Robert Downey Jr. Wants to Retire?
Filed under: Celebrities and Controversy, Fandom, Newsstand
Retire. I am starting to hate that word in Hollywood. Most of the time it doesn't mean what it suggests. Retirement means ending work, maybe taking on a side gig if you really need to or are really bored, but for the most part, it's ending life in the workforce and enjoying a life of leisure. In cinema, however, it seems to be anyone who is taking a break from the biz. Luc Besson's "retired," as is Sean Connery. Now ... Robert Downey Jr.?The ever popular actor has told Entertainment Weekly that he might quit acting. "I've never had it this good -- this is my day in the sun -- and I certainly don't want to look a gift horse in the molars. But [my wife] Susan and I want to begin to be in our lives as much as we are in our jobs. I'd love just to sit here and say, 'What movie's playing tonight?' I'd love to finish the new book about D-day I'm reading. I love painting, I love music." And if you can get through that without your gut falling out in dread: "But here's the thing: I can only be a guy on a call sheet probably, I don't know, maybe a couple more times. It's something I'm so grateful to have in my palm, and yet I already see its inevitable decay."
He does leave room for hope by saying: "If Sherlock Holmes performs well, I could be busy for the next 5 or 7 or 10 years." But who knows whether that's just him appeasing potential fan backlash, dread at the thought of never catching a break, feeling uncertain in his career, or some other reason altogether. But if it's true and does happen, I shudder to think of Hollywood without his talent.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-19-2009 @ 6:53PM
Reuben said...
He is one of my favorite actors, so I really hope that this does not come to fruition.
You know, for my own selfish needs.
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11-19-2009 @ 7:01PM
paul said...
They either want to retire or they're virgins...both b.s.
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11-19-2009 @ 8:48PM
Stephie said...
I've noticed that in the last few interviews Mr. D.'s given lately, he's spoken about his desire to start a family with his wife, so I can fully understand why he'd want to take a break from acting in order to raise a few more kids.
There is one request I'd like make to before he decides to ride off into the sunset... a follow-up to his "The Futurist" CD. It's the most played CD I have. I really enjoy listening to it... :-)
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11-20-2009 @ 4:42AM
Anna said...
RDJ does want to have more children. Susan quit Silver productions in February, so I guess they are getting ready. Robert also just bought he and Susans' home together. So, I would say it is baby time she will be 36 on November 23rd. She is getting up there . They had better get started. So I can see him slowing down but not retiring. He just wants to be around and be with his family. He seems to be a very loving and caring person. His mother also moved and purchased a house around the corner from his. She is in her 70's. Family is important to Robert. He lost alot of time with Indio because of his past. I guess he doesn't want to make the same mistakes this time. I don't see him being able to retire because of Sherlock Holmes, just slowing down and doing maybe 1 or 2 movies every few years or so. He is one of the best actors in Hollywood today and so talented. It would be sad to lose him, but if we do it's for a good cause. I hope he doesn't leave it would be a huge loss of great talent. I would also love to see him make another CD. I loved "The Futurist".
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11-20-2009 @ 7:48AM
BloodwerK said...
Maybe he just wants to quit while he's ahead...
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11-20-2009 @ 8:45AM
Jonathan said...
Judging from the idiotic trailer, Sherlock Holmes is not going to do well.
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11-23-2009 @ 9:21AM
mdk said...
Look for a bigger payoff for Iron Man 3, huh Bob? Well can't say as I blame you, but watch out dealing with Disney. That mouse is a real rat bastard!
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11-20-2009 @ 6:39PM
Dissenter said...
Could it just be that with the success of Iron Man, he's finally wealthy enough to consider retiring?
I can totally see "wait...you mean I don't *have* to work if I don't want to?" being a reaction to sudden wealth.
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11-21-2009 @ 9:05PM
[A] said...
He shouldn't retire. Not now.
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11-24-2009 @ 12:25PM
DR said...
"It's something I'm so grateful to have in my palm, and yet I already see its inevitable decay."
Isn't this something Rodney Dangerfield once said?
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12-02-2009 @ 5:41PM
ks said...
i can understand why he would want more time for his family, but i really hope he doesn't quit completely. he's always a pleasure to watch on screen. it would be such a s loss.
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