Robert Downey Jr., born April 4, 1965, in New York City, is one of Hollywood's most iconic and highest-grossing actors. Born into a performing family, he began acting at age 5. After gaining recognition with his Oscar-nominated performance in "Chaplin" (1992), his career faltered due to substance abuse issues in the late 1990s and early 2000s. His remarkable comeback came in 2008 when he portrayed Tony Stark/Iron Man in Marvel's "Iron Man," a role that transformed him into a global superstar and became the cornerstone of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He subsequently starred in numerous blockbuster films including "The Avengers" series, earning over $14 billion at the global box office. His journey from personal struggles to professional triumph is considered one of Hollywood's most inspiring comeback stories.
