Photos: Associated Press

15 things you might not know about Robert Downey Jr.

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.