Robert Downey Jr.'s Most Famous Feuds
Despite his reputation as an easygoing and likable actor, Robert Downey Jr. has had his share of Hollywood feuds, one of which is his well-known dislike for Hugh Grant. According to the Daily Mail, Downey Jr. publicly struck first, calling Grant a "boring, flash-in-the-pan a**hole Brit." This came after they worked together on the 1995 movie "Restoration."
Then, on January 10, 2018, Grant gave his side of the story in an interview with People. "[Downey Jr.] hated me. He took one look at me and wanted to kill me," the actor recalled of their first encounter. Grant added that he didn't know why Downey Jr. disliked him.
However, this feud has a happy ending, as Downey Jr. responded two days after the interview. "A lot has happened over two decades! I respect how Mr. Grant has matured as an artist & voice against violations of privacy," he said on X, formerly Twitter. "Let's break bread together soon @HackedOffHugh! #burythehatchet2018." Using the same hashtag on X, Grant accepted the offer. Unfortunately, Downey Jr. has also had some not-so-happy feuds.
Jimmy Kimmel has pushed Downey Jr.'s buttons on multiple occasions
Although there isn't exactly a publicly known feud between Jimmy Kimmel and Robert Downey Jr., the comedian has taken eyebrow-raising shots at the actor — some of which seem pretty personal. One instance came in June 2020, during an episode of Jimmy Kimmel's talk show. When Kimmel asked Downey Jr. what he was wearing, the actor responded that he didn't know and asked the host what he was wearing.
Kimmel's answer was rather odd: "Later on, we'll look, and you'll go through my pants, and we'll see what I'm wearing." Downey Jr.'s body language showed he was deeply uncomfortable and surprised by Kimmel's response. "What is this about you and I in your pants? Were you coming on to me? I just got here," he retorted, failing to mask his discomfort.
Downey once again became the butt of Kimmel's joke during the March 2024 Oscars, which gave the actor his first Academy Award. "And congratulations to Cillian's costar, Robert Downey Jr. This is the highest point of [his] long and illustrious career. Well, one of the highest points," he added, gesturing to his nose. This silently referenced the drug use that played a role in Robert Downey Jr. serving jail time in the '90s. Netizens have repeatedly slammed him for joking about drug addiction. However, Downey Jr. hasn't publicly addressed these issues.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Terrence Howard called out Robert Downey Jr. for betraying him
Terrence Howard's feud with Robert Downey Jr. dates back to the 2008 "Iron Man" movie. Howard played the War Machine alongside Robert Downey Jr. as the titular hero, but despite their on-screen compatibility, Howard's role was recast in "Iron Man 2." In an interview on Sway's Universe, in March 2013, Howard initially claimed he was recast due to contractual disagreements.
However, eight months later, during an appearance on "Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen," he accused Downey Jr. of having a hand in his recast. Howard referred to him as "the person that I helped become Iron Man" and alleged that Downey Jr. pushed him out of the franchise. Conversely, Downey Jr. denied any involvement in the studio's decision with MTV News. More recently, both actors seem to have mended fences as Howard posted a picture with Downey Jr. on Instagram, captioned, "Nice to see my old friend again... #lifestooshort #allgood."
Robert Downey Jr. nearly beat up an executive
In 2019, Robert Downey Jr. recalled how he nearly got into a fight with an unnamed "Hollywood executive" while waiting to be interviewed on "The Howard Stern Show." According to the "Iron Man" star, who has a black belt in Wing Chun, "I was just standing out there [...] standing in front of the TV screen when this little nebbish big-wig says, 'Out of the way!'" When the actor tried to explain that he was meant to be there, the executive demanded to know: "Who the f**k are you?" (via the Daily Mail).
This understandably infuriated Downey Jr., who briefly considered beating him up on the spot. However, he ultimately chose to be the bigger person, explaining that the executive's outsized ego was likely what made him behave in such a rude and demeaning manner. He added that certain big names in Hollywood can't take it when people don't immediately oblige their demands. Refusing to get physical, even though he is a trained fighter, is a clear sign of the self-control that the Oscar-winner has developed.
Robert Downey Jr. had a real-life Marvel feud
Robert Downey Jr. has also had his share of Marvel squabbles, some of which are surprisingly heartwarming. In 2013, Deadline reported that the actor, who has a lot of sway at Marvel, was leading his fellow actors to demand better treatment and pay. While Downey Jr. made $50 million, some of his co-stars reportedly earned as little as $200,000. Considering that "The Avengers" generated over $1.5 billion globally, making it one of the most profitable movies in history, several actors felt unduly compensated.
An insider described Downey as: "The only guy with real power in this situation. And balls of steel, too," revealing, "He's already sent a message that he's not going to work for a place where they treat his colleagues like sh*t." Ultimately, the outspoken actor's resolve produced results as the cast of "Avengers 2: Age of Ultron" received increased salaries, with some earning bonuses in later "Avengers" movies too.