Robert Downey Jr. Net Worth (Money & Salary)
Title: Robert Downey Jr. Net Worth (Money & Salary)
Last Updated: February 4, 2025
What is Robert Downey, Jr.’s Net Worth?
As an American actor, producer, and singer, Robert Downey Jr. boasts a net worth of $300 million. Today, he is perhaps best known for portraying “Iron Man” within the Marvel cinematic universe. The following section will elaborate on how playing Iron Man not only amassed Robert a significant fortune but also positioned him among the highest-paid actors in Hollywood’s history.
Robert Downey Jr.’s personal and professional lives have seen remarkable peaks and valleys. While he has always been celebrated as a talented actor, he also struggled with a tendency to indulge excessively in partying and developed severe habits related to drinking and drug use. Unfortunately, his lifestyle ultimately derailed his career. Following jail sentences and several rehab stints, he finally managed to turn his life around. In the past decade, he has reached great heights in Hollywood, starring in blockbuster projects such as the “Sherlock Holmes” series, the “Iron Man” series, “The Soloist,” “Tropic Thunder,” the unexpected indie success, “A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints,” and “Kiss Kiss Bang, Bang,” among numerous others. On March 10, 2024, Robert was honored with an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in “Oppenheimer.”
How much did Robert Downey, Jr. Make Playing Iron Man?
For the first “Iron Man,” which premiered in 2008, Robert notably earned “just” $500,000. His co-star Terrence Howard later shared insights into how Robert secured the role and the reasons behind his modest salary. Initially, Terrence was the first lead actor cast and entered a 3-movie Marvel deal that would pay him $4.5 million for his debut Marvel film, $8 million for the second, and $12 million for the third. Terrence revealed he discovered early on that the producers had been considering giving the part of Iron Man to Clive Owen. In response, Robert Downey Jr. reached out to Terrence and pleaded for assistance in landing an audition. According to Howard, the producers hesitated to cast Downey because he was deemed too expensive to insure, given his history of personal controversies. To help facilitate Robert’s casting, Howard offered to reduce his salary by $1 million, splitting it to provide $500,000 for Downey’s paycheck and $500,000 to cover his insurance expenses. The rest is now history.
Following the massive success of the 2010 sequel, Robert astutely negotiated a crucial salary provision for any future Marvel films. This agreement allows him to earn a considerable share of the profits whenever he appears as Tony Stark or Iron Man in ANY Marvel movie. For his role in 2012’s “The Avengers,” he earned $50 million, significantly surpassing the salaries of his A-List co-stars by a factor of 10-20 times. Even for his relatively short appearance in 2017’s “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” Robert earned $15 million for what amounted to only three total days of work. In 2013, he took home $75 million for the third “Iron Man.” That same year, GQ Magazine inquired
Robert shared his thoughts on his substantial earnings from Iron Man. Here’s his response:
GQ: “Is that number [$50 million] about right?”
RDJ: “Yeah,” he smiled. “Isn’t that crazy? They’re so unhappy. I can’t believe it. I’m what’s referred to as a strategic cost.’”
Here’s a summary of Robert Downey Jr.’s earnings and salary from his roles in the Marvel Universe:
- “Iron Man 1” (2008): $500,000
- “Iron Man 2” (2010): $10 million
- “Iron Man 3” (2013): $75 million
- “The Avengers” (2012): $10 million base + $40 million backend bonus = $50 million
- “Avengers: Age of Ultron” (2015): $40 million
- “Captain America: Civil War” (2016): $40 million
- “Spider-Man: Homecoming” (2017): $15 million
- “Avengers: Infinity War” (2018): $75 million
- “Avengers: Endgame” (2019): $75 million
Total: $380.5 million
Doctor Doom Payday
In a surprising announcement made at Comic Con in San Diego in July 2024, it was disclosed that Robert would reprise his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this time as the antagonist Doctor Doom. To convince RDJ to return to the MCU, Marvel offered him $100 million for at least two films, along with guarantees for various perks such as private jet travel, backend profit shares, dedicated security, and a “trailer encampment” while he is on set.
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Early Life
Born on April 4, 1965, in New York City, Robert Downey, Jr. grew up in a family deeply rooted in the arts. His father, Robert Downey Sr., was a writer, actor, and director, while his mother, Elsie Ann Downey, was an actress frequently featured in her husband’s films. He has an older sister named Allyson, and the family resided in Greenwich Village. Downey Sr. struggled with addiction, exposing his young son to marijuana when he was just six years old.
The surname “Downey” originates from Robert Sr.’s stepfather. Initially named Robert John Elias, Jr., Robert Sr. changed his name to gain entry into the Army during the early 1950s, listing himself as “Robert Downey.” This deception succeeded, and he carried the name thereafter. At that time, he was still known legally as “Elias,” and did not acquire the title “Robert Downey Sr.” until he named his son “Robert Downey” at his birth in 1965.
Following the divorce of Robert Downey Sr. and Elise Ann in 1975 when Robert was only nine years old, he moved to California with his father. He went on to attend Santa Monica High School during the same period as future stars like Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Charlie Sheen, Holly Robinson-Peete, Ramon Estevez, Renee Estevez, and Dean Cain. In 1982, Downey dropped out of high school and returned to New York City to chase his acting aspirations.
