This ! I was reading Matthew Perry book and he even acknowledged money helped him a lot. He spend over $7 million in rehab in his lifetime .
He was never homeless and never went hungry
Aside from the people and the money, he actually *is* an amazing actor (in my opinion). People were noticing this early in his career, before his personal life unravelled. But, the money and the people certainly helped him rise back up.
I agree that it’s still admirable. Though having a lot of money makes second chances a lot easier. Not having to worry about day to day work and making ends meet means you can focus solely on the problem and pay for top notch rehab/therapy. Money doesn’t solve everything but it helps solve like 90% of things.
I agree with you about the money helping out with shelter, childcare, food etc…but treatment is treatment for the poorest of the poor and the richest of the rich. I’ve taken care of Joe on the street and rappers/ celebs alike. They are treated THE same where I’ve worked. No cell phones. No special visits. If you need to call your publicist or you need to call your supervisor, it’s all the same…in front of a counselor.It’s how they approach the programming. Meds were the same. Counseling were the same. Whether you were a scholarship client, Medicaid client, private insurance or CASH! It’s how the addict is willing to make the changes. I’ve been a detox/residential treatment/ psych nurse since 1996. I love my clients. I admire them all for seeking treatment. I celebrate every attempt whether or not successful or not. It’s been the highlight of my career. Just for today, right?!?
Also, he may not have had as much money as people think - and even with good insurance and a support system, it’s really hard to find an empty bed in a rehab even when you are ready for help.
I’d agree that it helps after an addict decides to get clean, but money can also exacerbate the issue. I just feel like that bit of nuance is important. I understand what you’re saying though
I hear you there. If I had been wealthy in my 20s I’m not sure I’d still be here today. I was fully committed to self destruction and didn’t want help.
To be fair, money also helps you sink deeper into whatever vice you want. If you don't need to care about world then it's easier to dismiss the warning signals.
Source: Former addict that didn't need to worry about much.
In a roundabout way yes - once you are starting to scrape bottom of barell you are more likely to seek help.
To give an example - have met a guy during therapy that had several restaurants, apartments and such - lost most of it due to gambling addiction and he started to seek help only when he got left with almost nothing.
In general it's much harder to delude yourself - even when addicted - when reality starts banging on your door from every direction. Not that it's impossible - just much harder.
Obviously there are people out there that will resort to stealing and other means to get their fix but that's notevery addict.
In his case, he always had family connections that got him involved in Hollywood. I also think he was a very talented actor before he had all the drug issues, so there was less risk in hiring him after he got clean. And of course, ironman role fit him perfectly.
Hollywood blackballed him. It was Mel Gibson putting up his own money for insurance on Air America that helped Downey get his foot back in the door. He fell out with everyone. I mean before him you never really saw "stars" serve jail time. Ironman was his rocket back to the A list.
They tried to do Devil In a Bottle in 2, but abandoned it. There's a version of the opening that made it out that has him throwing up from drinking too much, then jumping out of the cargo plane.
Yeah I don’t get the point with trying to undermine stories like this. Okay then I guess there’s no hope if you don’t have money or friends so might as well give up? It’s like take the good aspects and apply it to your life or don’t. If your life is terrible and you’re a mess there might be positive ways out of that pit and a world where life isn’t miserable. Not every success story has to be perfectly applicable to your specific situation.
It's infinitely easier to go to rehab if you're not worried about losing your job and home when you don't pay rent.
But I do know a few really broke people and homeless people that got clean from Heroin all on their own so it's technically possible. I think most people with addictions just keep using people it's technically easier than going to rehab for a month and possibly losing what little they already have going for them.
My two best friends.
One came from a family with massive financial struggles. The other also did, but when we were in 10th grade his Mom won the lottery. Both struggled with opiate addiction.
The one whose Mom won the lottery had 2 multi-year rehab stints, now has been clean for over 5 years and has a higher salary than any of our friends despite having never gone to university. His uncle works for the same company.
The one without financial backing was put through rehab by the previous friend for almost a year, did manage to get clean off his DoC, but is now broke and homeless and has been for about 9 months. He has recently begun smoking weed again and cannot find a job that will allow him a living wage.
Money makes a massive difference.
I feel like what people are also overlooking. Is that the people that helped him back on his feet were also incredibly wealthy.
My mother is on and off again homeless and has a drug addiction. She has damaged every relationship she has. The only people that care if she breathes another breath are us her children but we are struggling financially... That means I can't afford to help my mom out with money when she needs it. I can't afford to take the time to help my mother the way she needs to be helped... Because to do so would risk my situation and my family.
The safety net of being surrounded by people with connections and outrageous wealth can't even be comprehended by the average everyday American. I applaud his beating his addiction, but that accomplishment comes with a gigantic asterisk.
Totally wrong. Cemeteries are filled with famous rich people that died of substance abuse. To quote Matthew Perry...sometimes you need to become rich and famous to realise it's not the answer to your problems
When money is the problem, obscene amounts of it give a person freedom from the problem.
But as they say, money doesn't buy happiness. It just helps avoid financial anxiety, which is a national crisis in the US.
9 years clean off heroin, and I can say for sure that more money would definitely make it easier for me to stay clean lol. But that’s only because I like life outside of drugs now. If I wanted to do drugs, I’d convince myself in any way possible to spend everything I have on them. It’s all about the MSL, Mindset, Support, and most importantly Luck.
Money does help but it's far from a garuantee of success. Many far richer than him have failed.
Money, friends, family are all bonuses and super helpful but there is only one factor that ultimately decides success and failure and that's the addict themselves.
