More than meets the eye

The comeback is officially in full swing.

Actor Robert Downey Jr. was honored during the weekend with the Renaissance Award from the Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago.

He was in Chicago to receive the award Saturday, where during an interview, he said the three movies that are "most representative" of his work included "Tropic Thunder," "Sherlock Holmes," and "Iron Man."

It's been a whirlwind few years for Downey Jr., all culminating in 2009 with the releases of Tropic Thunder and Iron Man.

Downey Jr. was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 2009's "Tropic Thunder" and won a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture -- Musical or Comedy, for "Sherlock Holmes."

He was nominated for Best Actor in 1993 for his role as Charlie Chaplin in "Chaplin," but lost to Al Pacino.

The 45-year-old actor will be seen in "Due Date," out later this year. In the film, he plays Peter Highman, a high-strung father-to-be who finds himself on a roadtrip with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay (portrayed by Zach Galifianakis, from "The Hangover.").

He also is set to star in a sequel for "Sherlock Holmes" next year and is scheduled to appear in "The Avengers" in 2012.

He has won numerous awards throughout and his talent has been recognized for approximately 25 years.

He has won numerous awards throughout and his talent has been recognized for approximately 25 years.

Downey Jr. got his first acting gig in the film "Pound," written and directed by his father, Robert Downey Sr.

Since then, show business has been in the blood.

Even though he was only 5 when he starred in his first movie, his career didn't take off until the mid-1980s with parts in "Tuff Turf," with James Spader, and "Weird Science," with Anthony Michael Hall.

The reasoning behind this blog is to discover that Downey Jr. isn't just Tony Stark. There's much more to this actor.

A highly recommended film in his arsenal include "Less Than Zero," which came out in 1987 and also starred Jamie Gertz and Andrew McCarthy. This film is worth watching considering what Downey Jr. would go through later in life.

After "Chaplin," Downey Jr. starred in a handful of films, including "Heart and Souls," "Natural Born Killers," "Only You," and others.

But his substance abuse problems gave him fits.

Still, because of his talent, he managed to get roles in films.

But it wasn't until 2003 -- after a stint behind bars -- when the talent came to the surface and he turned his back on drugs.

Old friend Mel Gibson tapped Downey Jr. to star in "The Singing Detective," that year.

While the film didn't make waves, it showed what Downey Jr. could do when sober.

Since that performance, it's been all up hill.

Downey Jr. starred in "Zodiac," in 2007, cementing his name among the greats in acting.

From there came "Iron Man," in 2008, "Tropic Thunder," "Sherlock Holmes," and "Iron Man 2."

Besides "Less Than Zero," those interested in seeing where "Tony Stark" came from should also check out "Weird Science," "Tuff Turf," -- although it is difficult to find, or even "Back to School," with Rodney Dangerfield.

Downey Jr. is also riveting in "Zodiac," as reporter Paul Avery.

Other movies Downey Jr. has shined in include "Wonder Boys," "U.S. Marshals," "Home for the Holidays," "True Believer," and "Soapdish."

It's great to see that he is finally clean and sober and prepared to show the world what he is capable of. He even released an album, "The Futurist," in 2004.

Downey Jr. is a great example of someone who beaten the odds and continued to shine.

As far as my own collection, I own "Sherlock Holmes," "Iron Man," "Tropic Thunder," "Zodiac," "Bowfinger," "Weird Science," and, in my opinion, the one that started it all, "Less Than Zero."

If you have some extra time during those rainy days and just want to kick back on the couch, check out some of these movies.

You won't regret it.