Robert Downey, Sr.

Birth Name: Robert J. Elias, Jr.

Date of Birth: June 24, 1936

Place of Birth: Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Death: July 7, 2021

Place of Death: Manhattan, New York City, New York, U.S.

Ethnicity:
*75% Ashkenazi Jewish
*25% Irish

Robert Downey, Sr. was an American actor, director, producer, writer, and cinematographer. He was initially known for his countercultural productions of the 1960s and 1970s. He directed the films Chafed Elbows, Putney Swope, Pound (1970), Greaser’s Palace, all of which he wrote; Up the Academy, Rented Lips, Too Much Sun, and Hugo Pool, the last two of which he co-wrote; and the made-for-tv movie Sticks and Bones, which he wrote. He also co-wrote The Gong Show Movie, and directed episodes of The Twilight Zone in the 1980s. He was also credited as Bob Downey, Sr.

Robert was the son of Elizabeth Jesse “Betty” (McLoughlin/McLauchlen), a model, and Robert R. Elias, who managed hotels and restaurants. His paternal grandparents were Lithuanian Jews. His maternal grandfather had Irish ancestry, and his maternal grandmother was a Hungarian Jew. He was raised in Rockville Centre.

Robert took the surname of his stepfather James Downey.

He had two children, including actor, musician, and producer Robert Downey, Jr., with his former wife, actress Elsie Ann (Ford). He was also married to Laura Ernst, until her death, and then to Rosemary Rogers, until his death.

Robert’s paternal grandfather was Yosef/Joseph/Iosel W. Elias/Eliashovich (the son of Meyer Eliasovitz/Elias/Eliashovich and Bealia/Beylia Cohen). Yosef was a Jewish emigrant, from Jonava, Kaunas, Lithuania. Meyer was the son of Itzko Eliashovich.

Robert’s paternal grandmother was Golda/Gussie/Augusta Goldberg (the daughter of Moses Chies “Morris” Goldberg and Khala/Khaia/Chala Gitel “Ida” Algaze/Algazy). Golda was a Jewish emigrant, from Prienai/Pren, Kaunas, Lithuania. Khaia was the daughter of Hyrom Alyiza and Libbie.

Robert’s maternal grandfather was James Robert McLauchlen (the son of John Robert McLauchlen and Jessie Murray). James was born in Massachusetts, to parents from Canada, and had Irish ancestry. John was from New Brunswick, the son of John McLauchlen and Elizabeth. Jessie was from Nova Scotia, the daughter of John Murray and Mary.

Robert’s maternal grandmother was Ellenore/Eleanor “Ella” Ormay (the daughter of Rudolph Ormay and Ilke/Ilka Helen Stern). Ellenore was a Hungarian Jewish emigrant. Rudolph was the son of Herman Ormay and Elizabeth Heiman. Ilke was the daughter of Rudolf Stern and Ilke Rosisatier.

Source: Genealogies of Robert Downey, Sr. – https://www.geni.com
https://www.findagrave.com

Family history of Robert’s father – http://www.248ancestors.com

Robert’s father on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Robert’s mother on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Marriage record of Robert’s maternal grandparents, James Robert McLauchlen and Ellenore/Eleanor “Ella” Ormay – https://www.familysearch.org

Robert’s maternal great-grandparents, John Robert McLauchlen and Jessie Murray, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://www.familysearch.org

Death record of Robert’s maternal great-grandfather, John Robert McLauchlen – https://www.familysearch.org

Death record of Robert’s maternal great-grandfather, Rudolph Ormay – https://www.familysearch.org

Death record of Robert’s maternal great-grandmother, Ilke/Ilka Helen (Stern) Ormay – https://www.familysearch.org