Robert Downey Jr's Disastrous British Accent Called Out by Kate Winslet in Rom-Com Audition - You Won't Believe What Happened!

Robert Downey Jr. reminisces about Kate Winslet's brutally honest critique of his British accent during their audition for The Holiday. The 2006 film, written and directed by Nancy Meyers, follows two troubled women who swap homes in search of love. Winslet plays the role of Iris, alongside a talented ensemble including Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Jack Black, Rufus Sewell, and John Krasinski.

During a recent interview on The Howard Stern Show (via Variety), Downey disclosed his initial confidence in securing Law's role in The Holiday, years before his successful comeback with Iron Man. However, Winslet shattered his illusions by candidly informing him of the inadequacy of his British accent. Delve into Downey's account of the unforgettable incident below:

How Robert Downey Jr. Redeemed His British Accent

"We were both called in as seat fillers for the audition. Director Nancy Meyers needed someone to read lines with the actresses, and we were hopeful that this could be our big break. I remember thinking to myself, 'I need to have a better English accent than Jude Law right now.' But Kate Winslet didn't hold back and told me, 'That was the worst British accent I've ever heard.' It was at that moment I jokingly said, 'Well, I guess I'll check out now, but I'm definitely taking the gummy bears from the minibar.'"

Although Downey's British accent during his audition for The Holiday may not have been exceptional, his later movies showcased his impressive accent skills. One notable example is his role in the 2008 comedy Tropic Thunder, where he portrays an Australian Method actor who controversially uses blackface makeup to depict an African American soldier in a Vietnam War film. Despite the controversy surrounding certain aspects of the movie, including the use of blackface, Downey's performance earned him an Oscar nomination.

After showcasing his Australian accent in Tropic Thunder, Downey takes on another accented role in Sherlock Holmes (2009). His British accent as the legendary English detective has been widely praised and he reprised the role with the same accent in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011).

Apart from these iconic roles, Downey has not had many opportunities to display different accents in his films. However, given his apparent interest in starring in Sherlock Holmes 3, it is likely that he will once again adopt a British accent in the near future. Although he missed out on a role in The Holiday, it is clear that Downey has enjoyed a successful career thus far.

Source: The Howard Stern Show (via Variety)