His first week on the job was defined by Republican dysfunction over Kevin McCarthys Speakership bid. Just in time to enjoy several decades of heart disease, bypasses, you name it.. 5 months I dont like calling them my grandpas, but they kind of are.. She is from USA. In the summer of 2004, I was in bad shape. My ambition, tenacity, loyalty, moods, grandiosity, occasional passive aggression, and my faith. Many fond memories of her in the last few yearsholidays, kid-stuff, her strutting around with a walking stick. Elsie Downey was born on 11-04-1934 in Allegheny in the state of Pennsylvania, United States. The marriage ended in divorce in 1975. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license. .Thats all her. Many fond memories of her in the last few yearsholidays, kid-stuff, her strutting around with a walking stick. & Elsie Downey . There was another "revolution" of sorts going on at that time, of underground counter-culture film and theatreand with her as Bob Sr's muse, they jumped in wholeheartedly.
Robert Downey Sr was "a true maverick" in the movie world, his Iron Man star son says. 1934 Elsie Downey was born on April 11, 1934 in Dormont, Pennsylvania, USA as Elsie Ann Ford. She was previously married to Robert Downey Sr.. She died on September 22, 2014 in Los Angeles, California, USA. 2023 E! He is best known as director and/or writer of such cult classics as Putney Swope, a satire on the New York Madison Avenue advertising world. Follow me on Twitter (@NaNa_KqAmE). View agent, publicist, legal and company contact details on IMDbPro, Best Actress (Nominees And Winners 1979-1960), Say Goodbye: 2014 Deaths: September 1 - December 31. "I remember living with her and her boyfriend Jonas, (who became a second father to me) in a 2 room 5 story walk up in Manhattan after thatBunsen burner for a stove, cockroaches, broken dreamsBy 1990, she'd had enough, went to treatment, got sober. My ambition, tenacity, loyalty, 'moods,' grandiosity, occasional passive. "In the summer of 2004, I was in bad shape.
Elsie Downey - Wiki, Age, Biography, Birthday, Trivia, and Photos She had a special affinity for my firstborn son Indio, and really got a kick out of Exton. What emerges is an obvious affection for a woman who may have, at times, been a troubling mirror to look into like Downey Jr., Ford was a performer who struggled with and overcame addiction. I dont remember what she said, but I havent drank or used since. Esordisce sul grande schermo, insieme a suo padre Robert Downey Sr., gi all'et di cinque anni. Apr 11 1934 - Dormont, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, United States, Sep 22 2014 - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States, John Webster Ford, Fay Marguerite Ford (born Shoch), 1940 - 2701 Crosby, Borough, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, USA, Photo by Gage Skidmore. Elsie Ann Downey passed away on Monday September 22nd at the age of 80. In 1976, she got the chance to play Muriel Haggers in 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman'. Elsie Downey was born on April 11, 1934 in Dormont, Pennsylvania, USA as Elsie Ann Ford. A new elite? She called me out of the blue, and I admitted everything. I remember living with her and her boyfriend Jonas, (who became a second father to me) in a 2 room 5 story walk up in Manhattan after thatBunsen burner for a stove, cockroaches, broken dreams By 1990, she'd had enough, went to treatment, got sober. At 80 years old, Elsie Downey height not available right now. Robert Downey Jr. has shared some very personal news with his fans: his mother, Elsie Ann Ford, passed away Monday at age 80. My ambition, tenacity, loyalty, moods, grandiosity, occasional passive aggression, and my faith. -- "Iron Man" star Robert Downey Jr. lost his mother Elsie Ann Downey last week and the actor took to Facebook to pay tribute. While her father was an engineer whod helped in the construction of the Panama Canal, her mother ran her own jewelry shop in Huntingdon, only for her to drop out of college in the 1950s. Her zodiac sign is Aries. I wondered if she might just beat the odds once more. dont remember what she said, but I havent drank or used since. She was also reclusive, self-deprecating, a stoic Scotch-German rural Pennsylvanian, a ball buster, stubborn, and happy to hold a grudge.
Robert Downey Jr. Memorializes His Mother on Facebook Stay up to date with what you want to know. Please enable JavaScript in your browser's settings to use this part of Geni.
