Robert Downey Jr. is a name that is well-known in Hollywood. Famous for his portrayal of Iron Man in MCU, he struggled with personal issues that affected his personal and professional life. However, he recovered, made a successful comeback, and became a Hollywood icon. Downey Jr.’s journey from addiction to becoming one of the entertainment industry’s most renowned actors is now an inspiration to many.
Robert Downey Jr
When addressing a difficult period in his life, Robert Downey Jr expressed gratitude to the person who gave a helping hand to him when he needed it the most, none other than actor Mel Gibson.
When Mel Gibson Helped Robert Downey Jr
Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr
While accepting his American Cinematheque Award in 2012 in Los Angeles, Downey Jr revealed how Gibson helped him to get back on his feet when no one in Hollywood came forward to support him. The actor had been arrested multiple times for the possession of various types of drugs.
In his speech, Robert Downey Jr mentioned that Gibson told him to not give up hope when he could not get sober. He said, “When I couldn’t get sober, he told me to not give up hope and urged me to find my faith. It didn’t have to be his or anyone else’s as long as it was rooted in forgiveness.”
Also Read: Robert Downey Jr., Who Launched a $30 Billion Franchise, Was Paid Peanuts- 60,000X Less for Debut Movie
The Avengers: Endgame star mentioned that Gibson had a project intended for himself, but he instead offered the role to him because he was not getting any role. He said, “And he kept a roof over my head… and he kept food on the table.”
Mel Gibson Showed RDJ The Right Path
Gibson not only offered work for Robert Downey Jr but also steered him in the right direction. Downey Jr went on to say that the Mad Max star told him that if he accepted responsibility for his wrongdoings, embraced the ugly side of his soul, and “hugged the cactus long enough”, his life would take on new meaning.
Downey Jr. was able to turn his life around after that, and he has never looked back since.
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Robert Downey Jr Supported Mel Gibson
Mel Gibson at Cannes 2016
In the same ceremony, the Oppenheimer actor publicly supported Mel Gibson after he was accused of domestic violence. The Braveheart actor had reportedly used racial slurs and angry, derogatory terms for his former girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva. Downey Jr mentioned how Gibson had been canceled by the entertainment industry and asked everyone to forgive him.
For the unversed, Robert Downey Jr and Mel Gibson have worked together in Air America and The Singing Detective. Both actors have been friends for over three decades now.
