Robert Downey, Jr. Downey, Jr. was born in New York City, New York. He is the son of Elsie and director Robert Downey Sr. Downey Jr.'s father was born with the surname Elias, and is of Jewish and Irish ancestry while Downey Jr.'s mother is of German and Scottish descent, although Downey, Jr. refers to himself as "half Jewish".
His first film role was playing a puppy in his father's film POUND (1970).
The Shaggy Dog (2006)
