Robert Downey Jr.`s Biograhpy
Robert John Downey Jr. is a Hollywood powerhouse best known for bringing Tony Stark to life in Marvel's blockbuster films, starring as Sherlock Holmes in Guy Ritchie's action-packed adaptations, embodying Charlie Chaplin in Richard Attenborough's biographical drama, and playing crime reporter Paul Avery in the mystery-thriller «Zodiac», among many other memorable performances.
Childhood and family
Robert Downey Jr. was born on April 4, 1965. He is the son of actor and underground filmmaker Robert Downey Sr. (born Robert Elias Jr.) and actress Elsie Ann Downey. He has an older sister, Alison Downey.
Downey made his screen debut at the age of 5 while appearing in his father's arthouse film «Pound». The plot centers on an impending threat to 18 dogs at an animal shelter. Human actors played the animals, with Robert Downey Jr. taking on the role of a puppy.



Early Roles
In 1984, Robert Downey Jr. starred in the drama «Firstborn» and went on to appear in several teen comedies: «Weird Science», «Back to School», «Tuff Turf», and his father's film «America».


Drug addiction
Robert Downey Jr. gained widespread recognition in 1987 with the release of the crime drama «Less Than Zero». He played Julian, a young man who becomes a cocaine addict and drug dealer, falling in with the wrong crowd and spiraling into trouble. As it later emerged, Robert's personal life eerily mirrored Julian's story during this period—Downey had begun using hard drugs.
In 1992 «Chaplin» biographical film directed by Richard Attenborough was released. The 27-year-old Downey was cast as Charlie Chaplin. By this time, he'd earned a reputation as a controversial and hot-tempered figure in Hollywood, though his acting abilities were never in question. He would sometimes disrupt filming or clash with colleagues. Still, he prepared extensively for the role and gave everything to every scene, showcasing both comedic and dramatic talents while convincingly portraying Chaplin from age 19 to 83.


Problems with the Law
By the mid-90s, the actor's drug addiction had reached a critical point and become impossible to ignore. In June 1996 he was fired during filming of his next movie, then stopped by police and arrested for possession of cocaine, heroin and a Magnum handgun. Police found him sitting naked in his Porsche. A month later he broke into his neighbor's house.



Further Career
After fully recovering from years of struggling with drug addiction, Downey was able to return to the big screen. In 2000 he played a detective novelist slowly losing his mind in «The Singing Detective», memorably appeared in «Wonder Boys», starred opposite Halle Berry in the supernatural thriller «Gothika», and took the leading role in the comedy thriller «Kiss Kiss Bang Bang», co-starring Val Kilmer.



«Iron Man» and «The Avengers»
In 2008, Downey landed the leading role in «Iron Man» and that was a real acting breakthrough, transforming him from a talented actor into a box-office Hollywood star. The first film about a genius billionaire and industrialist fighting evil in a high-tech superhero suit raised almost $600 million at the box office. Downey Jr. himself earned a fairly «modest» $500,000 for «Iron Man».


Sherlock Holmes
Around the same time the first «Iron Man» film was released, Robert Downey Jr. played another cult character – the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes in Guy Ritchie's adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's stories. As expected from the «Snatch» director, his character turned out to be not quite the traditional Sherlock, but rather a kind of 19th century James Bond. His companion Dr. John Watson was portrayed by Jude Law.
Personal Life of Robert Downey
In 1984, 19-year-old Robert began dating actress Sarah Jessica Parker. They met on the set of the drama "Firstborn." Downey's drug addiction clearly took its toll on their relationship, and the couple broke up in 1991, barely speaking for years. It wasn't until 2015 that they finally met again, discussed old times, and reconnected nearly 30 years after their split.



Robert Downey Jr. Now
Beyond the new "Sherlock Holmes" films, Robert Downey Jr. starred in the fantasy film "The Voyage of Doctor Dolittle," based on Hugh Lofting's beloved children's book series.