From drug addict to man of influence
Robert Downey Jr has gone from a prison cell to a list of the 100 most influential people in the world.
The actor was among a gaggle of celebrities, leaders and sports stars gathered under one roof in New York as Time magazine revealed its 2008 list.
He was joined on the red carpet by the likes of US presidential contender John McCain and media baron Rupert Murdoch.
Downey Jr, seen most recently in the well received film Iron Man, fought debilitating drug addiction years ago to make a huge comeback as an actor.
He admitted that given the obstacles he has faced, his inclusion now in Time magazine's list makes it all the more sweet.
"I guess I have to say it's sweeter, you think about the stuff as an athletic event, or for a sports team, having been on the underdog list for a while, it feels good. That's why pops and I are taking a victory lap and having fun," said Downey Jr who was accompanied by his father Robert Downey Sr.
When one reporter commented that he was getting more attention than Republican presidential nominee, Senator McCain, Downey Jr replied tongue in cheek, "Did he make $200 million in three days? Let's see, hey, I like the guy, I love everyone tonight."
Downey Jr's $200 million refers to the money being churned out by Iron Man at the box office.
As for Mr McCain, he has been included in the 2008 Time 100 most influential people list under the category, Leaders & Revolutionaries along with the other two US presidential candidates - Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
Mr Murdoch was listed in the Time 100 most influential people list under the Builders & Titans section. He was accompanied on the red carpet by his wife, and said he was "flattered" by the inclusion.
This year's list features honourees from 23 countries and includes 23 women and 77 men. The Time magazine list includes not just those with a positive influence but people who may have changed the world for the worse.
© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.
