Robert Downey Jr. Backs Out Of Book Deal

NEW YORK — The "Iron Man" will not be wielding a pen: Robert Downey Jr. has postponed plans to write a memoir and has returned his advance to publisher HarperCollins, a spokeswoman for the actor told The Associated Press.

Britney Ross of Rogers & Cowan declined to say Tuesday why Downey wouldn't be writing the book, originally scheduled to come out this year. HarperCollins had billed it as a "candid look at the highs and lows of his life and career" when the publisher announced the project two years ago.

Downey, 43, has struggled often with drug abuse, but has also received much acclaim for his acting, including an Academy Award nomination for his starring role in "Chaplin" and strong reviews for his title performance in "Iron Man," one of this year's biggest hits. He next will be seen in "Tropic Thunder," along with Ben Stiller and Jack Black.

Comments

[Agentlady007]

...Memo to Hu8ffpo: Who is editing my posts? I said surprise, not surpie. I would never type surpie. You guys are wacked.

[eXcommunicate]

Kind of a good move in Downey's part here. He should wait until his career has finished before releasing such a memoir. Right now he's on a pretty good roll. :) I can't wait for TROPIC THUNDER. If you want a bunch of laughs to lighten your day, just take a look at the trailer for the flick.

[Agentlady007]

I agree, he should remain a silent movie super star for a while longer yet. " A Day in the life of an actor who speaks his mind " can wait a few more years.

[Agentlady007]

I still think his best movie was his own documentary "The Last Party". He's quite young and smart, and witty beyond compare. I think it'll be no surpie to anyone if one day this dude is sitting as our commander in chief in The White House on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. ( Ha ha. Kidding, -not.)

[Agentlady007]

..or ' The Day in a life Of a Would Be Silent Super Star Actor Who Speaks His Mind".........can also wait a few more years....

[aznurse]

Keep it humble.

[Agentlady007]

I don't think anyone is in any hurry to hear about his trauma and his amazing recovery since he got lucky with Ironman. We've all pretty much lived through it with him. So big deal.

[ReelBusy]

Smart move Robert.

[Cowtippin]

I dig this dude. He's a great actor and if you don't want to read his book whenever it comes out...well don't. Stay off these blogs to because I don't wanna hear you complain about actors...because they don't a crap what you thing anyway. Have a nice day pool boy

[CoulterIsASuccubus]

He needs to write it now, put it in a vault and publish it when he's 70.

[gonavy]

The less we know about actors the better for their careers. TMI is what doomed Tom Cruise. Downey has a real good chance at coming back for good, don't blow it.

[Triangle1]

He probably made the book deal before he moved from the D list to the A list. Then realized the big Iron Man money machine doesn't want to be tainted with insane drug revelations and sexcapades. Once you're making major studio cash, a book deal is chump change. Who has the time for a couple hundred thousand dollars when you make a couple million dollars a movie?

[troykendal]

This guy is so hot.

[protagonia]

But what a tale it will be when finally published.

[Fudgefase]

Can't imagine there's much hasn't already been published. Just read the rap sheets!

[Topfeeder]

Good idea on waiting to publish. He is only 43 and still a neophyte recovering addict. How I overcame my addiction, blah, blah, blah, is just what addicts don't need to do. It really is one day at a time and no cockiness is allowed.

[JuniorBug]

Good comment.

[tinkaboutit]

I'd be particularly interested in his SNL days with Anthony Michael Hall.

[JuniorBug]

If you want to know what it was like to worth with Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson probably has time to chat.