We investigate Robert Downey Jr’s Personality Type in the MBTI. Robert Downey Jr is an American actor and producer. He won a Global Globe Award for acting in the tv series Ally McBeal. He won his second Global Globe Award for playing the title character in Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes(2009).

After a period of substance abuse, he gained global recognition for starring as Tony Stark/Iron Man in ten films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe(MCU).

What is Robert Downey Jr’s MBTI Personality Type?

Robert Downey Jr’s personality type in the MBTI is that of the ENFP. ENFPs are openhearted, outgoing and open-minded. They long for meaningful and deep relationships with others. As an ENFP, Downey has an optimistic nature, never giving up despite facing many difficulties.

He connects with his audience by staying true to his values. When acting in movies, he uses his emotional depth to bring out the best character possible. We will use the ENFP’s cognitive function stack to explain how Robert Downey Jr shows up as an ENFP.

Robert Downey Jr has Extraverted Intuition

Robert Downey Jr has Extraverted Intuition(Ne) as his dominant function. As an ENFP, he is extremely optimistic about the future. He is aware of all the positive ways things may turn out. Even in his darkest moments as a drug addict, he never lost sight of the light ahead of him and came out triumphant.

After five years of substance abuse, arrests, rehab, and relapse, Downey returned to his career. Afterwards, he achieved critical acclaim and global recognition for starring in blockbusters as part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe(MCU). Robert’s optimistic attitude towards life is apparent in various quotes by him, such as “Look, even bad years are pretty good years, I think” and “The lesson is that you can still make mistakes and be forgiven”.

Being an actor is very suitable for an ENFP as they are able to explore acting in a variety of roles in many different films. Robert Downey Jr has been in at least 83 films. In this way, the ENFP can never get bored.

Robert Downey Jr has Introverted Feeling

Robert Downey Jr has Introverted Feeling(Fi) as his auxiliary function. It is this function that makes him an excellent actor. No matter which role he plays, he is able to imagine how he would feel if he were in the same circumstances as the character he was playing and replicate those feelings within him. Thus he is able to bring out the emotional depth of any character he is playing.

He also adheres to strict moral principles. Downey believes that “Maybe the goal really should be a life that values honor, duty, good work, friends and family“. He values connection to other human beings. When asked whether he wants to be a hero to his son, he replies “Do I want to be a hero to my son? No. I would like to be a very real human being. That’s hard enough”.

Robert Downey Jr has Extraverted Thinking

Robert Downey Jr has Extraverted Thinking(Te) as his tertiary function. There are times where Downey falls into using this function. Instead of consulting with how he feels(Fi), he might make quick decisions(Te), landing himself in trouble. There were many times when he relapsed into drug use.

However, he is quite a healthy ENFP, and given how he was exposed to drugs when he was young, he is considered to have done quite well in avoiding the pitfall of falling into a spiral of self-pity and substance abuse. Instead, he acts according to his values and picks himself up after every setback.

Robert Downey Jr has Introverted Sensing

Robert Downey Jr has Introverted Sensing(Si) as his inferior function. His past experiences cause him great pain. He is sensitive when others bring up his past of substance abuse and his dysfunctional relationship with his father. He tries hard to put his history behind him and look forward.

Robert Downey Jr’s personality type is no doubt that of an ENFP. Endlessly optimistic, he picks himself up after setbacks and connects with his audience by being authentic and doing his best to portray the character he is playing. Do you agree with this typing? Do share your thoughts in the comments. Also see Jennifer Lawrence’s MBTI, Kristen Stewart’s MBTI, Will Smith’s MBTI, and Keanu Reeves’s MBTI.