Robert Downey Jr. Through The Years: Photos Of The ‘Iron Man’ Actor When He Was Young

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Robert Downey Jr. Then & Now: Photos

Robert Downey Jr. Then & Now: Photos — Robert Downey Jr., born April 4, 1965, is a veteran actor, who’s been in the spotlight since childhood. The LA native was raised in Hollywood, as the son of actor/filmmaker Robert John Downey. His first role was at 5 years old, but he really made his mark as a member of the ‘Brat Pack’ in the 80s, appearing in ‘Weird Science’ (1985) and ‘Less Than Zero’ (1987). He would go on to earn an Oscar nod for playing Charlie Chaplin in 1992.

He endured a very public battle with substance abuse from the mid 90s to early 2000s. RDJ served a year in California state prison in 2000. Several more arrests would follow until he got clean and sober in 2003. Ready to work again, R.D.J. would be introduced to a new generation as Iron Man AKA Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in 10 of the superhero films.

Take a look at the life of Robert Downey Jr., from his young years to now.

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Robert Downey Jr. In 1985

Robert Downey Jr. In 1985 — It’s showtime! Robert Downey Jr appears in a promo shot for a 1985 episode of ‘Saturday Night Live’.

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‘Less Than Zero’

‘Less Than Zero’ — Robert Downey Jr. sits poolside in a still from ‘Less Than Zero’. The 1987 movie also starred Andrew McCarthy as a college freshman who returns to L.A. for the holidays at his ex-girlfriend’s request to discover that his former best friend (RDJ) has an out-of-control drug habit.

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Robert Downey Jr. In 1990

Robert Downey Jr. In 1990 — Introspective. Robert Jr Downey poses in a black and white portrait from 1990.

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‘Chaplin’

‘Chaplin’ — Robert Downey Jr. earned rave reviews as Charlie Chaplin in the 1992 biopic about the silent movie actor. He won a BAFTA Award for his work.

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‘Restoration’

‘Restoration’ — Period piece! Robert Downey Jr. appears in 1996’s ‘Restoration’, about a the exiled royal physician to King Charles II, who devotes himself to helping Londoners suffering from the plague, and in the process falls in love with an equally poor woman.

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Robert Downey Jr. & Calista Flockhart

Robert Downey Jr. & Calista Flockhart — ‘Ally McBeal’ castmates Robert Downey Jr. and Calista Flockhart attends the 58th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills. He wore a black-on-black suit to the Jan. 21, 2001 event.

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‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’

‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’ — Sit tight! Robert Downey Jr. appears in a scene from ‘Kiss Kiss Bang Bang’. The very-meta 2005 flick was about a New York thief who is sent to Hollywood to train under a private eye for a potential movie role after being mistaken for a famous actor. The duo are thrown together with a struggling actress into a murder mystery.

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Robert Downey Jr. & Wife In 2005

Robert Downey Jr. & Wife In 2005 — Susan Levin and Robert Downey Jr. attend the UNICEF Crystal Snowflake Lighting Ceremony in LA on Nov. 30, 2005. They looked so in love.

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Robert Downey Jr. At The 2007 Oscars

Robert Downey Jr. At The 2007 Oscars — Robert Downey Jr is dapper while appearing at the 79th Annual Academy Awards. The event took place on Feb. 25, 2007.

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‘Tropic Thunder’

‘Tropic Thunder’ — Brandon T. Jackson, Ben Stiller, and Robert Downey Jr appear in a still from the comedy ‘Tropic Thunder’, which can out in 2008. Stiller also directed the flick.

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‘Iron Man’

‘Iron Man’ — He’s the man! Robert Downey Jr. took on the mantle of Iron Man in 2008.

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‘Zodiac’

‘Zodiac’ — On the case. Robert Downey Jr. and Jake Gyllenhaal played San Francisco reporters in 2007’s Zodiac, about the Zodiac serial killer.

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‘Iron Man’

‘Iron Man’ — He’s got the power! RDJ uses his super Stark technology in 2008’s ‘Iron Man’.

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Robert Downey Jr. & Catherine Keener

Robert Downey Jr. & Catherine Keener — Robert Downey Jr. and Catherine Keener hang out at the premiere of ‘The Soloist’ on Apr. 20, 2009. The film, also starring Jamie Foxx, is about a newspaper journalist who discovers a homeless musical genius and tries to improve his situation.

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‘Sherlock Holmes’

‘Sherlock Holmes’ — Ready to rumble! Robert Downey Jr. puts up his dukes in a scene from Guy Ritchie’s 2009 ‘Sherlock Holmes’.

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Robert Downey Jr. At A Photo Call For ‘Iron Man 3’

Robert Downey Jr. At A Photo Call For ‘Iron Man 3’ — What a character! Robert Downey Jr. got a bit ecclectic with his outfit at a photocall for ‘Iron Man 3’ in Munich, Germany on Apr. 12, 2013.

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Robert Downey Jr. Gets A Handprint On Hollywood Blvd.

Robert Downey Jr. Gets A Handprint On Hollywood Blvd. — Robert Downey Jr. celebrates his handprint on Hollywood Boulevard on Apr. 23, 2019. He was with his ‘Avengers: Endgame’ castmates.

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Robert Downey Jr. At The Premiere Of ‘Dolittle’

Robert Downey Jr. At The Premiere Of ‘Dolittle’ — Wild style! Robert Downey Jr. gets a bit frisky in a tiger striped plaid coat during the premiere of his movie ‘Dolittle’ in London on Jan. 25, 2020.

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