BEVERLY HILLS, May 12, (THEWILL) – ‘Iron Man’ actor, Robert Downey Jnr covers the latest issue of GQ Style Magazine. He talks about being the world’s highest paid actor, more.
The 51-year old talks being the world’s highest paid actor, misconceptions about him, getting older, more in the issue.
Read excerpts from his interview below:
What advice would you give to a young actor seeking what you have?
If you always talk about all the cool stuff you’re gonna do, and you don’t understand why it hasn’t already happened for you, because, you know[snaps fingers]… The fumes of that will get you over the first hurdle, and nothing else. You must learn to put your nose to the grindstone for years and not look up, no matter how much rejection is heaped on you.
“World’s highest-paid actor” and “one of the greatest actors of his generation.” You’ve been called both many times. If you had to choose just one, which would it be?
Neither. Because they’re both so—I mean, it’s like, really? First of all, could you imagine back in, let’s call it the golden era, you know, my dad’s age, Pacino’s and De Niro’s—do you think they would ever have allowed such a paltry discussion, reducing them to a monetary figure? I have had and I have created some of the worst luck in the history of anybody in the public eye. And then there was five minutes there where I was batting a thousand.
What do you feel is the biggest misconception about you?
Probably the fast talking. There’s always this thing where it’s like,[affected journalist voice]“Man, he’s razor sharp, fast-talking, blah blah blah.” I’m like: No. I’ve just played a lot of characters like that.
When do you think you looked your best, in general?
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.When I watch that movie, I say, “You were beautiful. And now…you just need to accept the fact that you’re going to age as gracefully as possible.” I think it was also just because me and the missus were in lockstep. No kids. Not married yet. We saw nothing but each other. And we had a project. And it’s [director] Shane Black. Who, you know, it’s hard not to adore. And 35 days of night shooting. I mean, we were giddy. But I think there was something about sleeping till two o’clock in the afternoon every day, where it reminded me of when we were all beautiful young club kids. It was also very good lighting.
Check out photos from his spread below!
Read the full interview here.
Photography: Pari Dukovic
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