Robert Downey Jr. recently reflected on his brief but pivotal time on Saturday Night Live (SNL), recalling it as a bittersweet experience that helped shape his career. As a cast member during the show’s 11th season (1985-1986), Downey was only 20 years old when he joined, and though his tenure was short, he describes it as one of the most important moments in his development as a performer.
In the SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night docu-series, Downey opened up about the invaluable lessons he learned during that time, admitting that performing live on SNL gave him clarity about his strengths and weaknesses. “There’s not a more exciting 90 minutes you could have, whether you are any good or not,” he said, emphasizing the unique energy of performing in front of a live audience. Despite his short stint, Downey credits SNL with helping him realize areas where he wasn’t as strong, allowing him to grow as an actor.
Downey’s entry into the SNL cast was thanks to his friend Anthony Michael Hall, who had been part of the same season and pushed him to audition. Hall acknowledged the difficulties in writing material that suited such a young cast, which might have contributed to the season’s struggles. While season 11 is often considered one of SNL’s weakest, with a talented but mismatched cast that also included Joan Cusack, Randy Quaid, Jon Lovitz, and Damon Wayans, Downey’s time on the show is seen as an important step in his journey.
Though his SNL experience was brief, Downey went on to become one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, especially with his iconic role as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Now, as he prepares to return to the MCU for an upcoming Avengers movie, Downey’s reflection on SNL highlights how early challenges can shape a successful career. SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night is currently streaming on Peacock, offering fans a glimpse into the history of the legendary sketch comedy show.