Read Robert Downey Jr.'s Heartfelt Tribute to His Late Mother When Elsie Ann Barns Downey was born about 1885, in Lawrence, Missouri, United States, her father, Marshall Marion Gallaway Downey, was 25 and her mother, Marilla Jane Barnes, was 23. Vanity Fair may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The actor revealed intimate aspects of his mother's life, from. My ambition, tenacity, loyalty, "moods," grandiosity, occasional passive aggression, and my faith. That's all herand I wouldn't have it any other way. In the mid '50s, she dropped out of college and headed to NY, with dreams of becoming a comedienne. They married, had my sister Allyson in 63 and me in 65, There was another revolution of sorts going on at that time, of underground counter-culture film and theatreand with her as Bob Srs muse, they jumped in wholeheartedly. She was also reclusive, self-deprecating, a stoic Scotch-German rural Pennsylvanian, a ball buster, stubborn, and happy to hold a grudge. "To my amazement, she was completely lucid, interactive, mugging + pulling faces.
Robert Downey Jr. - Biography - IMDb All rights reserved. Robert Downey Jr. suffered the loss of his mother this week and he subsequently decided that a "generic" obituary wouldn't do. She died @ 11 p.m., September 22nd, survived by her extremely loving and tolerant partner of 37 years, Jonas Kerr. She actually stuck to tradition and thus became Elsie Ann Downey. See given below celebrity profiles about Elsie Downey 's family, relatives; Peyton Meyer Biography, Age, Height, Weight, Girlfriend, Family, Wiki & More, Nikki Bella (WWE) Biography, Age, Height, Weight, Affairs, Children, Family, Facts, Wiki & More, Shivangi Kolhapure Biography, Age, Husband, Children, Family, Caste, Wiki & More, Madhubala Biography, Age, Death, Husband, Children, Family, Facts, Caste, Wiki & More, Sunanda Sharma (Singer) Biography, Age, Height, Boyfriend, Family, Facts, Caste, Wiki & More. Dies by Suicide: He 'Cared So Deeply', Celebrities' Baby Names and Their True Meanings, Regina King's Son Ian Alluded to Social Media Not Being 'Healthy' for Him Before His Death, Kim Kardashian Honors Late Father Robert Kardashian Sr. After Seeing Rainbows on Son's Birthday, Bob Saget Wondered About the Afterlife in Betty White Tribute Days Before Death: 'I Don't Know What Happens', Celebrities Who've Lost Loved Ones to Coronavirus, Robert Downey Jr. Mourns Death of His Dad, Robert Downey Sr., at 85: 'He Was a True Maverick', 'Monster's Ball' Actor Coronji Calhoun Sr., Who Played Halle Berry's Son, Dead at 30. He manages to highlight how his rocky youth intersected with hers, and how both their lives eventually straightened out and came together. Amazons rock-and-roll romance, partly inspired by Fleetwood Mac, plays it way too safe. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 11 April. She was an actress and writer, known for Chafed Elbows (1966), Two Tons of Turquoise to Taos Tonight (1975) and Babo 73 (1964). Editor at Ghanafuo.com! Laura Elizabeth Ernst was born on September 8, 1957, in the state of Washington. Another set of seizures answered that, and we brought her home for hospice. My mom passed away early this week.I wanna say something about her life, and a generic "obit" won't suffice Elsie Ann Ford was born outside Pittsburgh in April of 1934, daughter of an engineer who worked on the Panama Canal, and mother who ran a jewelry shop in Huntingdon, where they settled.a bona fide "Daughter Of The American Revolution.". In fact, their son claimed he essentially grew up trained to be in the industry as he usually slept to the sound of clapboards since his crib was in the same room as his parents work stations. Though his mom was able to keep her demons at bay, Downey Jr.s early career suffered thanks to his own. I don't remember what she said, but I haven't drank or used since. We couldn't speak 'cause she had a tracheal tube. Catherine was born on November 22 1866, in Canada. Gen Z Isnt Waiting: Maxwell Frost, Congresss Youngest Member, Gets a Bumpy Introduction to Washington, Elected at 25 years old, Florida Democrat Frost is shepherding in a new generation to the halls of power. There was another "revolution" of sorts going on at that time, of underground counter-culture film and theatreand with her as Bob Sr's muse, they jumped in wholeheartedly "Chafed Elbows" (a man marries his mother and goes on welfare), "Greaser's Palace" (a woman relentlessly persecuted by God who never utters a word), and "Moment To Moment" AKA "Two Tons Of Turquoise To Taos Tonight" (in which she played 17 characters) were the stand outs. .and I wouldn't have it any other way. Neither would we. Those who knew Elsie and Downey Sr revealed theyd connected instantly owing to their similar sense of humor and creativity. Downey was born April 4, 1965 in Manhattan, New York, the son of writer, director and filmographer Robert Downey Sr. and actress Elsie Downey (ne Elsie Ann Ford). Thats all herand I wouldnt have it any other way. Type above and press Enter to search. Elsie Downeynext B'Day will be after 1 Months, 18 Days, See detailed result below. Nel 1993 viene candidato per la prima volta all'Oscar al miglior attore e vince un Premio BAFTA per l'interpretazione di Charlie Chaplin nel film Charlot.
