He's Always Been This Handsome: 15 Charming Throwback Photos of a Young Robert Downey Jr.
He's Always Been This Handsome: 15 Charming Throwback Photos of a Young Robert Downey Jr.
Kate HoganFri, April 24, 2026 at 10:30 AM UTC
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Robert Downey Jr. on 'Saturday Night Live'Credit: Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank
Robert Downey Jr. made Hollywood fall in love with him from day one.
At age 5, he appeared in his first film, Pound, directed by his late dad Robert Downey Sr. He rose to fame with roles opposite the Brat Pack in the '80s, gave a critically acclaimed performance in 1992's Chaplin and has become one of the most globally recognized actors since taking on the role of Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2008. Over the course of his expansive career, the Oscar-winning actor has filled his years with all sorts of twists and turns that have led him to cinematic success and happiness at home with wife Susan and their family.
“I got a couple other tricks up my sleeve,” he told PEOPLE of his next act.
“We're just getting started,” added his wife, also his producing partner. "There's so many more things we want to do together and achieve together and play together, create together.”
As Downey Jr. continues that ride, with another Avengers movie out in December 2026, look back on some of his most iconic moments from the late 1980s and early 1990s.
01 of 15
Start Your Engines
Joaquim Almeida, Robert Downey Jr., Bonnie Hunt and Marisa TomeiCredit: TriStar/Getty
He exuded cool in a vehicle with his Only You costars Marisa Tomei, Joaquim de Almeida and Bonnie Hunt.
02 of 15
Go the Extra Smile
Robert Downey Jr. in 1992Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Downey Jr. beamed from ear to ear as he made a dapper appearance at the MTV Movie Awards.
03 of 15
Hats Amazing
Sarah Jessica Parker and Robert Downey Jr. in 1988Credit: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Sarah Jessica Parker, whom he dated from 1984 to 1991, arrived with him at Norman Lear's home in Beverly Hills, California.
04 of 15
Suit Yourself
Robert Downey Jr. in 1988Credit: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty
His sense of style has always been impeccable, as seen by the chic plaid suit he wore to a New York City fundraiser.
05 of 15
Live from New York
A young Robert Downey Jr. on 'Saturday Night Live' in 1986Credit: Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
For one season from 1985 to 1986, Robert Downey Jr. joined the cast of Saturday Night Live. Here, he visits "Weekend Update" with Dennis Miller and Anthony Michael Hall.
06 of 15
His Wild Side
Credit: Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank
On Saturday Night Live, he had the audience laughing and swooning with chest-baring skits like "Models Against the Wilderness."
07 of 15
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Getting Weird
A young Robert Downey Jr. in 'Weird Science' with Anthony Michael Hall, Robert Rusler and Ilan Mitchell-SmithCredit: Hulton Archive/Getty
Robert Downey Jr. joined (from left) Anthony Michael Hall, Robert Rusler and Ilan Mitchell-Smith for 1985's Weird Science.
08 of 15
Total Natural
A young Robert Downey Jr. in 'Natural Born Killers' (1994)Credit: Everett
Robert Downey Jr. earned critical acclaim for his work in 1994's Natural Born Killers.
09 of 15
What's the Dish?
A young Robert Downey Jr. in 1991Credit: Bruce W. Talamon/Paramount/Courtesy Everett
He charmed again in 1991's ensemble piece, Soapdish.
10 of 15
Quiet Time
A young Robert Downey Jr. as Charlie Chaplin in 1992Credit: TriStar Pictures/courtesy Everett
The 1992 film Chaplin earned Robert Downey Jr. his first Oscar nomination; he had another nod in 2008 for Tropic Thunder before winning in 2023 for Oppenheimer.
11 of 15
Picture Perfect
A young Robert Downey Jr. in 1988Credit: Bonnie Schiffman/Getty
Robert Downey Jr.'s vibes were on full display in this undated portrait.
12 of 15
Take Your Pick
A young Robert Downey Jr. with Molly Ringwald in 1987Credit: 20th Century-Fox/Getty
Alongside Molly Ringwald, Robert Downey Jr. had his '80s teenage dream moment in the 1987 movie The Pick-Up Artist.
13 of 15
Period Piece
A young Robert Downey Jr. in the 1988 movie '1969'Credit: Atlantic Releasing/courtesy Everett
In 1988, Robert Downey Jr. joined Kiefer Sutherland for the war drama 1969.
14 of 15
Good Chance
A young Robert Downey Jr. with Cybill Shepherd in 'Chances Are' (1989)Credit: Everett
In a rom-com about reincarnation, Robert Downey Jr. starred alongside Cybill Shepherd.
15 of 15
Swing Town
A young Robert Downey Jr.Credit: TriStar Pictures/courtesy Everett
The actor jumped into the thrills for the 1990 action film Air America.
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