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Robert Downey Jr: Influencers Won’t Replace Real Star Power

5/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Actor Robert Downey Jr. said influencers are not the future of stardom, calling the idea “absolute horses--t.”
Downey argued real stars will still be defined by what they create.
Downey noted technology lets anyone become a celebrity by simply recording themselves on a phone.
Downey urged young Americans to prioritize learning over online attention, citing his 14-year-old son’s pull into the influencer economy through donation requests tied to video-game play.

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Story summary

Actor Robert Downey Jr. said influencers are not the future of stardom, calling the idea “absolute horses--t.”
Downey argued real stars will still be defined by what they create.
Downey noted technology lets anyone become a celebrity by simply recording themselves on a phone.
Downey urged young Americans to prioritize learning over online attention, citing his 14-year-old son’s pull into the influencer economy through donation requests tied to video-game play.