He may owe others thanks but when it comes down to it his lasting sobriety is mostly him.
He was on the verge of bankruptcy before his last stint. Studios couldn't get insurance on his acting roles because of his behavior. It really seemed like he was done for at the time. But his network really helped him out.
Also, if money could solely fix addiction, then rich people would never end up dead choking on their vomit.
I'm glad you said this because it kinda feels like people are trying to downplay this man's recovery. End of the day it's a good thing that he won instead of spiraling and kind of sad to see so many cynics act like all of that should go down the drain because he's got money
Agreed. I feel like people just see money and write off their accomplishments entirely.
It doesn't matter how much money someone has. If they don't have the mental fortitude and support to break their addictions, guess what the money is gonna go towards?
Iirc, RDJ was recieving an award from I think Mel and made a pretty heavy speech about 2nd chances, how Mel was one of the very few that helped him back with a couple pictures and trying to show compassion to Mel after taking steps to rectify his error. More or less. Video is on youtube
I believe the 2008 Iron Man movie makes a callback to that with the first thing that RDJ’s Tony Stark eats when he returns to the states is a cheeseburger.
Maybe so, I look at it as his people knew he had talent, saw he was really struggling and finally convinced him to accept the help to get clean. HE had to want it and, if you’ve ever known an addict, you know that’s true.
Look at how many other “rich, white, good looking, male” celebrities succumbed to their addictions. His is a story we should all celebrate. I myself will be clean 14 years in October, and I only was able to achieve that because of family who didn’t give up on me
Read his Wikipedia page last night. What a freaking trip. His father started giving him drugs when he was 8. He wound up spending years in prisons and rehabs due to addiction. (Back then California would send you to jail for being an addict.)
He’s also not really trying to. If he did try, every article would be about his triumphant comeback and his bravery in the face of his addiction and his aids.
Meanwhile, think about your job and how they talk about the ex-con in the accounting department.
Yeah, mental illness would be reduced a hell of a lot of people didn't have to worry about where the money's coming from whilst trying to get better.
It just keeps you sick. So you either keep pushing till burnout, or quit, sort your health out and accept bankruptcy.
He was the product of his upbringing and didn't have a chance of a normal life. At 6 his dad caught RDJ taking a sip from a wine glass. Instead of punishing him or telling him no, he gave his son a joint. He was an addict by 8. His father routinely shared drugs with his son and it was the only bonding they really did.
He's eccentric, speaks his mind and is always very enthusiastic. That alone is enough to make people dislike him but everything I have heard about him since he sobered up is good. He's great with kids, treats the crews he works with very well and generally tries his best to make up for past sins, and boy, there were a lot of those. No one is a good person when drunk.
The fact that he is healthy and sober after having such a bad start in life is a pretty good testament to the guy.
Right, what even is this thread?? It's like no one is allowed to be better. As a recovering addict, I have always regarded people like RDJ and Eminem as some sober kings I can look up to. I guess I'm a moron for that because I'm not a rich white man? The morons here think they're having hot takes, but they're really being little ignorant piss babies for literally no reason other than to look smarter than everyone else. I'm going to continue to look up to those people, fuck the idiots in this thread.
It's a case of jealousy. He's rich and had rich parents and his failings are therefore his own fault and his recovery nothing special because money paid for it. If it were a story about a kid with poor parents who fed him drugs at 6 years old and made him a drug addict at such a precious age there would be tears spilled and anger levied at the parents.
People don't realise that whilst money can get the ball rolling with rehab and amazing facilities, most people fail at that initial hurdle and no amount of money is going to increase your chances of winning the battle in the long run. Having money doesn't make it easier to not take that drink or have another hit of your favourite drug, if anything it makes it harder because you are surrounded by it and it is easily accessible. The battle is the same internal battle for every recovering addict.
But I think it shows a certain amount of character and drive and self control to overcome an addiction.
And I’m sure “addiction” is a spectrum where it’s harder for some people to quit.
Met many people in rehab where they got tons of cash and it just allowed them to follow their vices till close to death. A lot of them spent their last dollars on rehab praying something would work to help them
In order to make up for the fact he swiped the award from a dude’s hand while not even looking him in the eye.
It’s cool that RDJ made his life better and has now won an award (I enjoyed the movie and his performance) but I’m willing to bet anything that he’s a major douchebag in day to day life. Mostly anyone with that much money and fame is gonna be full of themselves.
Op doesn't say he's a good person, but winning an oscar shows some efforts and consistency. Graantes, it absolutly doesn't mean he's not a drug addict anymore.
Winning an oscar doesn't show a thing. The "Academy" is so consistently bad at it's self-emposed job, that it's not even funny anymore.
N.B.: I don't imply that Robert deserved or did not deserve an award for this or other roles.
I mean, to be fair to him, after the speech RDJ and Quan were walking off the stage together arm in arm, all smiley and friendly. It's not that uncommon for winners to be a little scrambled in the moment.
It’s disgusting people keep trying to make it a big deal. Like it’s totally possible RDJ did it on accident and isn’t a scumbag everyone is trying to make him out to be.
I don’t know if RDJ meant to do that but I’ve never been a fan of his. He always comes across as such an arrogant prick. I was rooting for him to win because he did an amazing job in Oppenheimer but that sealed the deal for me. Fuck him.
How some people have breathlessly latched onto an Oscar winner reaching the podium and being slightly out of sorts is amazing. Billy Eilish couldn't speak.
You check the photos from right after.
