Robert Downey Jr.’s longtime private secretary, Jimmy Rich, deceased in an automobile accident on Wednesday night. Downey confirmed Jimmy Rich passing on his Instagram page when Rich was 52 years old.
Jimmy Rich had known Downey since 2003 when he joined him on the production of The Singing Detective. According to Rich’s IMDb profile, they worked together 22 more times, notably on all of Downey’s Marvel flicks.
Robert Downey Jr. Shared On His Instagram
“This is not news,” Downey posted on his Instagram account. “This is a terrible and shocking tragedy. Jimmy Rich was in a fatal car accident at approx. 8 pm yesterday. He was a brother, my right-hand man, an uncle to our kids, and beloved by all who experienced his singular character and wit.. our thoughts go to his relatives, friends, co-workers, and all the fans who knew him as the man who supported every step of my recovery, life and career. Again, my condolences to his beautiful family and the legacy of hope and redemption his life will continue to represent. Peace Be Unto You.”
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Many of Downey’s Avengers co-stars and other movie partners also paid tribute to Rich.
Mark Ruffalo, Chris Pratt, Josh Brolin, Jeremy Renner, Jack Black, and Clark Gregg were among the celebrities who conveyed their sorrow.
“Such a tragedy,” Ruffalo wrote. “Such a good man. I have known him almost as long as I have known you, Robert. Breaks my heart to have Jimmy go over to the other world. You will be missed Jimmy. Thanks for always being real, always being there to lend a hand and showing the way of light forward to so many people. Another sad day.”
“Oh no! 😢 I’m so sorry man,” Pratt wrote. “I’m praying his family, you and yours. That sucks so bad. I’m so sorry to hear that. He was awesome. Such a tragedy.”
“Wow. Brother. What a devastating loss,” Renner wrote.
“No words,” Brolin wrote. “Just tears and gratitude for the gift that was him.”
“Ohhhhh man. I am so sorry @robertdowneyjr,” Gregg wrote.
Downey’s Tropic Thunder co-star Jack Black wrote, “Heartbroken. Such a good man.”
Chris Evans wrote his own Instagram tribute to honor Rich: “I don’t have the words,” Evans wrote. “Jimmy Rich was unlike anyone else. He left an indelible impression on everyone he met. No one more so than my brother @robertdowneyjr. They were inseparable. I’m sending all my love to Jimmy’s friends and family. Be sure to hug your loved ones tightly and please take the time today to show Downey how many people love him and are here for him during this incredibly dark time.”
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Rich was also honored on Marvel Studios’ official Instagram page, which wrote: “Rest In Peace, Jimmy. You have been such a great friend to all of us at Marvel Studios for so many years. Your love and light were an inspiration to everyone that knew you. We will miss you.”
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