Born into an acting family, Robert Downey Jr. was one of the hottest names in the business until his career was derailed by multiple run-ins with the law.

As he celebrates his 53rd birthday this week, take a look at our list of interesting facts about Downey Jr. and his return to stardom.

-Mike Rose, cleveland.com

Photo: Associated Press

1. He was born in New York

Robert John Downey Jr. was born April 4, 1965 on the island of Manhattan.

Photos: Associated Press

2. He comes from a movie family

Robert Downey Sr. was a filmmaker and Downey Jr.’s mother was an actress.

Photo: Associated Press

3. He has other famous relatives

Downey Jr. is related to both Harry Connick Jr. and Barbara Walters.

Photo: Associated Press

4. He’s been acting since he was a kid

Robert’s first movie experience was in his father’s film ‘Pound’ when he was only 5.

Photo: Associated Press

5. Was he a ‘Brat’?

While not considered a core member of the 80s band of young actors referred to as the ‘Brat Pack,’ many consider him part of the larger group associated with the Brat Pack.

Photo: Associated Press

6. A power couple

Downey Jr. once dated actress Sarah Jessica Parker.

Photo: Associated Press

7. He has his own company

Robert and his wife Susan own their own production company, Team Downey.

Photo: Associated Press

8. He’s got a set of pipes

Downey Jr. often lends his vocal talents to the soundtracks of films he is in and has released his own album.

Photo: Associated Press

9. With friends like these…

Downey Jr. was once let out of rehab for a day to shoot a music video for Elton John.

Photo: Associated Press

10. Don’t call it a comeback

Following being cast as Tony Stark in ‘Iron Man,’ Downey Jr. rose to the ranks of Hollywood’s megastars.

Photo: Associated Press

11. He’s top of the list

Robert is currently tied with Chris Evans for the most appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.