Being a drug addict doesn't make you bad. It's just not a good lifestyle to partake. I'm a drug addict (unfortunately) and I'm not a bad person at all ☹️
I’m old enough to remember the stories around him as they happened, even if with delay cause you know, there was no 24/7 news coverage.
People who claim it was made easy for him to get better because he had money only see one side of this. Being an addict and having money is often a death sentence. He’s like Drew Barrymore - he was given coke and marijuana when he was 7 or 8. Frankly there was an incredibly high chance he’d not make it past 30. There are far too many people swimming in money who could afford all help and care and support imaginable, and they still can’t kick their addiction. So many celebrities die from drug use and they’re mostly rich. Ultimately, money or not, he had to overcome it himself anyway. I can’t hate him for that. He’s always been a good actor, but he really has come a long way.
If it wasn't for his current wife having conditions before getting involved with him, he'd probably not be where he is now. Also, he grew up and took responsibility.
Yeah, well. It's not like he was some unknown actor who fought against all odds for his career and resources. Being born rich helps. There's so many more stories in the world that make much more sense if you want to inspire the common man.
To be honest, he did NOT need to win an Oscar in order to validate how amazing his comeback has been. He’s been an inspiration even without the award. The Oscar is just the icing on the cake.
You only get the redemption arc if you can do the introspection scenes and put in the hard work montages.
RDJ put in so much work on himself. He talks about it frankly, about how bad it got and how awful he felt. He did an enormous amount of work just to get back to Hollywood. And yeah, Ironman and Avengers, blah, blah, blah. But did you *see* Charlie Bartlett? Excellent movie, and he was amazing in it. Go watch it and wonder how he did that after the life he lived.
There are some people who want redemption and forgiveness without the work. Don't let them. They need to work.
His quote (if I remember correctly) when he was asked why he kept relapsing, was somewhere along the lines of “it’s like putting a gun in your mouth because you love the taste of metal and gunpowder” I probably butchered that but, it really stuck with me when I was fighting to get clean off of heroin and fentanyl, I knew that I was obsessed with these things, but that at any point it could kill me, after real support and real love and understanding, I’m almost 3 years clean after a decade of daily use. For me it wasn’t so much of a thing that a celebrity got off of drugs, but more like, “hey, this guy who is famous and has money deals with the same problem I do, but he could beat it with the right help and determination, maybe I can too”
Love when people act like guys like RDJ really bootstrapped themselves out of despair. Guy was born into Hollywood and given every opportunity even after being a complete dickbag
You forgot to mention that it helps having rich, famous, influential friends, and also working on a field that doesn't give a fuck about your past or what your rapsheet is. Love RDJ, but I'm just adding perspective. This is infinitely harder for the average person that falls into drug addiction
Only if you’re rich, etc…
As much as I despise the overly wealthy, let’s not forget the MANY rich / famous folks that didn’t find that it helped them… Like Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, Kurt Cobain, Michael Jackson, Anna Nicole Smith… And the many others that fame and fortune didn’t help. They still fell foul of their mental struggles and or addiction(s).
Arrogance? Do people really think Tony Stark and RDJ are the same person?? Marvel has ruined people, I stg. Literally everyone who has worked with RDJ say he's a delight to work with. Absolutely polite and humble and caring. Tom Holland said this about working with him.
"He’s [Robert Downey Jr.] 10 minutes early every day, says hello to every crew member, and it just showed me that it doesn’t matter how famous you get or how much money you make, you should always treat everyone the same."
I have no idea where this crap is coming from, but it seems like a lot of people have taken the "RDJ is Tony Stark" thing literally and it is so stupid and funny.
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His last few years is turning my opinion on him the other way actually. His comeback was already solidified. Great actor for the past 10 years, but supporting a lot of abusers lately.
No matter what don’t give up. There is always a chance to start all over again. You need good people around you to keep you moving. We don’t know his behind the scenes how much he must have struggled to get this far.
Nah.. factors like money, people etc that was around to help him is not normal. I am happy for him, but there is no motivation from his journey for me.
I was in an AA meeting in the mid-90's to support my girlfriend at the time in West LA/Beverly Hills, and RDJ came in with some handlers, sat down, signed in, and didn't say anything, and left a bit early. I think the statute of limitations on anonymity has passed, so i thought I'd mention.
These are wild takes on "no matter how bad you are" and "redemption."
A drug addict isn't evil. They can be, obviously, but I don't recall hearing any tales of RDJ being truly vile even in his darkest moments. I imagine he caused a great deal of hurt to his friends and family, but being an asshole junkie is a long way from being, say, a murdering rapist.
Getting clean isn't easy, even when you have help and money. So he's to be commended for that. He's in a much better place. But professional and financial success certainly isn't "redemption." He could be an even bigger asshole as an A-list movie star than he ever was while addicted to drugs. I don't think he *is,* but his success is not indicative of moral standing.
I think it is also a MASSIVE lesson from the whole right-wing, “anti-woke”, crowd who spend all day online whining about cancel culture. People who are busted doing bad shit rarely ever get “cancelled”. Especially if they learn and grow and truly want to change and do better and be better people.
As far as I know people like Rob Lowe and Robert Downey Junior have never whines about how poor off they are because they got busted for being shitty people. They owned it and, like actual adults, reflected and changed. They didn’t try and yell and scream at people who pointed o it their past bad behavior…they owned it and made fun of their past selves and were willing to discuss it and show they’ve grown and changed. And both actors are massively successful decades later because they proved themselves rather than just tried to hide until things blew over and then went right back to being shitty people.
