Movie bosses praise Downey Jr

Paramount Pictures boss Brad Grey has praised Robert Downey Jr for overcoming his personal problems and resurrecting his film career - insisting he is a real life 'Iron Man'.

The actor fought a well-publicised battle with drink and drugs throughout his adult life and the downward spiral culminated in a year-long spell in prison in 1999 for missing mandatory court-imposed drug tests.

The star has since sorted his life out, kicking drugs and returning to mainstream cinema.

His biggest blockbuster to date, this year's 'Iron Man', has triumphed at the box office across the globe.

Studio head Grey insists Downey Jr's struggle proves he really is a superhero.

He said: "As much as I admire (Downey Jr) for the job he did in the film as an actor, the true Iron Man is (Downey Jr) in his real life. He persevered and righted his life after some rough and trying years."