Robert Downey Jr.’s journey is one of the most remarkable comeback stories in Hollywood. Born in Manhattan in 1965, Downey was introduced to acting early by his filmmaker father, Robert Downey Sr. He began his career at just five years old in the film Pound (1970) and soon rose to fame with standout roles in Less Than Zero (1987) and Chaplin (1992), the latter earning him an Oscar nomination.
Despite his early success, Downey’s career took a sharp downturn due to substance abuse, resulting in multiple arrests and lost roles in the late ’90s and early 2000s. Hollywood began to distance itself from him but everything changed in 2008.
That year, Downey was cast as Tony Stark in Iron Man, a risky move that paid off tremendously. His magnetic performance launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and redefined superhero films. Over the years, he became the face of Marvel, earning over $300 million from the franchise and reportedly $75 million for Avengers: Endgame alone.
Outside Marvel, Downey found success with the Sherlock Holmes series and produced films through Team Downey, a company he runs with his wife Susan. His recent return to Marvel in a surprising new role as the villain Dr. Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday has fans buzzing.
As of 2025, Downey’s estimated net worth stands at $365 million. He owns luxury properties in Malibu and East Hampton and continues to invest in sustainable ventures. His Footprint Coalition, launched in 2019, aims to fight climate change through advanced tech.
Downey has been sober since 2003 and openly credits his wife Susan for helping him turn his life around. Today, he’s not only a Hollywood icon but also a symbol of resilience and transformation. From hitting rock bottom to becoming Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. proves that it’s never too late to start again.