Robert Downey Jr., the legendary actor best known for his iconic role as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has had a long and storied career in Hollywood. 

However, there was a time when Downey, at just 20 years old, was still trying to find his footing in the entertainment industry. 

That time came in 1985 when he was a cast member on *Saturday Night Live* (SNL) for one brief season. 

Now, in the new docuseries *SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night*, Downey reflects on his short-lived stint with the legendary sketch comedy show, 

and the lessons it taught him about his identity as a performer.

Downey’s time on *SNL* lasted only from 1985 to 1986, as part of a season that is often considered one of the weakest in the show’s history. 

He admits that it wasn’t the right fit for him but says it was a crucial experience that helped him better understand his own limitations as an actor. “I learned so much in that year about what I wasn’t,” Downey said, acknowledging that the fast-paced nature of *SNL* wasn’t a perfect match for his style of acting. However, he also emphasized how thrilling the experience was, regardless of the outcome. “There’s not a more exciting 90 minutes you could have, whether you are any good or not,” he said, revealing his appreciation for the energy and rush of working on the live show.

Downey’s role on *SNL* came through his close friendship with actor Anthony Michael Hall, who was also cast on the show for the same season. Hall had a significant influence on Downey’s inclusion, as he was the one who encouraged his friend to audition. “Michael Hall said to me, ‘I’m gonna go do SNL. I’m gonna get you an audition and I bet you’re gonna get yourself on the show too,’” Downey recalled. Hall, who was just 17 at the time and the youngest-ever cast member on *SNL*, also reflected on the difficulties they faced working on the show. “When I look back, I have some memories of it being difficult,” Hall shared, noting that his age made it challenging for the writers to create material for him. Despite the hardships, both actors share fond memories of the experience.

Season 11 of *SNL* was an ambitious attempt by the show’s creator, Lorne Michaels, to revitalize the program with a younger cast. Michaels wanted to bring in fresh talent to appeal to a younger demographic, but the experiment didn’t work as expected. “I wanted to go younger,” Michaels said in the docuseries, “I perhaps went too young.” The decision to bring in younger, less experienced performers ultimately led to many of the cast members being replaced after the season ended. Despite this, Downey acknowledges that being part of the show was a significant learning experience.

Though his time on *SNL* was brief and marred by uncertainty, Downey’s career soared after leaving the sketch comedy scene. He went on to achieve immense success in Hollywood, starring in films like *Iron Man* and *Sherlock Holmes*, and becoming one of the highest-grossing actors in the world. Downey’s ability to adapt and find his niche in the industry is a testament to his resilience and understanding of what works best for him as an actor.

Beyond his own career, Downey has become known as a mentor and supporter of younger performers. His wife, film producer Susan Downey, shared how her husband goes out of his way to encourage and uplift those in the industry, especially young talent. “If he sees a performance he likes, he will go out of his way to get ahold of that person, especially anyone young and up and coming,” Susan said. She continued, “If he knows somebody struggling, he’ll reach out, so much to the point that people know to send people towards him, because he will make that time.”

Downey’s kindness and generosity are reflective of his understanding of the struggles young actors face, having experienced his own challenges early in his career. From the fast-paced world of *SNL* to the unparalleled success he enjoys today, Downey’s journey has come full circle, and he continues to be an inspiration for the next generation of actors.

*Saturday Night Live* fans can learn more about the history and legacy of the show in the new docuseries *SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night*, currently streaming on Peacock.

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