JUDGE GIVES DOWNEY HIGH MARKS IN REHAB

March 20, 2002 -- INDIO, Calif. - A judge gave Robert Downey Jr. rave
reviews yesterday for his efforts to kick drugs, as the troubled actor took
a major step toward completing court-ordered rehab.

Riverside County Judge Randall D. White could end Downey's rehab on July 19
or keep him in the program for up to six more months.

"It looks like you're doing well. I'm pleased to see that," White told
Downey yesterday after reviewing a favorable probation report of the
actor's work in rehab. "Good work."

Downey, 37, looking sharp in a purple sharkskin suit, white shirt and blue
tie, refused to speak to reporters as he entered and exited court.

Cops busted Downey on Thanksgiving weekend 2000 for doing drugs in his posh
Palm Springs hotel room. The Oscar-nominated actor pleaded no contest to
one felony count of cocaine possession and one misdemeanor count for being
high on the drug.

Downey could have received jail time, but California voters passed a ballot
measure in November 2000 that favors treatment over incarceration for
nonviolent drug users. Downey has been in a Malibu, Calif., detox center
since last May, and passing weekly random drugs tests, said Riverside
County Deputy District Attorney Tamara Capone.

"He seems to be staying out of trouble," Capone said.

Downey is expected this April to begin shooting a film remake of "The
Singing Detective," produced by Mel Gibson's Icon Productions. Downey's
last consistent work was playing Calista Flockhart's romantic interest in
the show "Ally McBeal." He lost that job after a drug arrest last April in
Culver City, Calif.

Defense lawyer James Epstein said his client has grown up in the past year.

"He's ready to be cured, ready for help," Epstein said. "He's more mature,
more ready to accept help."

Highlights of his career include a 1993 Oscar nomination (Best Actor,
"Chaplin"). More recently, Downey's turn as a drug-addled literary agent in
the 2000 film "Wonder Boys" was a hit with critics.