Downey began a career in journalism at age 15 for a newspaper chain in the south suburbs of Chicago.
[1] He was a police reporter, entertainment writer, editor, critic and columnist and covered national political conventions, murder trials and twelve Olympic Games.
Among his assignments, were an America's Cup yacht race in Australia, tennis at Wimbledon, British Open golf in Scotland, the Tour de France bicycle race, Stanley Cup hockey finals in Montreal and World Cup soccer in Italy, as well as Pan-American Games competitions in Argentina and Cuba.
[7] Downey's writing appeared in a variety of national magazines including GQ, Parade, Entertainment Weekly, Disney Adventures, American Way, Reader's Digest and TV Guide.
[2][11] Downey died from a heart attack in Rancho Mirage, on June 12, 2024, at the age of 72.