Downey on Gibson: Forgive and Forget

Robert Downey Jr. accepted a lifetime achievement award at the American Cinematheque Award gala over the weekend, and it was none other than his longtime friend and supporter, Mel Gibson, who presented the Iron Man actor with the award. As Gibson introduced his old friend, he recalled that he ignored people's warnings that Downey was bad news back in the day, and it paid off for Downey. Downey then took his turn, and instead of the usual thank-yous for agents, managers and family members, Downey chose to use his time to urge everyone to get back on Team Gibson. Downey described the time when he struggled with substance abuse and couldn't get hired: "When I couldn't get sober, Mel helped me." Specifically, Gibson put down his own money on an insurance policy so that Downey could work on the movie The Singing Detective. Downey said all Gibson asked in return was that he help the next guy. Surprisingly, that next guy turned out to be Gibson himself. Downey urged the audience to give Gibson the forgiveness Hollywood bestowed on him, and based on the standing ovation Gibson got, it might just happen.