1. Robert Downey Jr - From County Jail To The Biggest Star On The Planet
Robert Downey Jr's talent has never been something that is in doubt - boyish good looks coupled with an old school magnetic charm have meant the actor has won high praise for pretty much every performance he has been involved with. A note perfect turn as the lead role in a biopic of Charlie Chaplin brought the actor to the cusp of Hollywood's elite with an Academy Award nomination and critical praise from his industry peers. With the world at his feet, Downey Jr made the incredible mistake of allowing his demons to catch up with him and getting heavily involved in drugs - roles dried up and the actor found himself practically uninsurable. Stints in jail and rehab followed and, where there was once a hugely promising career, RDJ seemed to be yesterday's man in Hollywood. Whilst many wouldn't touch the actor with a barge pole, redemption was offered by none other than Shane Black (another comeback kid) who offered the actor a lead role in his forthcoming Kiss, Kiss Bang, Bang. The collaboration proved to be a boon for both men and put Downey Jr back on the map. Despite his charm and talent, the charismatic actor was still something of a gamble when approached to portray Tony Stark in an adaptation of the comic book Iron Man but, having accepted, the role has energised the Chaplin actor's career who, in turn, has cemented himself as one of the top performers in Hollywood.
A career that could have so easily ended in tragedy has ended with one of the all time great comebacks.