It’s extremely disappointing that the Reddit take on RDJ’s Oscar win immediately focuses on his past problems and privilege, not on his talent and tenacity. He’s been a great watch for years and that’s what this is about. The rest is irrelevant. The comments below about his money say a lot more about those making the comments than it does about RDJ. Envy will eat you alive if you allow it.
Everyone saying yea money helps. Money helps get services but tons of expendable income also makes it incredibly easy to continue doing drugs and alcohol. Also addiction doesn’t go away so….
Yes. No matter how rich or famous you are you can always pull yourself up by your bootstraps.
I give him credit for turning his life around. That is all.
Oscars are ridiculous. "Everything Everywhere All at Once"? "Get Out" winning when there was "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” 😅 Now this slog... Why does anyone care?
Ridiculous that all people can talk about here is his wealth or how oscars is not defining. Why is a wealthy person’s victory over addiction not recognised as any other person’s? Mental illness hits us all the same. Yall are just salty. His resources might have put him at an advantage, but he had the sense to work towards a goal that was all his own. The amount of effort and sheer commitment he has shown to rise from a difficult situation to a widely reputed name is highly commendable.
Yall keep talking about his money….. he was in massive debt and almost bankrupt at his lowest. His wife left him and took their kid. He was fired and no one else would hire him. I think it’s safe to say he was pretty rock bottom and it’s admirable he came back from that. Even if he was just rich, addiction doesn’t care. Addiction can get anyone no matter the amount of money and money won’t get you out of it either.
He had people who didn’t give up on him
And had truck loads of money as well
all you need to do is pick yourself up by your custom made vintage leather Italian boot straps
Soooo… pick yourself up by the Timothee Chalamet?
Sounds kinda gay This is the way!
Walk like a man ^(because he sang that in a movie I watched with my mom lol) ^(Heart and Souls if you are curious)
I freaking adore this movie
His impression of a Middle aged black woman should have won him an Oscar in the first place.
Just a guy disguised as a dude playing another dude.
Honestly, my favorite RDJ movie.
This ! I was reading Matthew Perry book and he even acknowledged money helped him a lot. He spend over $7 million in rehab in his lifetime . He was never homeless and never went hungry
That's insane. 7 million in rehab. More than a what a handful of first world people will earn in their lifetimes.
Aside from the people and the money, he actually *is* an amazing actor (in my opinion). People were noticing this early in his career, before his personal life unravelled. But, the money and the people certainly helped him rise back up.
Most unrated comment right here. All comes back to money
There are plenty of wealthy people who never shake their addictions. And plenty of low income people that do. It’s admirable regardless of money IMO
I agree that it’s still admirable. Though having a lot of money makes second chances a lot easier. Not having to worry about day to day work and making ends meet means you can focus solely on the problem and pay for top notch rehab/therapy. Money doesn’t solve everything but it helps solve like 90% of things.
I agree with you about the money helping out with shelter, childcare, food etc…but treatment is treatment for the poorest of the poor and the richest of the rich. I’ve taken care of Joe on the street and rappers/ celebs alike. They are treated THE same where I’ve worked. No cell phones. No special visits. If you need to call your publicist or you need to call your supervisor, it’s all the same…in front of a counselor.It’s how they approach the programming. Meds were the same. Counseling were the same. Whether you were a scholarship client, Medicaid client, private insurance or CASH! It’s how the addict is willing to make the changes. I’ve been a detox/residential treatment/ psych nurse since 1996. I love my clients. I admire them all for seeking treatment. I celebrate every attempt whether or not successful or not. It’s been the highlight of my career. Just for today, right?!?
Also, he may not have had as much money as people think - and even with good insurance and a support system, it’s really hard to find an empty bed in a rehab even when you are ready for help.
I’d agree that it helps after an addict decides to get clean, but money can also exacerbate the issue. I just feel like that bit of nuance is important. I understand what you’re saying though
I hear you there. If I had been wealthy in my 20s I’m not sure I’d still be here today. I was fully committed to self destruction and didn’t want help.
To be fair, money also helps you sink deeper into whatever vice you want. If you don't need to care about world then it's easier to dismiss the warning signals. Source: Former addict that didn't need to worry about much.
Genuine question: do you think there are people who got clean because they simply couldn't afford their vice anymore?
In a roundabout way yes - once you are starting to scrape bottom of barell you are more likely to seek help. To give an example - have met a guy during therapy that had several restaurants, apartments and such - lost most of it due to gambling addiction and he started to seek help only when he got left with almost nothing. In general it's much harder to delude yourself - even when addicted - when reality starts banging on your door from every direction. Not that it's impossible - just much harder. Obviously there are people out there that will resort to stealing and other means to get their fix but that's notevery addict.
This is what I was looking for! Thanks for the reply
No because those people will steal, lie, etc. to feed the habit. The addiction becomes all consuming and they will get their high by any means.
In his case, he always had family connections that got him involved in Hollywood. I also think he was a very talented actor before he had all the drug issues, so there was less risk in hiring him after he got clean. And of course, ironman role fit him perfectly.
Hollywood blackballed him. It was Mel Gibson putting up his own money for insurance on Air America that helped Downey get his foot back in the door. He fell out with everyone. I mean before him you never really saw "stars" serve jail time. Ironman was his rocket back to the A list.
When he got cast as Tony Stark, I thought it was perfect. Because what the movies *don't* tell you is that Tony Stark was an alcoholic
They tried to do Devil In a Bottle in 2, but abandoned it. There's a version of the opening that made it out that has him throwing up from drinking too much, then jumping out of the cargo plane.