Elsie Downey - Historical records and family trees - MyHeritage Many fond memories of her in the last few yearsholidays, kid-stuff, her strutting around with a walking stick. Robert John Downey ( n Elias Jr.; June 24, 1936 - July 7, 2021) was an American filmmaker and actor. A significant reason for the same is that, like many within the underground film industry at the time, she was heavily into the drug culture. Chafed Elbows (a man marries his mother and goes on welfare), Greasers Palace (a woman relentlessly persecuted by God who never utters a word), and Moment To Moment AKA Two Tons Of Turquoise To Taos Tonight (in which she played 17 characters) were the stand outs. While her father was an engineer who'd helped in the construction of the Panama Canal, her mother ran her own jewelry shop in Huntingdon, only for her to drop out of college in the 1950s. The Court appeared wary of taking serious action against Section 230, the politically contentious law that largely shields companies from liability for harmful postsbut whatever ruling it makes could open cracks in the way the internet works. All rights reserved. Mark Ruffalo Says Downey Jr Helped Him Accept Hulk Role. Nel 2000 si unito al cast della . To my amazement, she was completely lucid, interactive, mugging + pulling faces. Netflixs Sr. features Robert Downey Sr. and Robert Downey Jr. as the father-son duo tries to tell the life story of the former. Her career was hampered by alcohol addiction. But I havent drank or used since., Downey Jr., whose latest project, The Judge, deals with the topic of an aging parent, closed out his tribute with the revelation that his defining qualities come from his mother. Its even imperative to note that the doctors labeled Elsie a Medical Incredible since they were amazed by how well she could do everyday activities. '", He continued, "In the mid '50s, she dropped out of college and headed to NY, with dreams of becoming a comedienne. Just in time to enjoy several decades of heart disease, bypasses, you name it.
Robert Downey Sr., Actor and Counterculture Director, Dies at 85 In 62, she met my dad, (who proposed at a Yankees/Orioles game). Downey and wife Susan have a second child on the way, a girl due in November. Elsie Alma Downey was born on month day 1893, at birth place, Michigan, to William O. Renick and Catherine Renick (born Green). Robert John Downey Jr. (New York, 4 aprile 1965) un attore e produttore cinematografico statunitense. Thats because the Scotch-German familys daughter had decided to pursue her passion for comedy and relocated to New York.
Elsie Downey - News - IMDb shape. She is most remembered for Robert Downey Jr's Mother. Elsie Downeys income source is mostly from being a successful Actress. She called me out of the blue, and I admitted everything. ", The actor, 49, added that he too could relate to the addiction he faced and that in 2004, "I was in bad shape. Ex-wife of Robert Downey, Sr. "Elsie Ann Ford was born outside Pittsburgh in April of 1934, daughter of an engineer who worked on the Panama Canal, and mother who ran a jewelry shop in Huntingdon, where they settled .
'Iron Man' Star Robert Downey Jr. and Wife Expecting a Baby Girl, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. She was an actress and writer, known for Chafed Elbows (1966), Babo 73 (1964) and Pound (1970). I dont remember what she said, he explained. She died @ 11 p.m., September 22nd, survived by her extremely loving and tolerant partner of 37 years, Jonas Kerr.
