If anyone out there has a mother, and shes not perfect, please call her and say you love her anyway. 1934-2014." tagged in Robert Downey Jr. STUMBLE SHARE SHARE TWEET PIN. Elsie Downey was born on April 11, 1934 in Dormont, Pennsylvania, as Elsie Ann Ford. However, things changed in 1975 as Elsie and Downey Sr. parted ways their marriage had apparently been on the rocks due to work pressure as well as drug consumption. "As promotion for The Judgekicks off this weekend, I feel the need to run the risk of over sharing" Downey's essay began as he delved into describing different stages of his mom's life, from her birth as Elsie Ann Ford near Pittsburgh in April 1934, through her short but turbulent marriage to Downy's father, filmmakerRobert Downey Sr., her unremarkable acting career and her struggle with addiction, and onto how she helped him battle his own demons when he was at his worst, how she bonded with her grandchildren and the health issues that weakened her in her final years. Other Famous People Born On Same Day- April 11 While her father was an engineer whod helped in the construction of the Panama Canal, her mother ran her own jewelry shop in Huntingdon, only for her to drop out of college in the 1950s. The actor wrote a touching letter about how she helped get him clean and sober. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Esordisce sul grande schermo, insieme a suo padre Robert Downey Sr., gi all'et di cinque anni. Elsie Downey was born on 11-04-1934 in Allegheny in the state of Pennsylvania, United States. Ad Choices, My ambition, tenacity, loyalty, moods, grandiosity, occasional passive aggression, and my faith. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Downey Jr. said, Pick a dysfunction and its a family problem.. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Apr 11 1934 - Dormont, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, United States, Sep 22 2014 - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States, John Webster Ford, Fay Marguerite Ford (born Shoch), 1940 - 2701 Crosby, Borough, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, USA, Photo by Gage Skidmore. Surender Sharma cause of death: What happened to Surender Sharma. As promotion for The Judge kicks off this weekend, I feel the need to run the risk of over sharing.. My mom passed away early this week.I wanna say something about her life, and a generic obit wont suffice, Elsie Ann Ford was born outside Pittsburgh in April of 1934, daughter of an engineer who worked on the Panama Canal, and mother who ran a jewelry shop in Huntingdon, where they settled.a bona fide Daughter Of The American Revolution., In the mid 50s, she dropped out of college and headed to NY, with dreams of becoming a comedienne. Amazons rock-and-roll romance, partly inspired by Fleetwood Mac, plays it way too safe. Robert Downey Jr. suffered the loss of his mother this week and he subsequently decided that a "generic" obituary wouldn't do. Check out the hottest fashion, photos, movies and TV shows! She called me out of the blue, and I admitted everything. I don't remember what she said, but I haven't drank or used since," he wrote. Eventually, when finances allowed, we were able to move her out to LA. His first week on the job was defined by Republican dysfunction over Kevin McCarthys Speakership bid. My mom passed away early this week.I wanna say something about her life, and a generic "obit" won't suffice Elsie Ann Ford was born outside Pittsburgh in April of 1934, daughter of an engineer who worked on the Panama Canal, and mother who ran a jewelry shop in Huntingdon, where they settled.a bona fide "Daughter Of The American Revolution.". She was an alcoholic As the marriage suffered, she continued to work, but not for long. Elsie Downeys income source is mostly from being a successful Actress. The couple had their first child, Allyson Downey, in 1963 before going on to welcome Robert Downey Jr. on April 4, 1965. Geni requires JavaScript! I dont remember what she said, but I havent drank or used since," RDJ writes in his Facebook post. "She was my role model as an actor, and as a woman who got sober and stayed that way.". Discover Elsie Downey's Biography, Age, Height, Physical Stats, Dating/Affairs, Family and career updates. 