Robert Downey Jr. has indeed faced a tumultuous childhood, a topic he openly discusses in interviews. Following criminal charges related to drug possession and abuse, the actor served time in jail.

Reflecting on his past struggles, Downey Jr. recounted one of the most perilous environments he had encountered: a place called Delano. In this setting, the actor felt as though he was being evaluated based on his level of criminality. Downey Jr. vividly recalls sensing an ominous aura permeating the air, underscoring the danger inherent in that space.
Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer (2023).

Robert Downey Jr. Talked About The Most Dangerous Place

With jail times, court hearings, and several trials at hand, Robert Downey Jr. had a rough time during the 1990s. Talking about the terrible times during an interview, Downey Jr. regaled the interviewer with some terrific tales during his time.
Robert Downey Jr. while facing a trial.
Robert Downey Jr. recounted an incident where he felt he was over-sentenced by an irate judge, who purportedly uttered something in Latin during the proceedings. The Iron Man actor humorously remarked that he felt as though he was being cursed. Two weeks later, he found himself in Delano, a place he now humorously refers to as the most perilous location he had ever experienced in his life.

“I’m gonna try to give you the flashcards: I’m in court, I’m being over-sentenced by an angry judge, and at some point he said something in Latin. I thought he was casting a spell on me. Two weeks later, I’m in a place called Delano, which is a receiving center where they decide where you’re going to go.”

The actor further talked about Delano and how the place was essentially a criminal ranking center and the future of these said criminals would be decided there.

“Arguably the most dangerous place I’ve ever been in my life because nobody is designated. If they’re a level 1, 2, 3 or 4 criminal, [everyone’s there],” he said. “You could just feel the evil in the air.”

Although Robert Downey Jr. suffered through the bad times, the actor also had some embarrassing and also hilarious moments in prison!

Robert Downey Jr. Was Jeered By Inmates In Jail

Robert Downey Jr. in Tropic Thunder
While the prison proved to be a daunting environment for the actor, Robert Downey Jr. delved into a humorous anecdote from his time there. He shared a comical tale of feeling disoriented for unknown reasons, leading him to mistakenly wear his underwear backward.

“I remember walking out at one point when I hopped out of my cell to go to the shower — by the way, this would be the best soundbite — and I didn’t know it but I was a little spun out and I had my underwear on backwards. … I remember eliciting some strong chuckles and jeers from my fellow inmates.”

Following some time in prison, the actor was released as he tried to get back up on his feet. Robert Downey Jr. found fame once again by starring in the iconic role of Tony Stark aka Iron Man in the 2008 MCU movie Iron Man.