Robert Downey Jr. has revealed that he simply isn't bothered about titles such as 'highest-paid actor in Hollywood'.

In an interview with Esquire magazine, the Iron Man actor also explains how his commercial success is mostly down to him growing up in an artist's environment.

"My dad's scene has informed everything that I've done," he said. "I was steeped like PG Tips, for so many years, in, 'This is what we do, and the way we do it is a little bit off'.

"So, every time there has been an a-ha moment in a movie that I've contributed to, that's what it's about - mild subversion within the framework of commercial entertainment."

When asked what how he feels about receiving accolades such as 'highest-paid actor in Hollywood', he explained they all pass eventually.

"It means, 'This too shall pass'," he said. "Would I like that Forbes thing to read the same stats next year? Sure. I'd like to get it two years after I'm gone. There's an old therapeutic saying, 'The only thing I ever let go of had claw marks in it'."

He also touched upon his time as a regular drug user, even spending time in prison.

"The further I get away from it, the better I like it. Because essentially it is misspent time on Earth," he said. "Hey, I don't regret it. I'm not shutting the door on it. But from this place where you have a real life, and you have kids, and you do what you're supposed to do? I put my head down on the pillow at night and I have no apologies to make to anybody."