It's definitely the season of giving (or forgiving) because one particular Hollywood actor has just been given a wonderful Christmas gift in the form of a full pardon from California Gov. Jerry Brown.
Robert Downey Jr. has faced trials and tribulations in the past, mostly related to drug charges and arrests, but it's almost 2016 and the world can agree on one thing: RDJ has definitely changed his ways.
Downey made a name for himself early on--starring in Brat Pack films and being recognized for his acting chops. But the actor then struggled with drug addiction and got arrested in 1996. He continued on the same path for roughly five years before he decided to work on himself for the better.
The popular actor has since starred in multiple critically acclaimed films and forged himself a legacy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Tony Stark/Iron Man. Downey even earned himself an Academy Award nomination for his work in "Tropic Thunder," 16 years after his first nomination for "Chaplin" in 1993. Earlier this year, Downey was inducted into the California Hall of Fame.
Downey, along with 90 other people, was granted a pardon on Dec. 24. The movie star had obtained an order on Oct. 20 "evidencing that since his release from custody, he has lived an honest and upright life, exhibited good moral character, and conducted himself as a law-abiding citizen."
"By completion of his sentence and good conduct in the community of his residence since his release, Robert John Downey, Jr. has paid his debt to society and earned a full and unconditional pardon," the document read.
The actor has credited his producer wife, Susan Levin, for his sobriety and turnaround. The couple have two children together: Exton Elias Downey, born on Feb. 7, 2012, and Avri Roel Downey, born on Nov. 4, 2015.
Downey's comeback is certainly a huge success story and one that will hopefully inspire others battling their own demons.
