Robert Downey Jr.’s Electrifying Drive

WORDS BY JEROME ANDRE

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE RDJ TEAM

IN the realm of Hollywood’s most iconic figures, Robert Downey Jr. has long been a shining star. Famous for his portrayal of Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this 58-year-old actor boasts a legacy of on-screen heroics. Yet, when the final credits rolled on his superhero journey in 2019’s “Avengers: Endgame,” Downey set his sights on a new mission—one that had nothing to do with defeating villains, but everything to do with saving the planet, one car at a time.

Once the proud owner of a sprawling collection of high-end modern and classic automobiles, Downey’s outlook underwent a dramatic transformation. He transitioned from Tony Stark, the genius inventor, to Robert Downey Jr., the eco-conscious visionary. He embarked on a journey that would not only redefine his own purpose, but also inspire others to follow suit.

The birth of the FootPrint Coalition marked the inception of Downey’s commitment to environmental causes. This venture group invested in companies at the forefront of environmentally friendly technologies, forging a path toward a greener future. Simultaneously, Downey and his wife, Susan, transformed their lifestyle, embracing a plant-based diet and even starting a rescue farm. But Downey knew that to walk the walk truly, he had to address an elephant in the room—or rather, a fleet of gasguzzling cars in his garage.