Robert Downey Jr.'s Tribute to His Mom - Business Insider Downeys tribute began by describing various stages of his mothers life, from her birth as Elsie Ann Ford near Pittsburgh in April 1934, through her brief but turbulent marriage to Downeys father, filmmaker Robert Downey Sr. Also her unremarkable acting career and her struggle with addiction, and on to how she helped him battle his own demons when he was at his worst, how she bonded with her grandchildren, and the health issues that weakened her in her final years. I In a heartfelt tribute on his Facebook page Friday, he revealed. Many fond memories of her in the last few yearsholidays, kid-stuff, her strutting around with a walking stick. A recurring role on "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" ('76-'77) was her last paying jobnot that she cared, she'd have done it for free," he added. "She was my role model as an actor, and as a woman who got sober and stayed that way.". aged 80. She was an actress and writer, known for Chafed Elbows (1966), Two Tons of Turquoise to Taos Tonight (1975) and Babo 73 (1964). He writes: While I strived to have the kind of success that eluded her, my own Powered by WordPress.com VIP. Downey Sr. was married three times; his first wife was actress Elsie Ann Ford, whom he married in 1962. Daughter of John "Eddie" Webster Ford and Faye Marguerite Ford While I strived to have the kind of success that eluded her, my own addiction repeatedly forbade it.. I wondered if she might just beat the odds once more. She had a special affinity for my firstborn son Indio, and really got a kick out of Exton. Throughout his professional career, he actually created some of the best movies to come from the world of underground filmmaking by simply focusing on his creative passion rather than the money. She was an American Film Actress. A recurring role on "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" ('76-'77) was her last paying jobnot that she cared, she'd have done it for free.
Robert Downey Jr. Pays Moving, Candid Tribute to Late Mother - E! Online I dont remember what she said, but I havent drank or used since," RDJ writes in his Facebook post. "I wanna say something about her life, and a generic 'obit' won't suffice," he wrote of the late 80-year-old. She was ultimately brought home following a set of seizures and put under hospice care.
Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (TV Series 1976-1977) - IMDb He was born Robert Elias on June 24, 1936 in the U.S. His father, Robert Elias, was the son of Russian Jewish parents and his mother, cover girl Betty McLoughlin, was of Irish Catholic descent. According to Robert Downey Jr., she actually shared a special bond with his firstborn son, Indio Falconer Downey. Elsie Downey's net worth Starting in 1990, though, Elsie decided it was high time to get sober and leave all her addictions behind. Just in time to enjoy several decades of heart disease, bypasses, you name it. If anyone out there has a mother, and shes not perfect, please call her and say you love her anyway. Actor Larry Wolf even shared in the Netflix documentary that she was one of the most talented, lovable, and sweetest people he had the fortune to meet. Im pretty lost right now, but everyone is, right? he told. Poser fascists? Elsie Ann Downey (born Ford) in FamilySearch Family Tree Elsie Ann Downey in Index of Obituaries Elsie Ford in Biographical Summaries of Notable People Ann Ford Ekir in 1940 United States Federal Census view all Immediate Family Robert Downey, Sr. ex-husband Private child Photo by Gage Skidmore.
