Robert Downey Jr. and his wife, producer Susan Downey, met in 2003. He was staring in Gothika, a film Susan was helping to produce, when he left a strange impression on his future wife.
“Everybody else ordered Japanese, but Robert told us how oatmeal was the ‘superfood.’ He brought his own packets of oatmeal to have at lunch. And he had this box of various herbs and stuff. And then he started doing these yoga moves. I mean, he was interesting but weird.”
Despite the odd start, Susan and Robert were engaged just a few short months later and married in 2005, with Susan saying, “More than anything, I never doubted it,” she said. “There was something in my gut that knew really quickly. I knew three months in that this was it.”
They’re blended family now includes their two children, Exton and Avri, and Robert’s son Indio, from his first marriage to Deborah Falconer.
Since then, the pair have been deeply in love with one and other, with both often telling media outlets about their affection. Robert told the Herald, “The old saying is true — behind every good man there’s an incredible woman. I owe a huge amount — if not all — of my success to Susan. We make a great team.” He posted a touching tribute to Susan on his Instagram for their 17th anniversary:
“Today marks 17 years of unadulterated marital bliss..
Susan, you are my bedrock, touchstone and lucky stars to boot.”
Susan has said that her relationship with Robert has changed her intrinsically, musing that she was,
“very focused, driven, rigid, work-oriented. I didn’t care about having a family or making a home. I didn’t think about kids. […] And then I had someone who came in as a tornado, this creative, beautiful ball of insane energy and passion. And it completely opened me up.”
Sources:
Robert Downey Jr.’s Wife: How Susan Levin Saved RDJ (goalcast.com)
Robert Downey Jr. (@robertdowneyjr) • Instagram photos and videos
Robert Downey Jr.’s Kids: Get to Know Indio, Exton and Avri (closerweekly.com)
Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey’s Relationship Timeline (people.com)
