During the late 1990′s and early 2000′s Robert Downey Jr became better known for his drug and alcohol fueled legal issues than his work as an actor. In 1999, the once promising television and film actor had hit rock bottom, ultimately spending a year in a California prison. After a relapse in 2001, Downey spent a year in an extended residential treatment center and has maintained his sobriety ever since. This Spring, Downey will be starring in the much anticipated “Iron Man”, based on the Marvel comic books of the same name. There is something much different about Iron Man, aka Tony Stark, than other comic book heroes. All heroes seem to have their own demons, but Mr. Stark is a recovering alcoholic. This overtly human defect is largely what has made the “Iron Man” series so popular and what makes Downey so perfect for the role. The article below gives a glimpse into the film.
“The best and worst moments of Robert’s life have been in the public eye. He had to find an inner balance to overcome obstacles that went far beyond his career. That’s Tony Stark. Robert brings a depth that goes beyond a comic-book character who is having trouble in high school, or can’t get the girl. Plus, he’s simply one of the best actors around.”
As we have all read over the years that Robert Downey Jr could be a great actor if he just get his life straighten out. A one year program gave him the opportunity to grow up and be the great actor he can be by looking at this humanness is real. Playing the Hero in this movie sends a great message who know his life story, that you can change if you are willing to do the work which is to participate in the world. Now that is a Hero!
In the program of A.A. they say, :things will happen beyond your wildest dreams!” Truer words have never been spoken. First off when one finally embarks on becoming chemical free, they have pretty much hit the wall of not being able to live or die. The experience, strength and hope shared in 12 step meetings, keeps those hungering for life, coming back. not only to further their own life, but to share in the celebration of the lives of others, their peers, people who are just like them. What a wonderful gift, one day at a time!
My experience of recovery so far is that i have a life i never could have imagined having before. I have a job that i hold, responsibilities that i take care of, i’m financially independent, and i have a lot of fun! They don’t sound like much to most people but to me they are huge and i’ve come to understand that what i have now is only the beginning! Thats really cool that Robert Downey Jr. is playing Iron Man the recovering alcoholic, and that Robert Downey Jr. has decided to be in recovery himself off the silver screen!
My experience of recovery so far is that i have a life i never could have imagined having before. I have a job that i hold, responsibilities that i take care of, i’m financially independent, and i have a lot of fun! They don’t sound like much to most people but to me they are huge and i’ve come to understand that what i have now is only the beginning! Thats really cool that Robert Downey Jr. is playing Iron Man the recovering alcoholic, and that Robert Downey Jr. has decided to be in recovery himself off the silver screen!