Robert Downey Jr. Reveals Taking Beta Blocker Before Accepting a Golden Globes Award
In the recently concluded 81st Golden Globe Awards, Robert Downey Jr. won the Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture award. But the 58-year-old actor got even more attention after announcing that he took a beta blocker before his acceptance speech.
The Iron Man star was commended for his role as Lewis Strauss in the movie Oppenheimer. When he took to the stage at the Beverly Hilton in California, he revealed, “I took a beta blocker, so this is going to be a breeze.”
Beta-blockers are medications that lower one’s blood pressure. They’re also used to treat angina and manage irregular heart rhythms. In addition, doctors prescribe them to reduce anxiety.
Hence, the actor’s revelation on January 8, 2024, was received with mixed reactions. Some acknowledged that his admission made him more relatable. Others were more concerned about his well-being given his history of substance abuse.
One netizen, who also uses beta blockers, applauded the actor for his admission. “Just like Robert Downey Jr, I also take a beta blocker before any sort of public speaking,” the user wrote.
Another empathized, “RDJ taking a beta blocker before the #GoldenGlobes is so relatable because I, too, get incredibly anxious before I hear any sort of news.”
Still, another fan noted that Robert’s comment, which many believed to be an effort to skewer Jo Koy’s epic hosting fail, was an improvement and a tremendous break-the-ice moment for the controversial Golden Globes host.
Although Robert received support for being honest and relatable, some expressed concern. One commented, “Robert Downey, Jr. joking about drug use. Whatever.”
Another netizen mocked, “Ha ha “Beta-blocker. Sure, Robert Downey Jr.”
Robert, who is a native of New York City, won over fellow nominees Robert De Niro, Charles Melton, Ryan Gosling, Willem Dafoe, and Mark Ruffalo.
During his speech, Robert praised the collaborators for their critically acclaimed and successful biopic about the scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, one of the innovative minds that led to the creation of the atomic bomb.
Robert said, “A sweeping story about the ethical dilemma of nuclear weapons grosses $1 billion: Does that track? No. ‘Unless, and but, because, Universal went all in on Christopher Nolan to direct Cillian Murphy, with Emma Thomas producing, with Emily [Blunt] and Florence [Pugh] and this cast and crew, and helped them render a … masterpiece … see, that’s not such a leap.”
The actor also thanked Susan, his wife, by saying, “She has literally made an art out of extracting me from my comfort zones, that I need to feel safe.”
He concluded his speech with, “Lastly, Golden Globes journalists, thanks for changing your game; therefore, change your name. Salute.”
The recent win marked Robert’s fourth Golden Globe award. He was first recognized in 1994 for his work on Short Cuts. In 2004, he won Best Supporting Actor for Ally McBeal. He was again recognized in 2010 as Best Actor for Sherlock Holmes.