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Career
Before securing a position in the younger cast of “Saturday Night Live” in the mid-1980s, Downey had numerous theatre roles, joining Joan Cusack, Nora Dunn, Anthony Michael Hall, Jon Lovitz, Dennis Miller, Randy Quaid, Terry Sweeney, and Danita Vance. The “SNL” season of 1985-1986 suffered from poor ratings, resulting in the dismissal of all new cast members hired that year. That same year, Downey Jr. portrayed a high school bully in John Hughes’ “Weird Science.” Two years later, he took on the role of Julian Wells, a drug-addicted rich kid, in “Less Than Zero.” Following that, he starred in “Chances Are” opposite Cybill Shepherd in 1989, “Air America” with Mel Gibson in 1990, and in 1991’s “Soapdish” alongside Sally Field, Whoopi Goldberg, and Kevin Kline. In 1992, he starred as Charlie Chaplin in the film “Chaplin,” for which he earned a nomination for Best Actor Oscar.
Drug Issues
Downey faced significant challenges in his career when his drug usage spiraled out of control. Between 1996 and 2001, he was arrested multiple times on drug-related charges, being found with cocaine, heroin, and marijuana at various times. Although he entered several drug rehab programs, he relapsed repeatedly. In April 1996, while speeding down Sunset Boulevard, Downey was pulled over and discovered to have heroin, cocaine, and an unloaded .357 Magnum handgun in his possession, leading to his arrest. A month later, while on parole, Downey, under the influence, broke into a neighbor’s home and fell asleep in their bed. This resulted in three years of probation and mandatory drug testing, which he failed to comply with, leading to a six-month sentence in L.A. County jail after missing a court-ordered drug test in 1997. Another missed drug test two years later led to a three-year prison sentence at the California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison. He spent nearly a year there before posting $5,000 bail and becoming eligible for early release.
Shortly after his prison release, Downey joined the cast of “Ally McBeal,” where he won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a mini-series or television film. However, during the Thanksgiving weekend of 2000, he was arrested again for being intoxicated and in possession of cocaine and Valium. In April 2001, an LAPD officer found him wandering barefoot in Culver City, leading to his arrest under suspicion of drug use; he was found to have cocaine in his system but was released hours later. Following this incident, Downey was dismissed from “Ally McBeal,” subsequently entering drug rehab once more and receiving a three-year probation period.
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Career Comeback
Restarting his career after overcoming drug addiction was a significant challenge for Downey. Insurance companies deemed him unhirable, quoting exorbitant rates that studios were unwilling to pay for him. Mel Gibson, a long-time friend from their time on “Air America,” played an instrumental role in enabling the second half of Downey’s career by personally covering his insurance bond.
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For “The Singing Detective,” once Downey successfully finished the film without any complications, other filmmakers were eager to hire him again.
In 2007, he was offered the opportunity of a lifetime when he was cast as Tony Stark in “Iron Man.” The first Iron Man film premiered in the spring of 2008. Downey received critical acclaim for his portrayal in Iron Man. He reprised his role as Tony Stark in the two sequels released in 2010 and 2013, along with appearances in 2008’s “The Incredible Hulk,” 2012’s “The Avengers,” 2015’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War,” 2017’s “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” 2018’s “Avengers: Infinity War,” and 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame.”
In the comedy “Tropic Thunder,” Downey was also featured, earning a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He later took on another iconic character when he starred as Sherlock Holmes in the 2009 film of the same name. Downey reprised this role in 2011’s “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows,” and he is expected to return as Holmes in a third installment. Additionally, he portrayed Dr. John Dolittle in 2020’s “Dolittle.”
In 2023, Downey appeared in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.” His performance in “Oppenheimer” earned him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor on March 11, 2024.
TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP/Getty Images
Personal Life
After a whirlwind romance lasting 42 days, Downey wed actress and singer Deborah Falconer on May 29, 1992. His struggles with drug use and numerous rehab visits led to the end of their marriage in 2001. Falconer departed, taking their son Indio (born in 1993) with her. The divorce between Downey and Falconer was finalized in 2004.
In 2003, while working on the set of “Gothika,” Downey met film executive Susan Levin. She initially declined his advances for a date on two occasions. Eventually, the undeniable chemistry between them led to Downey proposing to Levin the night before her 30th birthday in November 2003. They tied the knot in 2005, and their son Exton was born in February 2012, with their daughter Avri following in November 2014.
Since July 2003, Downey has maintained sobriety from drugs and alcohol. He attributes his recovery to the support of his wife, Susan, and has participated in 12-step recovery programs.
Amy Sussman/Getty Images
Real Estate
Robert owns multiple properties throughout the Los Angeles area, with an estimated value of $40-50 million for his real estate portfolio alone. He purchased a home in Santa Monica, California, for $4 million in 2012. In 2009, he paid $13.44 million for a seven-acre estate in Malibu that includes equestrian facilities. Additionally, he acquired another Malibu residence in 2017 for $4 million. Other properties he possesses include a number of residential and commercial assets in Venice, California, a $2.5 million home in the Pacific Palisades, and a beachfront property in Manhattan Beach.
Robert Downey Jr. Net Worth (Money & Salary)
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Data is sourced from 2023 and 2024, with forecasts extending into 2025 and 2026. We also provide forecast data through 2027 and 2028.
* This information was taken from various sources around the world, including these countries:
Australia, Canada, USA, UK, UAE, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, US, United Kingdom, United States of America, Malaysia, U.S., South Africa, New Zealand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan.
Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bouvet Island, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi.
Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling Islands), Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Croatia (Hrvatska), Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic.
Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, Metropolitan, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories.
Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Heard and McDonald Islands, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy.
Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg.
Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar.
Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, New Zealand (NZ), Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway.
Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe.
Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Helena, St. Pierre and Miquelon, Sudan, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria.
Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates (UAE), UK (United Kingdom), USA (United States of America, U.S.), US Minor Outlying Islands.
Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City State (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands (British), Virgin Islands (US), Wallis and Futuna Islands, Western Sahara, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Post Title: Robert Downey Jr. Net Worth (Money & Salary)
Last Updated: February 4, 2025