In 1987, Robert Downey Jr. was widely regarded to be Hollywood’s next big thing, but 10 years later he was in prison, hopelessly addicted to drugs.
After five years of substance abuse, arrests, rehab and relapse, Robert finally quit the drugs he had been taking since he was eight and went back to work.
In the 12 years since, his career has skyrocketed, helped along by his casting in Marval Comics trilogy Iron Man which have grossed more than $900 million worldwide.
These pictures chart Robert’s journey from boy wonder, to addict to superhero.
Robert Downey Jr. in 1986, 1993 and 2013.
Robert in 1986. He first took drugs when he was eight years old.
In June 1986. Robert did drugs with his father throughout his childhood.
By 1986, he was a promising Broadway star, but privately battled addiction.
He cracked the film industry in 1987 when he starred in *The Pick-Up Artist*.
He cracked the film industry in 1987 when he starred in The Pick-Up Artist.
In 1988 he gained critical acclaim for playing a drug addict, which he secretly was.
By 1988, Robert was a full-blown Hollywood hearthrob.
With former girlfriend Sarah Jessica Parker in March 1989.
He cleaned up his image, but not his act in 1993.
Robert at the Billboard Music Awards in 1994.
By 1994 he had been arrested for drug and gun possession.
In 1997, Robert was jailed for four months for violation of his probation.
A mug shot from April 2001. The arrest saw him sacked from *Ally McBeal*.
A mug shot from April 2001. The arrest saw him sacked from Ally McBeal.
Robert in 2001, at what he calls “the lowest point” in his addictions.
By 2003, Robert was two years’ sober.
In 2004, he told Oprah about his battle with addictions.
In 2004, Robert released his debut album, to mixed reviews.
Robert at the Deauville Film Festival in 2005.
Looking healthy in September 2005.
In Utah in January 2006.
In 2007, Robert was cast in the first *Iron Man* film.
In 2007, Robert was cast in the first Iron Man film.
The movie was wildly successful and he was a superstar by 2008.
At the European premiere of Due Date in November 2010.
At a photo call for Iron Man 2 in 2010.
At the premiere of Iron Man 3 in 2013.
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