Downey Jr. got his first break as a cast member of "Saturday Night Live" in 1995. Downey was nominated for the Academy Award in 1992 as the lead in "Chaplin," then became well known for off-camera problems. He eventually got over those and became one of the most successful actors in the 2000s. He earned a best supporting actor nomination for "Tropic Thunder," which came out in the same year as "Iron Man."
Howard, who had previously starred in "Crash," and "Hustle & Flow," plays Lt. Col. James "Rhodey" Rhodes. Rhodes is Tony's only close friend and helps Stark Industries stay in good terms with the government. Howard became a regular on NBC's "Law and Order: Los Angeles" in 2010. He was replaced in the sequel by Don Cheadle.
Jeff Bridges plays Obadiah Stane, Stark's business partner who becomes his deadliest enemy. Bridges is highly recognized for his role as "The Dude" in the 1998 quirky comedy "The Big Lebowski." He has also appeared in notable films such as "The Last Picture Show," "Tron" and "The Fabulous Baker Boys." In 2010, Bridges, then 60, won the Oscar for best actor for his work as a country singer in "Crazy Heart."
Paltrow had the role of Virginia "Pepper" Potts, Stark's most trusted assistant and obvious love interest. Paltrow won an Oscar for Best Actress in 1998 for "Shakespeare In Love." In 2010, she played a country music performer in "Country Strong." Paltrow is the daughter of actress Blythe Danner and producer Bruce Paltrow.
Faran Tahir plays Raza, head of the terrorist organization that receives weapons from Stark Inc. through Stane. Tahir appeared previously in films such as "Charlie Wilson's War," "Anywhere But Here" and the Fox TV series, "24."
Bibb has a brief role as Christine Everhart, a news reporter who antagonizes but intrigues Stark. Bibb's first film was the Howard Stern movie "Private Parts" in 1998. She also starred in the TV series "Popular" in 1999. Bibb's other credits include "Crossing Jordan" and the double-crossing wife in "Talladega Nights" opposite Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly.
Paul Bettany provided some comic relief as the voice Stark's computer assistant, Jarvis. Bettany's other credits include "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World," "The Tourist," "The Da Vinci Code" and "Priest."
Theater goers who left early missed Samuel L. Jackson's cameo as Nick Fury. He appears after the credits with an offer for Stark to join the "Avengers" project. Jackson's resume includes appearances in some of the most iconic films of his era. He was a hit man in "Pulp Fiction," a scientist in "Jurassic Park," the disc jockey in "Do the Right Thing." and unwilling partner of Bruce Willis' hero in "Die Hard: With a Vengeance" and a Jedi in three "Star Wars" films.