In a recent conversation with Leonard Maltin at the Santa Barbara Film Festival, Robert Downey Jr. opened up about a significant conversation he had with the late Ryan O'Neal during the filming of their 1989 movie, Chances Are. Reflecting on their first day of rehearsals, Downey Jr. revealed an eye-opening encounter that left a lasting impact on him.
Recounting the story, Downey Jr. recalled being in Washington, D.C., where he had met some friends and indulged in some champagne the night before the read-through. Unaware of the time, he ended up oversleeping until O'Neal forcefully barged into his room, expressing his disappointment in Downey Jr.'s behavior.
The encounter struck him deeply, as it shed light on the consequences of his actions. Downey Jr., still riding on the success of 1987's Less Than Zero, was unsure why he had chosen to make what he initially considered a 'dumb a-- romantic comedy' in Chances Are. However, O'Neal's candid admonishment made him realize that people wanted to see him in a different light. They wanted to be entertained, rather than being reminded of the 'dark side of Hollywood.'
While Downey Jr. loved working on Chances Are, the conversation with O'Neal served as a wake-up call for the actor. It made him realize the importance of meeting expectations and being professional, even if he didn't fully understand or agree with them at the time.
Fast forward to the present day, and Downey Jr. was honored with the Maltin Modern Master Award at the Santa Barbara Film Festival. Close friends and colleagues, Rob Lowe and Cillian Murphy, gave heartfelt speeches in tribute to Downey Jr.'s remarkable career.
In his acceptance speech, Downey Jr. didn't forget to express his gratitude to his wife, Susan Downey. He emphasized the profound impact she has had on his life and career, acknowledging her unwavering support.
Looking ahead, Downey Jr. has an exciting lineup of projects, including the HBO miniseries The Sympathizer. Additionally, he is nominated for the Best Supporting Actor category at the upcoming Academy Awards, thanks to his phenomenal performance in Christopher Nolan's latest blockbuster.
Through his narrative, Downey Jr. provides a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes moments in Hollywood and the valuable lessons he learned along the way. This conversation with Ryan O'Neal served as a crucial turning point in his career, guiding him to make choices that resonate with audiences and fulfill their desires.
As fans eagerly anticipate the next chapter in Downey Jr.'s career, it becomes evident that his reflections and willingness to grow have contributed to his enduring success.