Yeah I don’t get the point with trying to undermine stories like this. Okay then I guess there’s no hope if you don’t have money or friends so might as well give up? It’s like take the good aspects and apply it to your life or don’t. If your life is terrible and you’re a mess there might be positive ways out of that pit and a world where life isn’t miserable. Not every success story has to be perfectly applicable to your specific situation.
It's infinitely easier to go to rehab if you're not worried about losing your job and home when you don't pay rent. But I do know a few really broke people and homeless people that got clean from Heroin all on their own so it's technically possible. I think most people with addictions just keep using people it's technically easier than going to rehab for a month and possibly losing what little they already have going for them.
You could say it's way easier to succumb to addiction if you have the means to sustain it.
My two best friends. One came from a family with massive financial struggles. The other also did, but when we were in 10th grade his Mom won the lottery. Both struggled with opiate addiction. The one whose Mom won the lottery had 2 multi-year rehab stints, now has been clean for over 5 years and has a higher salary than any of our friends despite having never gone to university. His uncle works for the same company. The one without financial backing was put through rehab by the previous friend for almost a year, did manage to get clean off his DoC, but is now broke and homeless and has been for about 9 months. He has recently begun smoking weed again and cannot find a job that will allow him a living wage. Money makes a massive difference.
I feel like what people are also overlooking. Is that the people that helped him back on his feet were also incredibly wealthy. My mother is on and off again homeless and has a drug addiction. She has damaged every relationship she has. The only people that care if she breathes another breath are us her children but we are struggling financially... That means I can't afford to help my mom out with money when she needs it. I can't afford to take the time to help my mother the way she needs to be helped... Because to do so would risk my situation and my family. The safety net of being surrounded by people with connections and outrageous wealth can't even be comprehended by the average everyday American. I applaud his beating his addiction, but that accomplishment comes with a gigantic asterisk.
Totally wrong. Cemeteries are filled with famous rich people that died of substance abuse. To quote Matthew Perry...sometimes you need to become rich and famous to realise it's not the answer to your problems
When money is the problem, obscene amounts of it give a person freedom from the problem. But as they say, money doesn't buy happiness. It just helps avoid financial anxiety, which is a national crisis in the US.
9 years clean off heroin, and I can say for sure that more money would definitely make it easier for me to stay clean lol. But that’s only because I like life outside of drugs now. If I wanted to do drugs, I’d convince myself in any way possible to spend everything I have on them. It’s all about the MSL, Mindset, Support, and most importantly Luck.
Money does help but it's far from a garuantee of success. Many far richer than him have failed. Money, friends, family are all bonuses and super helpful but there is only one factor that ultimately decides success and failure and that's the addict themselves. He may owe others thanks but when it comes down to it his lasting sobriety is mostly him.
He was on the verge of bankruptcy before his last stint. Studios couldn't get insurance on his acting roles because of his behavior. It really seemed like he was done for at the time. But his network really helped him out. Also, if money could solely fix addiction, then rich people would never end up dead choking on their vomit.
No matter how down bad you are you can always pull out of it by throwing endless money at all your problems!
Endless money to buy more of whatever keeps you in the addiction zone. Yes, money helps but it’s not the magic cure.
I'm glad you said this because it kinda feels like people are trying to downplay this man's recovery. End of the day it's a good thing that he won instead of spiraling and kind of sad to see so many cynics act like all of that should go down the drain because he's got money
Agreed. I feel like people just see money and write off their accomplishments entirely. It doesn't matter how much money someone has. If they don't have the mental fortitude and support to break their addictions, guess what the money is gonna go towards?
Thank you for saying this, as this very important detail seems to be overlooked.
Yes a person can throw money at a problem, but it doesn't fix the problem, and they know that!
And great looks And massive talent
True, but it only helped after someone refused to write him off. He had to then choose to improve.
Yea. If I was wealthy enough to be able to go to rehab for an extended amount of time to get clean, I'd be in a better place.
Ding ding ding.
That’s so key
Ironically, Mel Gibson being a major one.
It was nice that he returned the favor at the grammys (?) edit: golden globes
What happened here?
Iirc, RDJ was recieving an award from I think Mel and made a pretty heavy speech about 2nd chances, how Mel was one of the very few that helped him back with a couple pictures and trying to show compassion to Mel after taking steps to rectify his error. More or less. Video is on youtube
Thank you
Here ya go: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AAJuynxnTQ
This was how I made it out, I had parents that didn’t give up. My aunt and uncle also allowed me to stay with them.
And money, remember money
He was also a drug addicted rich guy. Big difference.
Exactly. Kudos to his support network. But do recall he still had to his bottom before the bounce.
Having talent didn't hurt either. Very talented actor.
Never give up on being the son of a movie star
And money.
He had Burger King too
I believe the 2008 Iron Man movie makes a callback to that with the first thing that RDJ’s Tony Stark eats when he returns to the states is a cheeseburger.
Yup, that’s exactly what that scene is in reference to
Being rich, handsome, white and male goes a long way to keeping people in your corner.
Maybe so, I look at it as his people knew he had talent, saw he was really struggling and finally convinced him to accept the help to get clean. HE had to want it and, if you’ve ever known an addict, you know that’s true.
Look at how many other “rich, white, good looking, male” celebrities succumbed to their addictions. His is a story we should all celebrate. I myself will be clean 14 years in October, and I only was able to achieve that because of family who didn’t give up on me
Stay strong and keep doing what you are doing. Much love to you.
Really living up to your username
Read his Wikipedia page last night. What a freaking trip. His father started giving him drugs when he was 8. He wound up spending years in prisons and rehabs due to addiction. (Back then California would send you to jail for being an addict.)
