One of the most talented and troubled actors of his generation, Robert Downey Jr, is set to resume his award-winning career after a California judge dismissed drug charges against him and ended his three-year probation sentence.
San Bernardino Superior Court Judge Randall White made the ruling Friday after hearing that the 37-year-old actor had successfully complied with his probation and completed a one-year drug rehabilitation programme. Robert was ordered to undergo the programme and sentenced to three years probation in July 2001 after pleading no contest to drug charges.
Judge White also overruled a prosecution request for Robert’s probation to continue for a further six months to ensure “aftercare” rehabilitation. Wearing a blue pinstriped suit and a broad smile outside the courthouse in Riverside County, Robert told reporters that both he and Hollywood had changed. “Hollywood is not like that anymore,” he said. “It’s a lot more strait-laced and they’re not interested in people who are not going to show up and be healthy.”
His lawyer, Jim Epstein, added that the actor was “absolutely ecstatic and very optimistic he’ll be able to stay sober and get movie parts again”. Robert is currently working as the lead actor in The Singing Detective, which is being produced by his friend Mel Gibson.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
