When you hear the name Robert Downey Jr., you probably think of the billionaire philanthropist in the metal suit or the guy who staged the greatest comeback in Hollywood history. But for Indio Falconer Downey and Exton Elias Downey, he’s just "Dad"—the guy who might ask you to shave his head for a role or poke fun at your driving.
Life as Robert Downey junior's son isn't exactly a standard experience. It’s a mix of massive privilege, intense public scrutiny, and a very real, very raw family history with addiction. Honestly, people tend to lump the Downey kids together or assume they're all just waiting for their Marvel debut. The reality? It’s way more complicated. And a lot more interesting.
The Eldest: Indio Falconer Downey’s Journey Through the Fire
Indio was born in 1993, right as his father’s career was hitting its most chaotic peak. His mom is Deborah Falconer, Robert’s first wife. Growing up, Indio basically had a front-row seat to the cycle of rehab and relapse that defined his father’s 90s.
You’ve probably seen the headlines from a decade ago. In 2014, Indio was arrested for cocaine possession. It felt like a "here we go again" moment for the media. But instead of the usual Hollywood scandal, something different happened. Robert stepped up immediately, famously stating that there’s a "genetic component to addiction" and that the family was determined to help Indio become the man he was capable of being.
Music Over Movies
While Indio did a stint as a young Harry Lockhart in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (playing a younger version of his dad), he didn't stick with acting. He’s a musician through and through.
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He spent years fronting the alt-rock band The Dose, and more recently, he’s been releasing solo work under his own name. If you listen to his 2024 EP, Cigarettes in Bed, you can hear the influence of 90s grunge—think Nirvana or the Pixies. It’s raw. He doesn't shy away from his past struggles. Songs like "Dume" are literal metaphors for the hardships he faced in Malibu. He’s 32 now, and by all accounts, he’s found his own voice outside of the "Iron Man" shadow.
The New Generation: Exton Elias Downey
Then there’s Exton. Born in 2012 to Robert and his second wife, producer Susan Downey, Exton’s childhood has been a total 180 from Indio’s.
By the time Exton arrived, Robert was the biggest movie star on the planet. He was sober, stable, and wealthy beyond imagination. But Susan and Robert have been pretty strict about keeping Exton and his younger sister, Avri, out of the tabloid meat grinder.
A Natural Scene-Stealer
Exton is 13 now. We’ve started seeing more of him lately, but not in the way you’d expect. He’s not doing Disney Channel auditions. Instead, he’s been popping up in his dad’s passion projects.
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In the Max series Downey’s Dream Cars, Exton basically spent the whole time roasting his father’s mechanical skills. Robert called him a "natural extrovert" but noted that Susan has raised him not to be a "ham."
- He appeared in the documentary Sr. to honor his grandfather.
- He helped shave his dad's head for The Sympathizer.
- He plays baseball and lives a relatively "normal" life in Malibu.
There’s this great bit in an interview where Robert mentions that he doesn’t want to be a "hero" to his kids. He wants to be a "very real human being." That’s a heavy thing for a kid to navigate when your dad is literally a superhero to the rest of the world.
The "Family Business" and the Shadow of RDJ
It’s easy to look at a Robert Downey junior son and think they have it made. And yeah, money helps. But the Downey legacy is heavy. Robert Downey Sr. was a counter-culture filmmaking legend who famously let his son try drugs at age six. That’s a generational trauma that doesn't just disappear because you won an Oscar.
Robert has been incredibly open about trying to break that cycle. With Indio, it was about recovery and support. With Exton, it seems to be about presence and boundaries.
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Common Misconceptions
- They’re all actors: Nope. Indio is a musician; Exton is just a kid being a kid.
- It’s all glitz: The family has dealt with real legal battles and health crises.
- They’re always in the spotlight: Susan Downey is the "anchor" here, and she keeps the home life remarkably private.
What This Means for the Future
So, what’s next? Indio is currently touring and building a legitimate reputation in the LA indie rock scene. He’s not using his dad’s name to get gigs; he’s playing small clubs and putting in the work.
Exton is entering his teens. Whether he decides to join the "Marvel Cinematic Universe" in ten years or becomes a marine biologist, he’s got a support system that his father didn't have at that age.
Basically, being Robert Downey junior's son in 2026 is about more than just a famous last name. It’s about a family that survived the worst of Hollywood and came out the other side actually liking each other.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Observers
If you're following the journey of the Downey family, here's how to stay updated without the tabloid fluff:
- Listen to the music: Check out Indio Downey’s solo work on Spotify or YouTube Music. It’s a better window into his life than any interview.
- Watch "Sr.": If you want to understand the father-son dynamic in this family, the Netflix documentary about Robert Downey Sr. is essential viewing. It features both Indio and Exton.
- Respect the boundaries: Unlike some "nepo babies" who court the paparazzi, the younger Downey kids are mostly kept offline. Support the projects they choose to be in, like Downey's Dream Cars, rather than seeking out leaked photos.
- Follow Indio Ink: For those interested in the rock scene, Indio’s social media focuses almost entirely on his gear and his songwriting process.