I always kind of knew *of* him, but I don't think I saw any of his films until Zodiac, where he stole every single scene he was in. Then came 2008, and if Iron Man wasn't enough, Tropic Thunder that fall just sealed the deal. It was an amazing year for him. I'm glad he got his life together, and was able to reach the potential he was meant for. So many don't, so I think RDJ represents (finally) a redemption story without the tragedy.