean and sober. At least that's what my sponsor tells me. I'm so glad his talent is one we can continue to enjoy and be inspired by. This telling of his story, as well as it's performance on the audiobook, was very enjoyable!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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! 💜

Cool insight

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

Entertaining!

Just like the actor, the person entertains in real life and has made the most of his ups and downs.

Loved it!!

Brilliant great story of ones fabulously interesting life! Inspirational to say the least! Loved the narration!

Wow I really didn't know?

Robert Downey Jr. has been like the guy in high school you always had a crush, on for me. Then everyone goes their separate ways. Say 20yrs later there is a class reunion. And you find out all he's done and all he's been through you never knew. And you fall back in love with the grown up Robert Downey Jr. all over again. Great book if you like Robert Downey Jr. Then you should listen to this book. You'll like him even more!!

Excellent book

This is an excellent book showing the story behind and struggles living the life of an addict. I love how it tells the story of the arrogance before hitting rock bottom, the humility needed in the rebirth and the successes achieved ongoing in sobriety.

completely outstanding!

amazing! one of the best reads/listens in a long time! relatable struggles in modern society!