Robert L. Downing (1857–1944) was an American stage actor who specialized in Shakespeare characterizations. As a young actor he toured with Mary Anderson and Joseph Jefferson. He became a star in his own right in 1886 and afterward performed Shakespearean parts. He was born in Washington, D.C., and after retiring from acting in 1908 he became a preacher.
Downing was buried at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Frederick, Maryland.