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To my amazement, she was completely lucid, interactive, mugging + pulling faces. My ambition, tenacity, loyalty, moods, grandiosity, occasional passive aggression, and my faith. Health Issues, Illness and Death Info She died on 22-09-2014 in Los Angeles, California, United States at the age of 80. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. By the mid '70s, the downside of drug culture caught up with many artists. By 1990, shed had enough, went to treatment, got sober. 1934 Elsie Downey was born on April 11, 1934 in Dormont, Pennsylvania, USA as Elsie Ann Ford. Elsie Ann Downey died on a Monday night at the age of 80, according to her son, and at the time the actor took to Facebook to pen a touching tribute to the woman to whom he owed so much. A recurring role on "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" ('76-'77) was her last paying jobnot that she cared, she'd have done it for free. Laura Elizabeth Ernst was born on September 8, 1957, in the state of Washington. Those who knew Elsie and Downey Sr revealed theyd connected instantly owing to their similar sense of humor and creativity. Sign up for notifications from Insider! 5 months The marriage ended in divorce in 1975. "Elsie Ann Ford was born outside Pittsburgh in April of 1934, daughter of an engineer who worked on the Panama Canal, and mother who ran a jewelry shop in Huntingdon, where they settled . Elsie Downey was born on April 11, 1934 in Dormont, Pennsylvania, USA. "I wanna say something about her life, and a generic 'obit' won't suffice," he wrote of the late 80-year-old. dont remember what she said, but I havent drank or used since. In the mid '50s, she dropped out of college and headed to NY, with dreams of becoming a comedienne. Mother of Private and Robert Downey, Jr. What emerges is an obvious affection for a woman who may have, at times, been a troubling mirror to look into like Downey Jr., Ford was a performer who struggled with and overcame addiction. A new elite? "She was my role model as an actor, and as a woman who got sober and stayed that way. addiction repeatedly forbade it. In the summer of 2004, I was in bad She thus went to different treatments and worked hard to be well on her way to recovery. After all, the undeniably talented actress was Downey Sr.s first wife and Downey Jr.s mother. We couldn't speak 'cause she had a tracheal tube. Its even imperative to note that the doctors labeled Elsie a Medical Incredible since they were amazed by how well she could do everyday activities. She was of Scottish, English, German, and Swiss-German ancestry. I returned from filming the "Avengers" sequel in June, went straight to see her. She was ultimately brought home following a set of seizures and put under hospice care. She was an actress and writer, known for Chafed Elbows (1966), Two Tons of Turquoise to Taos Tonight (1975) and Babo 73 (1964). James Pogue and Jeff Sharlet join Joe Hagan to discuss and debate the specific contours of Americas rising fringe. A recurring role on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (76-77) was her last paying jobnot that she cared, shed have done it for free. Now shes an Oscar nomineeand shes just getting started. Elsie Downey (Elsie Ann Ford) was born on 11 April, 1934 in Dormont, Pennsylvania, USA, is an Actress, Writer. Elsie Downeywas 80 Years, 5 Months, 11 Daysold. She was also reclusive, self-deprecating, a stoic Scotch-German rural Pennsylvanian, a ball buster, stubborn, and happy to hold a grudge," he added. In a heartfelt tribute on his Facebook page Friday, he revealed. This helped her not only remain a strong presence in her kids lives but also guide her son, Downey Jr., to leave the same world of drugs. She was an actress and writer, known for Chafed Elbows (1966), Babo 73 (1964) and Pound (1970). aged 80. Entertainment Television, LLC A Division of NBCUniversal. Over the years, the couple created several movies, such as Pound and Greasers Palace, and Robert Downey Jr. was a part of most of these productions. Elsie Downey was born on 11 April 1934 in Dormont, Pennsylvania, USA. 2023 Ghanafuo.com & DM Network. While I strived to have the kind of success that eluded her, my own addiction repeatedly forbade it.. In the summer of 2004, I was in bad shape. Everything we love about Downey Jr., he claims, can be attributed to her. See given below celebrity profiles about Elsie Downey 's