Prison Didn't Change Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr. changed Robert Downey Jr. and he wants us all to know that.

RDJ sat down for an interview with Britian GQ and explained that though his career saw a resurgence after his stint in jail, prison did nothing to change him personally. He explained:

“Jail didn’t help me any more or less than anything else. But I know I created that experience for a reason, and I’m only just starting to understand those reasons. Remember this is California… ‘Come on vacation, leave on probation.’ I mean, I can’t believe I stayed out of the pen for as long as I did. And I didn’t mind it inside really; it wasn’t so bad.

Listen, a prison is just like a public school. Did you ever go on a film set on location? It’s just like prison. Have you ever been in a bad relationship? It’s just like having a celly (cellmate) who wants to kill you. Have you ever been in a street fight? It’s just like chow-time (meal time). Have you ever been to a rave-up? It’s like a yard riot. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody, but it neither fazed me, nor changed me, nor informed me – but maybe it toughened me up a little bit.”

Maybe it did, maybe it didn’t. All we know is that you went into prison a zero and came out a ten-plus! That has to count for something, right?

[Image via WENN.]