Great acting (does not equal) Robert Downey Jr's acting. Robert Downey Jr's acting (equals) Robert Downey Jr's acting. Robert Downey Jr, has always been adept at acting, and is very good at the craft. read more
— Ben Stiller, The 2008 Time 100, entry No. 60, "Robert Downey Jr." In 2007, Downey was cast as the title character in the film Iron Man, with director Jon Favreau explaining the choice by stating: "Downey wasn't the most obvious choice, but he understood what makes the character tick. read more
Downey Sr., himself a drug addict, exposed his son to drugs at a very early age, and Downey Jr. would go on to struggle with abuse for decades. Downey Jr. made his debut as an actor at the age of five in the film Pound (1970), written and directed by his father, Robert Downey Sr.. read more