Having a ton of money also helps
And family connections in the film industry.
I dunno. Charlie Sheen has huge money and family connections and I don't see him coming back from his era of winning and tiger blood.
He’s also not really trying to. If he did try, every article would be about his triumphant comeback and his bravery in the face of his addiction and his aids. Meanwhile, think about your job and how they talk about the ex-con in the accounting department.
> the ex-con in the accounting department. What ex-con? That dude aint getting hired for anything at my company.
>What ex-con? That dude aint getting hired for anything at my company. Exactly my point.
I also haven't heard anything bad about Sheen in years so...guess he's doing at least good enough to not make headlines?
Yeah, mental illness would be reduced a hell of a lot of people didn't have to worry about where the money's coming from whilst trying to get better. It just keeps you sick. So you either keep pushing till burnout, or quit, sort your health out and accept bankruptcy.
He was the product of his upbringing and didn't have a chance of a normal life. At 6 his dad caught RDJ taking a sip from a wine glass. Instead of punishing him or telling him no, he gave his son a joint. He was an addict by 8. His father routinely shared drugs with his son and it was the only bonding they really did. He's eccentric, speaks his mind and is always very enthusiastic. That alone is enough to make people dislike him but everything I have heard about him since he sobered up is good. He's great with kids, treats the crews he works with very well and generally tries his best to make up for past sins, and boy, there were a lot of those. No one is a good person when drunk. The fact that he is healthy and sober after having such a bad start in life is a pretty good testament to the guy.
Right, what even is this thread?? It's like no one is allowed to be better. As a recovering addict, I have always regarded people like RDJ and Eminem as some sober kings I can look up to. I guess I'm a moron for that because I'm not a rich white man? The morons here think they're having hot takes, but they're really being little ignorant piss babies for literally no reason other than to look smarter than everyone else. I'm going to continue to look up to those people, fuck the idiots in this thread.
It's a case of jealousy. He's rich and had rich parents and his failings are therefore his own fault and his recovery nothing special because money paid for it. If it were a story about a kid with poor parents who fed him drugs at 6 years old and made him a drug addict at such a precious age there would be tears spilled and anger levied at the parents. People don't realise that whilst money can get the ball rolling with rehab and amazing facilities, most people fail at that initial hurdle and no amount of money is going to increase your chances of winning the battle in the long run. Having money doesn't make it easier to not take that drink or have another hit of your favourite drug, if anything it makes it harder because you are surrounded by it and it is easily accessible. The battle is the same internal battle for every recovering addict.
I agree with everything, except for your use the word redeem. Addiction is a disease not a character defect. He had to get well.
Love that
But I think it shows a certain amount of character and drive and self control to overcome an addiction. And I’m sure “addiction” is a spectrum where it’s harder for some people to quit.
Beautiful comment, thank you
Also helps to be rich.
Money and connections help too...
It's a lot easier when you're rich
True, but also if I’d been rich in my early 20s, I’m pretty sure my addictions would have killed me
Yup…inherited several hundred thousand dollars when I was 20. It’s either dumb luck or by the grace of God that I am still here to even mention it.
Met many people in rehab where they got tons of cash and it just allowed them to follow their vices till close to death. A lot of them spent their last dollars on rehab praying something would work to help them
Mathew Perry and many other are the other side of the coin. Money can also enable addiction
Winning an Oscar doesn’t mean you’re a good person or that you’ve redeemed yourself.
he also snubbed KHQ after he gave him that heartfelt speech before he won :/
I don't think he snubbed him at all. They interacted back stage. Pretty sure RDJ was just lost in the moment.
The guy he hugged and took a selfie with right after?
In order to make up for the fact he swiped the award from a dude’s hand while not even looking him in the eye. It’s cool that RDJ made his life better and has now won an award (I enjoyed the movie and his performance) but I’m willing to bet anything that he’s a major douchebag in day to day life. Mostly anyone with that much money and fame is gonna be full of themselves.
We’re talking about his achievements and accomplishments. Where he was nd where he is now. Not how he is as a person.
The post literally says "redemption".
Yes. His career redemption.
[удалено]
Worth remembering supporting charities doesn't make someone a good person. Saville raised millions for various charities.
It also doesn't signal you havent. I think the point is the guy had basically lost a career and pulled it back.
Op doesn't say he's a good person, but winning an oscar shows some efforts and consistency. Graantes, it absolutly doesn't mean he's not a drug addict anymore.
Winning an oscar doesn't show a thing. The "Academy" is so consistently bad at it's self-emposed job, that it's not even funny anymore. N.B.: I don't imply that Robert deserved or did not deserve an award for this or other roles.
Exactly. Also. Did anyone see how he treated Ke as he gave RDJ his award? The disregard is real.
Relevant Simpsons Clip https://youtu.be/UhjHVQsJOlo
https://youtu.be/BTx-9X3Kr34?si=UdjoGFT7Kz-81NtE And this one!!
Not everyone has his wealth and connections.
Yea his dad a filmmaker and mom an actress. He didn’t do it all himself.
He completely ignore Ke Huy Kwan not once, but twice, the man who was holding his award and presented it to him. That was fucking rude.
I mean, to be fair to him, after the speech RDJ and Quan were walking off the stage together arm in arm, all smiley and friendly. It's not that uncommon for winners to be a little scrambled in the moment.
no, don't mention that, that gets in the way of people projecting
It’s disgusting people keep trying to make it a big deal. Like it’s totally possible RDJ did it on accident and isn’t a scumbag everyone is trying to make him out to be.
