In a new documentary titled “Sr.”, actor Robert Downey Jr. shines a spotlight on his father and the role his father played in his tumultuous upbringing.

Downey Jr.’s father, Robert Downey Sr., was a filmmaker and a drug addict, and he admits in the documentary that he made “a terrible, stupid mistake” by introducing his son to drugs at the age of six.

In a clip from an old interview, thought to have taken place in the 1990s, Downey Sr. says, “A lot of us thought it would be hypocritical to not have our kids participate in marijuana and stuff like that. It was an idiot move on our parts to share that with our children. I’m just happy he’s here.”

When asked if he was ever worried his son, who sat next to him, might not survive, he replies, “Many times.” Downey Jr. remembers “growing up in a family where everyone was doing drugs.”

The actor admitted in a 1988 interview that doing drugs became something he and his dad bonded over. He said at the time, “When my dad and I would do drugs together, it was like him trying to express his love for me in the only way he knew.”

In the new documentary, which he produces with his wife Susan, Downey Jr. compares his addiction to cocaine and heroin to “like [having] a shotgun in my mouth, and I’ve got my finger on the trigger, and I like the taste of the gun metal.”

Downey Sr. was not only a bad influence on his son through drugs, but he also took Downey Jr. to watch X-rated films and even cast him in his own disturbing movies from the age of five.

Downey Jr. says in the documentary, “I think we would be remiss not to discuss its effect on me,” as he refers to his father’s unorthodox approach to childcare. Embarrassed, his father mumbles back, “Boy, I would sure love to miss that discussion.”

Downey Jr. rose to fame with his role as Tony Stark in the “Iron Man” franchise, and he has since become one of the most well-known and successful actors in Hollywood.

He has won a Golden Globe for his role in “Ally McBeal” and has been nominated for two Academy Awards, including one for his role in “Chaplin”. D

The new documentary, “Sr.”, is produced by Downey Jr. and his wife Susan and focuses on the relationship between father and son. It offers a glimpse into Downey Jr.’s childhood and the challenges he faced as a result of his father’s influence.

The documentary also explores the impact of addiction on families and the ways in which people can overcome difficult circumstances to achieve success.