Robert Downey Jr. reflects on early challenges during his time as a Saturday Night Live cast member

Robert Downey Jr. remembers his short Saturday Night Live stint as a bittersweet defining moment. The Iron Man actor was a cast member on the 11th season of the live sketch comedy show from 1985 to 1986.

Downey Jr. recalled his short time at SNL as one of the most important experiences that helped him define what he does well as a performer and what he doesn’t. The Marvel hero opens up about his experiences in the original docu-series SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, which sheds light on the history of the iconic sketch comedy program.

“You can’t have a more exciting 90 minutes than that, whether you’re good or not,” he revealed.

Upon joining the cast of SNL in 1985 at the age of 20, Downey realized that it helped him identify areas in which he was not as great. He said that the energy of a live performance on SNL is unmatched, regardless of who is performing. The actor added, “That year I learned a lot about what I wasn’t.”

Downey credited his entry into SNL to his friend Anthony Michael Hall, who was part of the same season. He said, “Michael Hall said to me, ‘I’m going to do SNL. I’m going to get an audition for you and I’m sure you’ll get on the show, too.'”

Hall said that he recognized that some of the challenges with the young cast, such as writing material suitable for them, may have been a part of that season’s problems.

Hall said, “When I look back, I remember some memories of it being hard. I think for a lot of writers, it was a big challenge to figure out how to write for this kid. “

Despite a talented cast including Joan Cusack, Randy Quaid, Jon Lovitz, and Damon Wayans, SNL season 11 has often been ranked as one of its weakest seasons.

Nevertheless, Robert Downey Jr.’s acting career has skyrocketed, as he continues to be a leading actor in theaters today. He is set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the upcoming Avengers film. SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night can now be streamed on Peacock.