Robert Downey Jr. is easily one of the best and most popular actors on the planet. He tasted commercial success with his stint as Iron Man in the MCU while his performance in Oppenheimer earned him much-needed Oscar recognition. As a result, it is a lofty praise when Downey Jr commends another actor’s performance.
During an interview, Downey lauded praise on actor Rami Malek. In recent years, Malek has also transitioned to commercial films, having won his first Oscar for his mercurial performance in 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody. However, Downey’s praise for Malek predates his Oscar win, which ended up setting a record, and here is what the veteran had to say.
Robert Downey Jr. Praised Rami Malek Who Became the First Egyptian to Win an Oscar
Robert Downey Jr‘s career has only seen an upward trend since his debut as Iron Man in the MCU. In 2016, the actor sat down for a conversation with GQ, where he discussed various aspects of his career, personal life, and the show business as a whole.
During the interview, Downey was asked about the performances of some of his peers that he had enjoyed watching recently. Among the male actors, Downey showered praise on Rami Malek, who was back then playing the lead role in the TV series Mr. Robot.
Rami Malek. He’s the one right now. Everybody else should be studying this guy.
Downey made the above statement, calling Malek one of his favorite actors at the time.
At the time, Malek had won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his work on Mr. Robot. He would go on to win a Best Actor Oscar for his role as Freddie Mercury in 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody, becoming the first actor of Egyptian heritage to win the award.
Rami Malek Thought He Was Being Pranked With Robert Downey Jr’s Name
During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Downey admitted that he was a fan of Malek’s work on Mr. Robot. The Iron Man actor had sent emails to Malek praising him for his performance. However, when Downey tried face-calling the actor, Malek felt he was being pranked.
For a second, I got the email from Robert and I thought, ‘Okay, somebody’s playing tricks on me.’ And then they kept coming and they were so witty.
Malek made the above statement (via Entertainment Weekly), voicing his reaction to Downey personally reaching out to him.
Despite initially thinking that someone was pranking him using Downey’s name, Malek admitted that he and the MCU veteran quickly became friends and also worked together. Malek had a voice role in the Downey-led Dolittle before they appeared together in Oppenheimer, which earned Downey his first Oscar win.
Oppenheimer is streaming on Peacock.
