Robert Downey Jr Defends Blackface Role in Tropic Thunder

Robert Downey Jr's portrayal of Kirk Lazarus in the film “Tropic Thunder” earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Despite not winning the award, his performance was highly acclaimed by critics and audiences.

However, the character he played, an Australian actor who underwent a pigmentation alteration to portray a black character, sparked controversy and criticism.

In the movie directed by Ben Stiller, Downey Jr's character's decision to darken his face for the role raised eyebrows and drew backlash.

Nevertheless, Downey Jr stood by his choice and expressed no regrets for his portrayal of Kirk Lazarus.

During an interview with Joe Rogan, he shared his perspective on taking on the challenging role.

Downey Jr recalled how he initially hesitated when Stiller approached him for the part, especially after realizing the potential backlash.

However, he eventually decided to take on the role as a way to challenge the boundaries of artistic expression and highlight the hypocrisy prevalent in the entertainment industry.

The actor humorously reflected on his decision, admitting that he questioned himself along the way.

Despite the controversies surrounding his portrayal, Downey Jr found value in the experience, suggesting that it allowed him to explore different facets of his craft and shed light on societal issues.

Moreover, Downey Jr revealed that a significant portion of his black friends supported his performance in “Tropic Thunder,” indicating a varying perspective on the matter.

The film, known for its satirical take on Hollywood and action-comedy genre, featured a star-studded cast including Tom Cruise, Nick Nolte, Matthew McConaughey, and Bill Hader.

For more updates on Hollywood, Bollywood, and entertainment news, stay tuned for the latest headlines from India and around the world on The Indian Express.

Dive into the world of cinema and pop culture for exclusive insights and trending stories.