RATINGS: Cast & Crew

DOB: April 4, 1965

Background: Downey is an American actor who was born in New York City. His father was an actor, director, and cinematographer, and his mother was a part-time actress. He started acting as a child and never finished high school in Santa Monica before moving back to New York to pursue acting full time. He has been plagued throughout his career with arrests and jail time for extensive drug use.

Filmography: After appearing in the off-Broadway musical "American Passion" in 1983, he was hired at age 20 to join the cast of NBC's "Saturday Night Live" but only stayed for one season. His film career then took off with roles in "Tuff Turf," "Weird Science," "The Pick-Up Artist," "Less Than Zero," "Chances Are," "Air America," and "Soapdish." He then gained his first Oscar nomination with his title role as Charlie Chaplin in "Chaplin" in 1992. He followed with "Heart and Souls," "Natural Born Killers," "Short Cuts," and a well-received role on the Fox comedy series "Ally McBeal." His film career resumed a few years later with "The Singing Detective," "Gothika," "Good Night and Good Luck," "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang," "The Shaggy Dog," "Zodiac," "Iron Man," "Tropic Thunder," "The Soloist," and "Sherlock Holmes."

Academy Awards:

Best Actor Nomination
"Chaplin" (1992); lost to Al Pacino ("Scent of a Woman")

Best Supporting Actor Nomination
"Tropic Thunder" (2008); lost to Heath Ledger ("The Dark Knight")

Emmy Awards:

Best Comedy Supporting Actor Nomination
"Ally McBeal" (2001); lost to Peter MacNicol ("Ally McBeal")

Golden Globe Awards: Wins - Best Film Comedy/Musical Actor ("Sherlock Holmes," 2010); Best TV Supporting Actor ("Ally McBeal," 2001); Best Ensemble Cast ("Short Cuts," 1994)

Best Film Drama Actor Nomination
"Chaplin" (1993); lost to Al Pacino ("Scent of a Woman")

Best Film Supporting Actor Nomination
"Tropic Thunder" (2009); lost to Heath Ledger ("The Dark Knight")

SAG Awards: Win - Best TV Comedy Actor ("Ally McBeal," 2001)

Best Film Ensemble Nominations
"Good Night and Good Luck" (2006); lost to "Crash"

Best Film Supporting Actor Nomination
"Tropic Thunder" (2009); lost to Heath Ledger ("The Dark Knight")

Best TV Comedy Ensemble Nomination
"Ally McBeal" (2001); lost to ("Will and Grace")