family, relatives; Peyton Meyer Biography, Age, Height, Weight, Girlfriend, Family, Wiki & More, Nikki Bella (WWE) Biography, Age, Height, Weight, Affairs, Children, Family, Facts, Wiki & More, Shivangi Kolhapure Biography, Age, Husband, Children, Family, Caste, Wiki & More, Madhubala Biography, Age, Death, Husband, Children, Family, Facts, Caste, Wiki & More, Sunanda Sharma (Singer) Biography, Age, Height, Boyfriend, Family, Facts, Caste, Wiki & More. ", "She called me out of the blue, and I admitted everything. Robert Downey Jr. wrote a touching Facebook tribute to his mother, Elsie, this weekend after she died at age 80 late last week. Elsie Downey was an American actress and writer, who became known for her acting in Chafed Elbows (1966), Moment to Moment (1975), and Babo 73 (1964). My ambition, tenacity, loyalty, "moods," grandiosity, occasional passive aggression, and my faith. That's all herand I wouldn't have it any other way. Her first recognizable role was on Babo 73 in 1964, in which she portrayed the character of Hitchhiker. I knew it was difficult, and understood as the visits got shorter.". She was also reclusive, self-deprecating, a stoic Scotch-German rural Pennsylvanian, a ball buster, stubborn, and happy to hold a grudge. She was an alcoholic. She called me out of the blue, and I admitted everything. There, thanks to the combination of her humor as well as acting skills, she was able to meet many similarly inclined people, including Robert Downey Sr. Elsie and Downey Sr. first met in 1962, just to tie the knot the same year following a proposal by the latter at a Yankees vs. Orioles game. All rights reserved. Official Sites. Born on April 11, 1934, in Dormont, Pennsylvania, Elsie Ann Ford was a creative force. She was an actress and writer, known for Chafed Elbows (1966), Two Tons of Turquoise to Taos Tonight (1975) and Babo 73 (1964). To revist this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories. Unfortunately, just around the time Elsie had begun her sobering journey, she was reportedly diagnosed with multiple heart diseases. Naturally, people are eager to learn more about her and how she passed away. Poser fascists? Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. After Elsie got clean, she would later help her son do the same. Selena Gomez Survived Social Media and, With Her New Music, Is Ready to Leave Darkness Behind, And of course she raves about costars Steve Martin and Martin Short: I really love them. But I havent drank or used since., Downey Jr., whose latest project, The Judge, deals with the topic of an aging parent, closed out his tribute with the revelation that his defining qualities come from his mother. In March, she suffered another cardiac arrest and was put on life support. Follow me on Twitter (@NaNa_KqAmE). In the summer of 2004, I was in bad shape. Robert Downey Sr. was an actor and filmmaker Credit: Getty His first marriage was to actress Elsie Ann Downey ( ne Ford) (1934-2014), with whom he had two children: actress-writer Allyson Downey and actor Robert Downey Jr. In a heartfelt tribute on his Facebook page Friday, he revealed that she was his inspiration for not only achieving success in Hollywood, but for ultimately getting sober. "In the summer of 2004, I was in bad shape. Eventually, Elsie moved to Los Angeles, California, after her familys financial conditions improved. Im pretty lost right now, but everyone is, right? he told. We couldnt speak cause she had a tracheal tube. Allyson and Robert, with his first wife Elsie Ann Downey. Publicity Listings She died @ 11 p.m., September 22nd, survived by her extremely loving and tolerant partner of 37 years, Jonas Kerr. & as well as other partner offers and accept our, "In the summer of 2004, I was in bad shape. . View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro, Best Actress (Nominees And Winners 1979-1960), Say Goodbye: 2014 Deaths: September 1 - December 31. She had a special affinity for my firstborn son Indio, and really got a kick out of Exton. Vanity Fair may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. She was actually a talented artist eager to establish herself in the entertainment industry and hence worked hard to earn opportunities, only for it to soon lead her to Robert Downey Sr. She was previously married to Robert Downey Sr.. She died on September 22, 2014 