Robert Downey Jr. | Cinema e Televisione Wiki | Fandom A generic obit wont suffice, wrote Downey Jr., who explained that after she dropped out of college in the 50s, she headed to New York with dreams of becoming a comedienne. It was there where she met his father, Robert Downey Sr. Elsie went on to appear in several of Downey Sr.s films, including Moment to Moment, in which her son says she played 17 characters., Sadly, by the 70s, Downey Jr. wrote, She was an alcoholic., After splitting with her husband, the family lived in a Manhattan apartment that he says was less than luxurious: [A] Bunsen burner for a stove, cockroaches, broken dreams. But by 1990, his mother had enough, and went to treatment, got sober. I returned from filming the Avengers sequel in June, went straight to see her. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. She was previously married to Robert Downey Sr.. She died on 22 September 2014 in Los Angeles, California, USA. She called me out of the blue, and I admitted everything. Official Sites. Born on April 11, 1934, in Dormont, Pennsylvania, Elsie Ann Ford was a creative force. I returned from filming the "Avengers" sequel in June, went straight to see her. Robert Downey Jr. paid tribute to his mother, Elsie , in a stirring tribute chronicling her struggle to find success as an actor, battles with addiction and how she ultimately . Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. In '62, she met my dad, (who proposed at a Yankees/Orioles game). Elsie Downey was born on April 11, 1934 in Dormont, Pennsylvania, USA. However, things changed in 1975 as Elsie and Downey Sr. parted ways their marriage had apparently been on the rocks due to work pressure as well as drug consumption. The documentary even sheds light on some of the most important people in his life, including none other than Elsie Ford. Anne MacIntyre-Hefler . Born on April 11, 1934, in Dormont, Pennsylvania, Elsie Ann Ford was a creative force. 11 days old age. After Elsie got clean, she would later help her son do the same. She was an alcoholic. "Elsie Ann Ford was born outside Pittsburgh in April of 1934, daughter of an engineer who worked on the Panama Canal, and mother who ran a jewelry shop in Huntingdon, where they settled a bona fide 'Daughter Of The American Revolution. Steve Mackey cause of death: What happened to Steve Mackey? She was my role model as an actor, and as a woman who got sober and stayed that way. There, thanks to the combination of her humor as well as acting skills, she was able to meet many similarly inclined people, including Robert Downey Sr. Elsie and Downey Sr. first met in 1962, just to tie the knot the same year following a proposal by the latter at a Yankees vs. Orioles game. She is a member of famous Actress with the age 80 years old group. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. "As promotion for The Judgekicks off this weekend, I feel the need to run the risk of over sharing" Downey's essay began as he delved into describing different stages of his mom's life, from her birth as Elsie Ann Ford near Pittsburgh in April 1934, through her short but turbulent marriage to Downy's father, filmmakerRobert Downey Sr., her unremarkable acting career and her struggle with addiction, and onto how she helped him battle his own demons when he was at his worst, how she bonded with her grandchildren and the health issues that weakened her in her final years. Everything we love about Downey Jr., he claims, can be attributed to her. I dont remember what she said, but I havent drank or used since," RDJ writes in his Facebook post. Publicity Listings She was an actress and writer, known for Chafed Elbows (1966), Two Tons of Turquoise to Taos Tonight (1975) and Babo 73 (1964). She was also reclusive, self-deprecating, a stoic Scotch-German rural Pennsylvanian, a ball buster, stubborn, and happy to hold a grudge," he added. A recurring role on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (76-77) was her last paying jobnot that she cared, shed have done it for free. She called me out of the blue, and I admitted everything. Ghanaian songstress and actress Hajia4Real. The couple had their first child, Allyson Downey, in 1963 before going on to welcome Robert Downey Jr. on April 4, 1965. Ad Choices, My ambition, tenacity, loyalty, moods, grandiosity, occasional passive aggression, and my faith. Elsie Downeywas an American Film Actress. So, how much is Elsie Downey worth at the age of 80 years old? In a Facebook post on Friday, Robert Downey Jr. paid lengthy tribute to his mother, Elsie Ann Ford, who passed away earlier in the week. This helped her not only remain a strong presence in her kids lives but also guide her son, Downey Jr., to leave the same world of drugs. After this, Elsie was seen in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, only for it to end up being her last paying acting job. Hajia4Real tops Twitter trends following U.S. jail reports, Sulley Muntari, Agyeman Badu, Asamoah Gyan, others visit Christian Atsus family home, VIDEO: Government will be fully involved in providing Christian Atsu a befitting burial Dr. Bawumia, Christian Atsus mortal remains arrive in Ghana via Turkish Airlines, Maybe I created enemies along the line Kofi Amoabeng on UT Banks collapse, Christian Atsu was one of Ghanas finest personnel Akufo-Addo. In a heartfelt tribute on his Facebook page Friday, he revealed that she was his inspiration for not only achieving success in Hollywood, but for ultimately getting sober. How Did She Die?
