Robert Downey Jr. Reflects on SNL Stint

Actor Robert Downey Jr. knows his limitations and development as a performer.
In the new four-part documentary series ‘SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night’, the 59-year-old ‘Iron Man’ star discusses the background and significance of the legendary late-night sketch show ‘Saturday Night Live’.
At the age of 20, Downey appeared on ‘Saturday Night Live’ during its eleventh season, which ran from 1985 to 1986. When he looked back on his time on the show, he said it helped him figure out who he was as a performer and what didn’t fit his abilities. Regardless of one’s performance, he said the exhilaration of being a part of the show’s fast-paced 90 minutes was unrivalled, calling the experience an amazing learning opportunity.
Through his friend Anthony Michael Hall, who also appeared on the show that season, he was introduced to ‘Saturday Night Live’. Hall urged Downey to try out because he was sure he would be selected for the show, and his prediction came true.
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Hall, who is the youngest cast member in SNL history at 17, also talked about the difficulties he faced that season. He acknowledged that the writers had a hard time coming up with something appropriate for someone so young because of his age. Despite the challenges, he viewed the encounter as a defining moment in his career.
Several of the actors from Season 11—including Joan Cusack, Damon Wayans, Randy Quaid, Jon Lovitz, and Al Franken—went on to become well-known. Fans and critics, however, criticized the season, which is frequently regarded as one of the show’s worst. The majority of the cast had been replaced by the next season.
Speaking about the season in the same documentary series, SNL creator Lorne Michaels stated that he wanted to move away from the Baby Boomer demographic that characterized the show’s first ten years by bringing in a younger ensemble. He acknowledged that the choice might have skewed too young, though.
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Despite the difficulties he faced while on ‘Saturday Night Live’, Downey’s career took off. Thanks in part to his involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Oscar-winning actor has received multiple honours and is among the highest-grossing actors in movie history. In addition to his professional achievements, he has established a reputation for helping up-and-coming artists launch their careers.
Film producer Susan Downey, his wife, claims that the actor frequently makes an effort to support and guide emerging talent. She revealed that as a token of appreciation for individuals who helped him through his more trying times, he finds time to reach out to people who are having trouble or are lost.
–Farheen Ali