You can’t talk about the greatest Hollywood actors without mentioning Robert Downey Jr. He’s had an impressive transformation in the spotlight, going from the guy on Sarah Jessica Parker‘s arm to one of the most successful action heroes in movie history. The 55-year-old star has had his ups and downs over the years, but thanks to his raw talent, determination, and hard work, he’s managed to become one of the most inspiring success stories. Oh, and did we mention how his comedic chops have gotten even better over time? Well, they have. Keep scrolling to see all the best RDJ shots, from the ’80s to today!
Related: I Want to Be as Happy as Robert Downey Jr. Dancing Through the Avengers Press Tour
Getty / Barry King
1987
Robert and SJP looked like an ’80s It couple when they attended the premiere of Slam Dance in LA.
Getty / Jeff Kravitz
1988
Robert held on tight to a nearly unrecognizable SJP at a gala in LA.
Getty / Barry King
1989
Robert and Sarah Jessica looked very in love at the Oscars.
Getty / Jean-Paul Aussenard
1990
Robert and SJP looked like a sweet young couple in Santa Monica.
Getty / Tom Wargacki
1991
RDJ was by Sarah Jessica’s side when he attended the premiere of her film L.A. Story in London.
Getty / Jeff Kravitz
1993
Robert cleaned up nicely for the MTV Movie Awards.
Getty / Jeff Kravitz
1994
Robert had really long hair when he took a snap with Sheryl Crow at the Billboard Music Awards.
Getty / Jeff Kravitz
1995
RDJ was too cool to pose at the MTV Movie Awards.
Getty / Jeff Kravitz
1998
Robert showed off his frosted tips at the MTV Movie Awards.
Getty / Jeff Kravitz
1998
Robert looked like a cool character at an LA party.
Getty / Albert L. Ortega
2001
Robert sported his trademark sunglasses to the Emmys.
Getty / Frederick M. Brown
2002
Robert took his son to the premiere of Austin Powers in Goldmember.
Getty / George Pimentel
2003
Robert wore a floppy hat to the Toronto International Film Festival.
Getty / SGranitz
2004
Robert looked happy to release his first record in LA.
Getty / John Sciulli
2006
Robert looked like he was ready to join a boy band when he attended the Cannes Film Festival.
Getty / Jeff Kravitz
2007
Robert showed a bit of gray while attending the Oscars.
Getty Images / Michael Buckner
2008
A mustachioed Robert put his arm around his wife at the premiere of Tropic Thunder in LA.
Getty / Steve Granitz
2009
Robert sported a unique suit to his hand and footprint ceremony at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
Getty / Mark Sullivan
2010
RDJ sported longer locks at the LA premiere of Due Date.
WireImage / Steve Granitz
2011
Robert had his wife by his side at the premiere of The Hangover Part II.
WireImage / Vera Anderson
2012
Robert looked healthy and happy at a press conference for The Avengers in LA.
FilmMagic / Jon Kopaloff
2013
Robert wore retro glasses to the premiere of Iron Man 3 in Hollywood.
Getty / Kevin Winter
2014
While speaking onstage at the Hollywood Film Awards, Robert looked pretty damn dashing in his eggplant-hued suit.
Getty / Christopher Polk
2015
RDJ was sitting pretty at the 41st Annual People’s Choice Awards in LA.
FilmMagic / Jeff Kravitz
2016
It’s a testament to Robert’s youth that he was able to go toe-to-toe with Chris Evans at the Kids’ Choice Awards in March.
Getty Images / Todd Williamson
2017
Even Tom Holland was in awe of Robert’s good looks at the premiere of Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Getty Images / Emma McIntyre
2018
Robert served major looks at the LA premiere of Avengers: Infinity War. There’s only one person who can rock a pair of sunglasses like that, and you’re looking at him.
Getty / Frazer Harrison
2019
Robert was all smiles at the D23 Disney Legends event in Anaheim, CA.
