Yahoo News Robert Downey Jr pays tribute to "maverick" father after his death
Marvel star Robert Downey Jr has paid tribute to his father Robert Downey Sr in an Instagram post after his death on Tuesday (July 6).
Sharing with his fans a black and white picture of his father in his youth, Downey Jr wrote: "RIP Bob D. Sr. 1936-2021…
"Last night, dad passed peacefully in his sleep after years of enduring the ravages of Parkinson’s..he was a true maverick filmmaker, and remained remarkably optimistic throughout.
"According to my stepmoms calculations, they were happily married for just over 2000 years," he joked before also celebrating his father's wife, writing, "Rosemary Rogers-Downey, you are a saint, and our thoughts and prayers are with you."
As a director, Downey Sr was best known for writing and directing the 1969 underground satirical comedy film Putney Swope, a countercultural commentary on the New York Madison Avenue advertising world.
Some might also remember him for his appearances in To Live and Die in L.A. and The Family Man as well as his last film appearance in 2011's Tower Heist.
He also directed and starred in a few episodes of the 1980s reboot of the Twilight Zone. His last appearance was on a 2015 episode of Saturday Night Live.
Related: Marvel's Robert Downey Jr says he could relate to Tony Stark
Tributes flooded in for the late star on social media. "RIP Robert Downey Sr., A PRINCE. One of the greatest to do it and do it in his own way," one person tweeted.
"The great Robert Downey Sr. has died. He was a pioneering underground filmmaker, a true original, and a lovely man. (A prince, even.)," another wrote.
Blockbusters are back – and the latest edition of Digital Spy Magazine has got everything you need to know about the summer's biggest box office arrivals. Read every issue now with a 1-month free trial, only on Apple News+.
Interested in Digital Spy's weekly newsletter? Sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox – and don't forget to join our Watch This Facebook Group for daily TV recommendations and discussions with other readers.
You Might Also Like