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Elsie Ann Ford was born outside Pittsburgh in April of 1934, daughter of an engineer who worked on the Panama Canal, and mother who ran a jewelry shop in Huntingdon, where they settled..a bona fide "Daughter Of The American Revolution." In the mid '50s, she dropped out of college and headed to NY, with dreams of becoming a comedienne. My ambition, tenacity, loyalty, 'moods,' grandiosity, occasional passive. A significant reason for the same is that, like many within the underground film industry at the time, she was heavily into the drug culture. She called me out of the blue, and I admitted everything. She died on 22-09-2014 in Los Angeles, California, United States at the age of 80. Eventually, when finances allowed, we were able to move her out to LA. Her doctors basically titled her a Medical Incredible, said there was little they could do, and were frankly amazed she was up and walking. Robert Downey Sr was "a true maverick" in the movie world, his Iron Man star son says. Sister of Private. ", The actor, 49, added that he too could relate to the addiction he faced and that in 2004, "I was in bad shape. Downey and wife Susan have a second child on the way, a girl due in November. When asked by Sr.. "My ambition, tenacity, loyalty, "moods," grandiosity, occasional passive aggression, and my faith. That's all herand I wouldn't have it any other way. According to her son, Elsie Ann Downeydied Monday night at the age of 80, and today the actor took to Facebook to pen a touchingand yet signaturely quirkytribute to the woman to whom he owes so very much. Though his mom was able to keep her demons at bay, Downey Jr.s early career suffered thanks to his own. I remember living with her and her boyfriend Jonas, (who became a second father to me) in a 2 room 5 story walk up in Manhattan after thatBunsen burner for a stove, cockroaches, broken dreams. ", "As the marriage suffered, she continued to work, but not for long. About halfway through the documentary, father and son look back fondly on their early years spent with Elsie Ann, an actor herself who starred in many of Downey Sr.'s films. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Elsie Alma Downey was born on month day 1893, at birth place, Michigan, to William O. Renick and Catherine Renick (born Green). She was my role model as an actor, and as a woman who got sober and stayed that way. Family (2) Trivia (3) According to her son, Elsie Ann Downey died Monday night at the age . Cinematographer Mandy Walker was told as a teenager that women werent supposed to work in camera departments. She had a special affinity for my firstborn son Indio, and really got a kick out of Exton. Due to financial constraints, she then lived in a 2-room, fifth-floor apartment in Manhattan, which she shared with her boyfriend, Jonas Kerr, who became a paternal figure for her children. There was another "revolution" of sorts going on at that time, of underground counter-culture film and theatreand with her as Bob Sr's muse, they jumped in wholeheartedly. production coordinator (51 episodes, 1976) Oliver Hailey . When Elsie Ann Barns Downey was born about 1885, in Lawrence, Missouri, United States, her father, Marshall Marion Gallaway Downey, was 25 and her mother, Marilla Jane Barnes, was 23. Her husband is Robert Downey Sr. (1962 - 18 February1982)( divorced)( 2 children). I wondered if she might just beat the odds once more. I knew it was difficult, and understood as the visits got shorter. a bona fide 'Daughter Of The American Revolution.'" Wayne Shorter funeral, burial service, pictures, date, time, venue. 'Iron Man' Star Robert Downey Jr. and Wife Expecting a Baby Girl, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. William was born on May 21 1844, in Detroit, Wayne, Michigan, USA. Also learn how She earned most of Elsie Downey networth? Robert's father is of half Lithuanian Jewish, one quarter Hungarian Jewish, and one quarter Irish, descent, while Robert's mother was of English, Scottish, German, and Swiss-German . She was married to Robert Downey Sr. . Robert Downey Sr. was an actor and filmmaker Credit: Getty His first marriage was to actress Elsie Ann Downey (ne Ford) (1934-2014), with whom he had two children: actress-writer Allyson . Robert Downey Jr Says There's 'Unfinished Business' For Tony Stark.