The Robert Downey Jr. autographs I've got in my collection are both awesome photos from different phases in his career.  They both have good clear signature placement.  And they're both gotchas.   

The younger Downey is a 5x7 pre-print that used to be sent to fans through the mail.  Its purpose here is to identify three things about his signature which have pretty much remained the same to this day.  A big R crossing over itself with a straight line like a K; an equally big and discernible D (sometimes looking like an O); and ending with the Jr. looking like a slanted, elongated 8, crossing itself to the right.   

Which means that as much as I'd love for the Iron Man photo to be authentic, I really don't think it is.  There is a scant possibility that this is a rushed in person signature, but my gut tells me no.  

Is it bad that my Robert Downey file consists primarily of newspaper clippings from the days of his drug and legal troubles?  At that time, I think I found his most intriguing act was being found sleeping in a stranger’s house while under the influence.  Sleeping Under the Influence. 

The 80’s was a party time for me.  Days were work and evenings were for going out, dating, and dancing. Hence, I didn’t go to (or don’t remember!) a bunch of movies from that era.  It wasn’t until Robert’s incredible performance in “Chaplin” that I really started to take note of him.  I absolutely LOVE that movie and thought he would nab the Oscar.  (And boy do I have lot to share about the real Chaplin, 2 of his wives, son and daughter!) 

Anyway, it was “Chaplin”, “Natural Born Killers” and then “Tropic of Thunder” when RDJ transitioned in my mind from “oh he’s one of those Brat Pack periphery guys” to “hey – this guy is a skilled and multi-faceted actor”.  And then BAM – Tony Stark.  He was now in the stratosphere of box office, big budget, franchise movie star.  And I’m here for it. 

I root for him 100%.  His candid interviews, years of sobriety (dedicated so often to his wife with devotion), sense of humor and choice of roles.  Even though you will have to strap me down and force my eyes to stay open like Malcolm McDowell in “A Clockwork Orange” to watch the 377-hour “Oppenheimer”, I’m glad he got the Academy Award.   

Now if only I had an AUTHENTIC autograph of his!