• April 26, 2001

Robert Downey Jr. was fired from the TV show "Ally McBeal" on Tuesday, hours after his latest arrest for investigation of being under the influence of drugs. Police offered no details about what led to Downey's arrest, nor did they release the type of drug he was accused of using.

David E. Kelley, the Emmy-winning producer of "Ally McBeal," released a statement Tuesday saying that he has scuttled plans to feature Downey in several more episodes. The producer had publicly supported Downey until his latest arrest, even signing him to more episodes after the actor's arrest last November on drug charges, but on Tuesday Kelly said, "We are wrapping up the stories on the final few episodes of "Ally McBeal" for the season without him"

Downey's role as "Ally McBeal" star Calista Flockhart's boyfriend won him a Golden Globe Award and is credited with boosting sagging ratings for the Fox comedy this season.