Downey Out, Azaria In?

By Stephen M. Silverman

Originally posted Monday June 22, 1998 12:00 AM EDT

Hank Azaria appears to be the likely successor for the role in "America's Sweethearts" that had originally been set for Robert Downey Jr., reports Variety. The romantic comedy, which also stars Julia Roberts, Catherine Zeta-Jones, John Cusack and Billy Crystal, is scheduled to begin shooting in early January. Downey faces a Dec. 27 court date in Indio, Calif., following his Nov. 25 arrest in his hotel room in Palm Springs. Police say Downey had cocaine and methamphetamine in his possession and was under the influence of a controlled substance. (Specific charges are due to be announced Friday.) Because Downey's future schedule is open to question, "Sweethearts" director Joe Roth was said to be forced to consider replacing the actor. Azaria, who split from wife Helen Hunt in August, has appeared in the movies "Mystery, Alaska" and "The Birdcage" and does voices on "The Simpsons." Immediately after Downey's arrest, Roth told The New York Times that he wished the actor the best, but keeping his movie on schedule was a priority. The Times also questioned the likelihood of an insurance company's guaranteeing Downey's participation in movie projects, given his record.