When Robert Downey Jr. mentioned using a beta blocker during his Sunday acceptance speech at the 81st annual Golden Globe Awards, it quickly became viral on social media.
For his depiction of Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer, Downey, 58, won the Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture category.
Speaking of the medication, which is supposed to lessen anxiety, the Iron Man star remarked, “I took a beta blocker, so this is going to be a breeze,” as she walked the stage at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.
Fans’ reactions to the A-list actor’s revelation were divided; some felt it made him more accessible, while others expressed alarm due to the actor’s prior history of substance misuse.
A class of drugs known as beta blockers is mostly used to treat irregular cardiac rhythms, but it can also be used to treat situational anxiety, including stage fright.
Robert Downey Jr., 58, got social media abuzz with a remark he made about taking a beta blocker during his acceptance speech at Sunday for the 81st annual Golden Globe Awards
The Iron Man star took the stage at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, saying, ‘I took a beta blocker, so this is going to be a breeze,’ in reference to the drug, which is said to reduce anxiety
“Like Robert Downey Jr., I also take a beta blocker before any sort of public speaking,” remarked one person.
One more person commented, “Robert Downey Jr. is so real for saying he took a beta blocker because I take them too and I would for a moment like this as well.”
One more person commented, “RDJ taking a beta blocker before the #GoldenGlobes is so relatable—I get really nervous before I hear anything.”
While some fans applauded Downey for keeping things “real,” others said it inspired them to “try beta blockers.”
A user made note of Downey’s comment with the intention of mocking Jo Koy, the host of the show.
The user said, “It seems like it would be an improvement at this point to give hosting duties to Robert Downey Jr. on beta blockers.”
Following the comment, other users voiced their worries about Downey. One person wrote, “Robert Downey, Jr. making jokes about drug use.” Whatever.
Another person said, “Ha ha, beta blocker.” Indeed, Robert Downey Jr., but according to another, he was “still on drugs.”
The native of New York City triumphs over other finalists Ryan Gosling, Willem Dafoe, Robert De Niro, Charles Melton, and Mark Ruffalo.
Downey prevailed in the category of Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture for his portrayal of Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer
The New York City native prevailed over fellow nominees Robert De Niro , Ryan Gosling , Charles Melton, Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe.
Towards the end of his Golden Globe acceptance speech, Downey thanked his team members for their work on the highly regarded and financially successful biopic about scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who contributed to the development of the atomic bomb.
Does that make sense? A broad narrative concerning the moral quandary around nuclear weapons brings in $1 billion. No,’ replied Downey. “Until, and but, because Universal fully committed to hiring Christopher Nolan to helm Cillian Murphy, Emma Thomas to produce, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, and this ensemble and crew, and assisted them in creating a… masterpiece… see, that’s not such a leap.”
“She has literally made an art out of extracting me from my comfort zones, that I need to feel safe,” Downey said, thanking his wife Susan.
Finally, he said, “Thank you, Golden Globes journalists, for changing your name and, consequently, your game.” Greetings.
With four nominations, this is Downey’s third individual Golden Globe win.
For his role in Sherlock Holmes, he was awarded Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture—Comedy or Musical.
He was awarded Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Miniseries, or Motion Picture Made for Television in 2001 for his work on Ally McBeal.
Along with notables like Julianne Moore, Tim Robbins, and the late Jack Lemmon, he received a group prize for the 1994 Winner Special prize for the 1993 movie Short Cuts.