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The Many Faces of Robert Downey Jr.

As the Oscar nominee's Iron Man 2 opens at a multiplex near you, we look at the wild array of characters he's played (11 Photos)

Chisato Sakamoto on May 7, 2010 at 7:58AM

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Paramount Pictures

'Iron Man 2' (2010)

On May 7, Robert Downey Jr. reprises a role that gave his career a heroic boost two years ago. This time, playing billionaire Tony Stark particularly resonated with the actor who, like Iron Man himself, has lived in the shadow of his father. Referring to esteemed filmmaker Robert Downey Sr., the star told MTV News, "Any time your dad is revered -- I grew up with 'hey, that's Bob Downey's kid,' and understandably so...in Tony's case, it's really this massive, looming shadow of his dad's almost posthumous perfection...that's a tough thing for him to live up to."