Born in New York City in 1965, Robert Downey Jr.'s first major role came in 1987's The Pick-up Artist starring Molly Ringwald. The same year he played a drug addict in Less Than Zero, which reflected his real life repeated trouble with the law for his repetitive drug use. (He claims he was introduced to drugs when his father offered him marijuana joint when he was eight.)

After a complete lifestyle change in the late '90s, Downey went on to star in 2006's A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, 2007's Zodiac and 2008's Iron Man. Downey lived with actress Sarah Jessica Parker for seven years in the 1980s. He is currently married to producer Susan Downey.

The actor can next be seen Christmas Day in Sherlock Holmes with costars Jude Law and Rachel McAdams.