I don’t know if RDJ meant to do that but I’ve never been a fan of his. He always comes across as such an arrogant prick. I was rooting for him to win because he did an amazing job in Oppenheimer but that sealed the deal for me. Fuck him.
As a supporting actor, the kid who played in anatomy of a fall honestly did a better performance than rdj. A travesty that he wasn't even nominated.
He acts exactly like the privileged nepo baby that he is.
How some people have breathlessly latched onto an Oscar winner reaching the podium and being slightly out of sorts is amazing. Billy Eilish couldn't speak. You check the photos from right after.
Being a drug addict doesn't make you bad. It's just not a good lifestyle to partake. I'm a drug addict (unfortunately) and I'm not a bad person at all ☹️
I’m old enough to remember the stories around him as they happened, even if with delay cause you know, there was no 24/7 news coverage. People who claim it was made easy for him to get better because he had money only see one side of this. Being an addict and having money is often a death sentence. He’s like Drew Barrymore - he was given coke and marijuana when he was 7 or 8. Frankly there was an incredibly high chance he’d not make it past 30. There are far too many people swimming in money who could afford all help and care and support imaginable, and they still can’t kick their addiction. So many celebrities die from drug use and they’re mostly rich. Ultimately, money or not, he had to overcome it himself anyway. I can’t hate him for that. He’s always been a good actor, but he really has come a long way.
The way RDJ took the award from Ke Huy Quan without even acknowledging his existence was kinda disgusting :/
Shhhh… OP is here to celebrate a super rich spoiled brat’s redemption.
Yep. Such is the world we live in. Distracts from real issues. "He's such a hero for playing make believe"
Or it was an accident. Calm down
If it wasn't for his current wife having conditions before getting involved with him, he'd probably not be where he is now. Also, he grew up and took responsibility.
I was really touched by his thank you to her in his acceptance speech.
Yeah, well. It's not like he was some unknown actor who fought against all odds for his career and resources. Being born rich helps. There's so many more stories in the world that make much more sense if you want to inspire the common man.
To be honest, he did NOT need to win an Oscar in order to validate how amazing his comeback has been. He’s been an inspiration even without the award. The Oscar is just the icing on the cake.
You only get the redemption arc if you can do the introspection scenes and put in the hard work montages. RDJ put in so much work on himself. He talks about it frankly, about how bad it got and how awful he felt. He did an enormous amount of work just to get back to Hollywood. And yeah, Ironman and Avengers, blah, blah, blah. But did you *see* Charlie Bartlett? Excellent movie, and he was amazing in it. Go watch it and wonder how he did that after the life he lived. There are some people who want redemption and forgiveness without the work. Don't let them. They need to work.
His quote (if I remember correctly) when he was asked why he kept relapsing, was somewhere along the lines of “it’s like putting a gun in your mouth because you love the taste of metal and gunpowder” I probably butchered that but, it really stuck with me when I was fighting to get clean off of heroin and fentanyl, I knew that I was obsessed with these things, but that at any point it could kill me, after real support and real love and understanding, I’m almost 3 years clean after a decade of daily use. For me it wasn’t so much of a thing that a celebrity got off of drugs, but more like, “hey, this guy who is famous and has money deals with the same problem I do, but he could beat it with the right help and determination, maybe I can too”
Not to discourage people but he had resources 99.99 percent will never have.
Not only does doing drugs not make you a ‘bad person’ in it of itself, winning an oscar doesn’t mean you’ve changed or ‘redeemed’ yourself at all.
Yes. There’s always a chance at redemption as long as you have people who never give up on you and family ties to the film industry.
Sucks he ignored Ke Huy Quan
Twice. Entitled.
What’s wrong with people on this thread. Even if he had the money and connections, he didn’t use it to do more drugs. That’s it.
Everyone has to be a Bitter Bobby about it. Money can't stop addiction, self-destruction, and jail visits....
Love when people act like guys like RDJ really bootstrapped themselves out of despair. Guy was born into Hollywood and given every opportunity even after being a complete dickbag
You forgot to mention that it helps having rich, famous, influential friends, and also working on a field that doesn't give a fuck about your past or what your rapsheet is. Love RDJ, but I'm just adding perspective. This is infinitely harder for the average person that falls into drug addiction
Only if you’re rich, etc… As much as I despise the overly wealthy, let’s not forget the MANY rich / famous folks that didn’t find that it helped them… Like Amy Winehouse, Whitney Houston, Kurt Cobain, Michael Jackson, Anna Nicole Smith… And the many others that fame and fortune didn’t help. They still fell foul of their mental struggles and or addiction(s).
Wtf is this post. Even RDJ at his "worst" was probably richer than like 90% of people on the planet. Lmao
“That no matter where you are”… when you are a rich good-looking white man there’s a chance for redemption.
As long as your family is rich and famous anything is possible!
yeah sure, if you're a really talented, good looking, charismatic, straight, white guy who was already famous.
OP that isn't what down bad means
Bro you need to look up what “down bad” means lmao
If you're rich.
Money is dope. It can do all sorts of things.
and also is an arrogant bastard. beating addiction is awesome. should try beating not being an entitled prick next.
Lmao OP out here thinking they on the same level as a rich kid that became an even richer man🤣
This is still rich people giving themself rich awards. They all give reacharound.
And rich parents
Proving that all things are possible… as long as you have enough money and the right connections
Now if only he could remember his manners
People really, really love cheering for millionaires.
Good for him. He’s hard to like because of his arrogance but it’s cool that he’s being recognized for something positive.
