Downey Ups 'Ally' Ante

By Stephen M. Silverman

Wednesday June 03, 1998 12:00 AM EDT

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Despite his current legal woes, Robert Downey Jr. has signed to appear in as many as 11 more episodes of the hit Fox series "Ally McBeal" beyond the 10 shows he has already filmed this season, says the Hollywood Reporter. Sunday night at the Golden Globes, when he spoke backstage with the awards show's producer Dick Clark, Downey, 35, strongly hinted at his doing more episodes. The actor, who's been credited with helping to boost "Ally" 's ratings (which had pretty much plateaued), won the Globe for best supporting actor in a comedy series. He plays the love interest of Ally (Calista Flockhart, who accompanied Downey to the Globes ceremony on Sunday and whom he called "sweetheart" during his acceptance speech, thus fueling speculation on the "Today" show and in other quarters about a possible personal relationship). The trade paper reports that Downey is expected back on the show's set next week. The only possible hitch: Downey pleaded not guilty on Dec. 27 to two felony drug counts and one misdemeanor charge (following a bust in a Palm Springs hotel room a month before). If convicted of these charges, Downey could end up in prison for up to 56 months. His next court appearance is set for Monday.