When Susan first met Robert Downey Jr., she didn’t imagine he would one day be her husband. Working as a producer, Susan saw their initial meetings as purely professional, even as Robert expressed his interest in her. At the time, she thought he was rather eccentric. In fact, she turned down his invitations three times before finally agreeing to go on a date with him.
Their unusual first encounter was over lunch in Montreal, where Robert’s behavior struck her as odd. While others were eating Japanese food, Robert pulled out packets of oatmeal, discussing its “superfood” qualities. He then took out various herbs and even did yoga poses during the meal. Susan recalled her first impression, saying, “I mean, he was interesting but weird.” Despite this, Robert had already decided that their lunch was their “first date,” even if she felt otherwise.
A Relationship with Conditions
Robert was persistent, and after a few attempts, Susan eventually agreed to go on a real date with him. Their relationship quickly became serious, and within three months, Robert proposed. However, Susan laid out some conditions before accepting. She wanted a long engagement to ensure they were both ready for the commitment, and she asked him to give up drugs, saying she couldn’t be with him if he didn’t. Although Susan was not familiar with addiction, Robert saw this as a positive, believing that her lack of understanding allowed her to be supportive without judging the depth of his struggles.
Reflecting on this period, Robert credited Susan’s encouragement and steady presence for helping him address his challenges, though he emphasized that she gave him the space to confront his issues in his own way. He admired her for treating him as an equal rather than as someone who needed to be saved, providing a balanced form of support that was crucial to his recovery.
Marriage and Life Together
Robert and Susan tied the knot in 2005 in a Jewish ceremony in the Hamptons, one of Robert’s favorite places to spend the summer. Since then, their marriage has flourished, built on mutual respect and a few simple rules to keep them connected. One of Susan’s pet peeves is Robert’s habit of leaving nicotine gum wrappers around the house—a habit that bothers her but one she has learned to live with over time.
She also admitted that before she met Robert, she hadn’t considered marriage and children as part of her life path, saying, “I didn’t care about having a family or making a home. I didn’t think about kids.” But Robert’s influence changed that, opening her up to the idea of building a family together.
Parenting and Balancing Careers
The couple welcomed their first child, son Exton, in 2010, followed by daughter Avri in 2015. Robert also has an older son, Indio, from his first marriage. Susan now finds herself fully embracing motherhood, crediting Robert with bringing a sense of creativity and warmth into her life. As parents, they prioritize spending quality time with their children, even while managing their busy careers in Hollywood.
To ensure they stayed connected, they established a two-week rule early in their relationship, promising not to go longer than two weeks without seeing each other, no matter where their work took them. Over time, as their production company grew, they tightened this to a one-week rule to ensure they remained present in each other’s lives.
Building Team Downey
In 2010, the couple founded their own production company, Team Downey, blending their professional and personal lives even further. Having collaborated successfully on several projects, including Iron Man 2 and Due Date, they found joy in working together and chose to focus their future endeavors within the family business. Their company also gave them greater control over their schedules, allowing them to honor their one-week rule. They’ve continued to work together on a range of projects, with plans to produce another Sherlock Holmes film. Their shared work has deepened their bond, providing a unique foundation for both their family life and professional ambitions.
The couple’s approach to their marriage is rooted in enjoying each other’s company and finding humor in everyday moments. Susan often says that sharing laughter has been their secret to navigating challenges and keeping their connection strong. When Robert received a Golden Globe award, he playfully thanked his wife for believing another actor, Matt Damon, would win, adding that her steady support has always been a driving force in his career. With a marriage that balances laughter, shared passion, and mutual respect, Robert and Susan Downey continue to thrive both on and off the screen.