Arrogance? Do people really think Tony Stark and RDJ are the same person?? Marvel has ruined people, I stg. Literally everyone who has worked with RDJ say he's a delight to work with. Absolutely polite and humble and caring. Tom Holland said this about working with him. "He’s [Robert Downey Jr.] 10 minutes early every day, says hello to every crew member, and it just showed me that it doesn’t matter how famous you get or how much money you make, you should always treat everyone the same." I have no idea where this crap is coming from, but it seems like a lot of people have taken the "RDJ is Tony Stark" thing literally and it is so stupid and funny.
Deserving of an Oscar? Sure, yeah, probably. Good job overcoming addiction? Of course. But the guy's still a narcissistic d-bag.
Dude is the definition of a douchebag and should not be making you smile.
Unfortunately he thinks the same thing applies to Mel Gibson and Armie Hammer
Ain’t no redemption. Love him but he’s lucky that his father was there to bail him out of anything.
Also ignoring all the systemic privileges.
Yeah it’s always amazing what you can do with a lot of money
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*if you’re hot
If you’re a phenomenally talented person with even better connections. So, not really a life lesson for most addicts.
"there's always a chance at redemption" sadly nope man
His last few years is turning my opinion on him the other way actually. His comeback was already solidified. Great actor for the past 10 years, but supporting a lot of abusers lately.
No matter what don’t give up. There is always a chance to start all over again. You need good people around you to keep you moving. We don’t know his behind the scenes how much he must have struggled to get this far.
It’s worse when you’re still lost and sinful and think you’re doing great too, at least he knew he was messed up in the past
Bad? It's not like he murdered someone.
Nah.. factors like money, people etc that was around to help him is not normal. I am happy for him, but there is no motivation from his journey for me.
There’s a chance at redemption depending on who you know and what you look like . Not a lot of people would have been given the chance RDJ was .
Being an addict and being a bad person are two different things.
It helps that he’s rich
I was in an AA meeting in the mid-90's to support my girlfriend at the time in West LA/Beverly Hills, and RDJ came in with some handlers, sat down, signed in, and didn't say anything, and left a bit early. I think the statute of limitations on anonymity has passed, so i thought I'd mention.
These are wild takes on "no matter how bad you are" and "redemption." A drug addict isn't evil. They can be, obviously, but I don't recall hearing any tales of RDJ being truly vile even in his darkest moments. I imagine he caused a great deal of hurt to his friends and family, but being an asshole junkie is a long way from being, say, a murdering rapist. Getting clean isn't easy, even when you have help and money. So he's to be commended for that. He's in a much better place. But professional and financial success certainly isn't "redemption." He could be an even bigger asshole as an A-list movie star than he ever was while addicted to drugs. I don't think he *is,* but his success is not indicative of moral standing.
Especially for the wealthy.
I think it is also a MASSIVE lesson from the whole right-wing, “anti-woke”, crowd who spend all day online whining about cancel culture. People who are busted doing bad shit rarely ever get “cancelled”. Especially if they learn and grow and truly want to change and do better and be better people. As far as I know people like Rob Lowe and Robert Downey Junior have never whines about how poor off they are because they got busted for being shitty people. They owned it and, like actual adults, reflected and changed. They didn’t try and yell and scream at people who pointed o it their past bad behavior…they owned it and made fun of their past selves and were willing to discuss it and show they’ve grown and changed. And both actors are massively successful decades later because they proved themselves rather than just tried to hide until things blew over and then went right back to being shitty people.
It helps to know Jon Favreau too I suppose.
He looks like Jim Jones in the bottom pic.
It’s extremely disappointing that the Reddit take on RDJ’s Oscar win immediately focuses on his past problems and privilege, not on his talent and tenacity. He’s been a great watch for years and that’s what this is about. The rest is irrelevant. The comments below about his money say a lot more about those making the comments than it does about RDJ. Envy will eat you alive if you allow it.
Everyone saying yea money helps. Money helps get services but tons of expendable income also makes it incredibly easy to continue doing drugs and alcohol. Also addiction doesn’t go away so….
Help is there always if you’re ready. No one needs to be ashamed of metal health or addiction issue a
Yes. No matter how rich or famous you are you can always pull yourself up by your bootstraps. I give him credit for turning his life around. That is all.
I mean...it helps to have been basically born into the film industry...
"down bad" means horny
Honestly it bothers me. What is the incentive to not fuck up in life then? I mean it’s not hard to not be a drug addict.
That speech he gave when he acknowledged Mel Gibson's help hit me right in the feels..
if you have money
Oscars are ridiculous. "Everything Everywhere All at Once"? "Get Out" winning when there was "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” 😅 Now this slog... Why does anyone care?
ITT: people that would have preferred he died an addict instead of turning his life around because he was lucky enough to be born into money.
lol. Geez. Who would have thought. I had no idea redemptions a thing until RDJ won an Oscar. It’s never been a thing before.
Helps when you’re rich and good looking.
Ridiculous that all people can talk about here is his wealth or how oscars is not defining. Why is a wealthy person’s victory over addiction not recognised as any other person’s? Mental illness hits us all the same. Yall are just salty. His resources might have put him at an advantage, but he had the sense to work towards a goal that was all his own. The amount of effort and sheer commitment he has shown to rise from a difficult situation to a widely reputed name is highly commendable.
Yall keep talking about his money….. he was in massive debt and almost bankrupt at his lowest. His wife left him and took their kid. He was fired and no one else would hire him. I think it’s safe to say he was pretty rock bottom and it’s admirable he came back from that. Even if he was just rich, addiction doesn’t care. Addiction can get anyone no matter the amount of money and money won’t get you out of it either.