Robert Downey Jr. is finally leaving his dark past behind him

The holidays are going to be extra happy for Robert Downey Jr.

More:Robert Downey Jr. has some harsh words for journalist he walked out on

According to E! News, the Iron Man actor has been pardoned by California Governor Jerry Brown for a string of drug and alcohol-related offenses he was convicted of in the 1990s.

Fifty-year-old Downey was one of 91 people who received official holiday pardons this year, many of whom had also been convicted of crimes related to drug use. Downey had been requesting clemency for years before being officially pardoned on Christmas Eve.

In November of 1996, Downey was sentenced for possession of a controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle with a prior conviction, driving under the influence with priors and use of a controlled substance. According to E! News, he served just over a year in prison, followed by nearly three years of probation. He was released in 2002, just before his film career really took off.

More:Robert Downey Jr.’s MTV Movie Awards speech sends teens a powerful message

According to the pardon documents, Downey “obtained from the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the County of Los Angeles an order dated Oct. 20, 2015, evidencing that since his release from custody, he has lived an honest and upright life, exhibited good moral character and conducted himself as a law-abiding citizen.” The official pardon also states that he “paid his debt to society and earned a full and unconditional pardon.”

Downey petitioned for clemency, citing his recovery from drug and alcohol addiction, as well as his successful career, philanthropy and family, which includes his wife, producer Susan Downey, and two kids, 3-year-old Exton and 1-year-old Avri.

More:Robert Downey Jr. shares first picture of his blue-eyed baby (PHOTO)

Do you think Robert Downey Jr. deserved to be pardoned for his past crimes? Head down to the comments and let us know.