. In March, she suffered another cardiac arrest and was put on life support. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. After all, the undeniably talented actress was Downey Sr.s first wife and Downey Jr.s mother. Downey's mother was put on life support in March after a cardiac arrest. Pays Tribute to Late Mother Ivana: 'We Will Miss You Incredibly', Donald Trump Jr. Shares His Parents' 1995 Pizza Commercial in Tribute to Late Mom Ivana: 'Legendary', Ivana Trump Died of Blunt Force Injuries After Falling Down Stairs, Medical Examiner Determines, Lee Lawson, 'Guiding Light' Star, Dead at 83, Regina King Steps onto the Red Carpet in First Public Appearance Since Her Son's Tragic Death, Hollywood Hunks Who Are Also Certified Mama's Boys, Adam Scott Says Filming New Series 'Severance' Helped Him Grieve the Loss of His Mother Anne, Regina King's Son Ian Alexander Jr. Though they had started a family, working in movies (mostly together) remained the main passion for both Elsie and Downer Sr. Downey Jr. goes on to detail his mothers decline and the unmistakable impact she had on his life. Selena Gomez Survived Social Media and, With Her New Music, Is Ready to Leave Darkness Behind, And of course she raves about costars Steve Martin and Martin Short: I really love them. Elsie Downeywas born on April 11, 1934in Dormont , Allegheny , Pennsylvania. Robert Downey Jr Says There's 'Unfinished Business' For Tony Stark. Elsie Ann Ford was born outside Pittsburgh in April of 1934, daughter of an engineer who worked on the Panama Canal, and mother who ran a jewelry shop in Huntingdon, where they settled..a. Also learn how She earned most of Elsie Downey networth? Following her demise, Robert Downey Jr. wrote a moving tribute for his mother, detailing the highlights of her life and candidly sharing, She was my role model as an actor, and as a woman who got sober and stayed that way..
He was the son of a filmmaker Robert Downey, Sr. and his wife, an actress Elsie Ann Ford. 2023 Ghanafuo.com & DM Network. "She was my role model as an actor, and as a woman who got sober and stayed that way. .Thats all herand I wouldn't have it any other way., The 42 Best Romantic Comedies of All Time, The 25 Best Shows on Netflix to Watch Right Now. Harrison Ford Doesnt Have A Social Anxiety Disorder, Youre Just Boring, Austin Butler Is Grateful That Overnight Success Never Happened, As a teen, he envied Leonardo DiCaprios career. Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. Robert Downey Sr. (1962 - 18 February1982)( divorced)( 2 children). Elsie had 4 siblings: Christian Frederick Renick and 3 other siblings. Though, she insisted on being left at her own devices if the chances of her recovery became null. Check out the hottest fashion, photos, movies and TV shows!
Elsie Downey - Biography - IMDb Their father was drug addicted and he had never started his day without smoking marijuana. Dilettante preppers? Elsie Ann Downey died on a Monday night at the age of 80, according to her son, and at the time the actor took to Facebook to pen a touching tribute to the woman to whom he owed so much. In March 2014, Elsie had a cardiac arrest and was put on life support. "My ambition, tenacity, loyalty, "moods," grandiosity, occasional passive aggression, and my faith. That's all herand I wouldn't have it any other way. | Elsie Downey Family, Relatives and Other Relations Another set of seizures answered that, and we brought her home for hospice. She was an American Film Actress. Photos & Memories (0) By the mid '70s, the downside of drug culture caught up with many artists. She was married to Robert Downey Sr. She died on September 22, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. . She was my role model as an actor, and as a woman who got sober and stayed that way. But though he may be able to cite family and genetics as a source for some of his own struggles, in this tribute Downey Jr. also credits his mother with helping him get clean. Wikipedia Imdb Timeline 1966 She was an actress and writer, known for Chafed Elbows (1966), Two Tons of Turquoise to Taos Tonight (1975) and Babo 73 (1964). The pair welcomed two kids together: a daughter, Allyson, born in 1963, and Downey. Her wishes were to be left to die if there wasnt a reasonable chance of recovery, which for some time there was. Another set of seizures answered that, and we brought her home for hospice.". Mark Vallas cause of death: How did Mark Vallas die? His first wife was actress Elsie Anne Downey and they had two children - Allyson Downey and Robert Downey . AP Images/Invision. Robert Downey Jr. and his mom attend his hand-and-footprint ceremony held in conjunction with the film "Sherlock Holmes" at Grauman's Chinese Theatre Dec. 7, 2009, in Hollywood.