It’s that time of year again. People are making their lists and checking them twice, a list of high hopes and great expectations for the New Year. Whether it’s to lose weight, quit smoking or to just get their life on track, the New Year always seems like the best time to start fresh.

Actor Robert Downey, Jr is a great example of someone who took the time and determination to truly work on their life and make it something better. After many years of drug abuse and run-ins with the law, Downey finally resolved to get the help he needed.

Looking back on 2011 the celebrity circuit has lost many artists, like Amy Winehouse, 27 and Jeff Conaway, 60 after struggling with drugs and alcohol.

“Sometimes it’s necessary to compartmentalize the different stages of your evolution, both personally and objectively, for the people you have to love and tolerate. And one of those people, for me, is me. I have a very strong sense of that messed-up kid, that devoted theater actor, that ne’er-do-well 20-something nihilistic androgyne and that late-20s married guy with a little kid, lost, lost in narcotics-all as aspects of things I don’t regret and am happy to keep a door open on. More than anything I have this sense that I’m a veteran of a war that is difficult to discuss with people who haven’t been there,” says Downey.

Working in film and television since 1970, Downey has played many characters while in and out of drug induced hazes. His onscreen performances never seemed to suffer from whatever the drug of choice was. However, his personal life was a different story. He and Sarah Jessica Parker had a long term relationship during the late 80’s and early 90’s that, in the end, couldn’t handle the strain of his demons.

Since his last rehab stay, Downey has remarried, started a production company and is expecting his second son, the first with wife Susan in February 2012.

Downey has reprised his award worthy role as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes this season and from the previews it seems this performance is just as good if not better than the first. Alongside Jude Law as his trusty sidekick Dr. John Watson they attempt to outwit “the Napoleon of crime” Professor Moriarty in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.

Rumor has it there will be a third installment; however a date has yet to be released.

As a fan of his work from his almost true to life performance in Less than Zero, Chaplin and my personal holiday favorite, Home for the Holidays, I ‘m thankful he isn’t one of the many celebrities I‘ve had to eulogize because of reckless drug abuse. His talent hasn’t been lost and I’m glad he’s able to keep his resolution to stay clean and sober for his family, fans and most of all himself.

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