Robert Downey Jr and Susan Downey: From On-Set Connection to Real-Life Romance

Robert Downey Jr and Susan Downey: From On-Set Connection to Real-Life Romance

Robert Downey Jr and Susan Downey's love story unfolds over the years, from their on-set connection to a real-life romance They tied the knot in 2005 and have since welcomed two beautiful children together Their journey is filled with milestones, love, and growing together

Robert Downey Jr. and his wife, Susan Downey, are not just married, but they also work together in business.

They got married in 2005, two years after meeting on the set of 2003's Gothika. Downey played Dr. Pete Graham in the horror movie, while Susan worked as a producer. Susan even played a role in getting Robert one of his most significant roles, Sherlock Holmes, by recommending him to director Guy Ritchie.

"Susan played a crucial role in Robert becoming Sherlock Holmes," Ritchie said to The Hollywood Reporter in October 2014. "She definitely facilitated it."

In addition to raising their two children Exton and Avri, the couple has collaborated on several projects through their production company, Team Downey, including The Judge, Dolittle, and Sweet Tooth. (Robert also has a son, Indio, with his ex-wife Deborah Falconer, whom he was married to from 1992 to 2004.)

Scroll down to relive Robert and Susan’s biggest relationship moments:

2003

Robert and Susan first met while filming Gothika with Halle Berry and Penélope Cruz. Susan remembered Robert's unconventional eating habits and his interest in yoga during their early interactions. They made their first public appearance together in October at the premiere of Robert's movie The Singing Detective, and announced their engagement a month later.

August 2005

The couple wed in Amagansett, New York, surrounded by family and friends.

Robert Downey Jr and Susan Downey: From On-Set Connection to Real-Life Romance

Handout Photo by Julie Skarratt;WireImage House/WireImage/Getty Images

December 2009

Susan disclosed that their relationship played a vital role in Robert's successful battle against addiction. "I made it clear that to be with me, nothing could happen," she explained to Harper's Bazaar. "I think he realized the special connection we had. There was something unexplainable and magical about it. He always says that we became this third entity when we got together - something that neither of us could have been alone - and I believe that's true." (Robert has been drug-free since 2003.)

January 2010

While winning Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy for Sherlock Holmes at the 2010 Golden Globes, Robert humorously acknowledged his wife's support. "First of all, I’d like to thank Susan Downey for telling me that Matt Damon was going to win, so don’t bother to prepare a speech," he joked. He then quipped, "I really don’t want to thank my wife because I could be bussing tables at the Daily Grill if not for her. Jesus, what a gig that would be."

June 2010

Robert and Susan founded their own production company, Team Downey, which has since produced documentaries like Sr. in 2022, exploring the bond between Robert and his late father, Robert Downey Sr., as well as television shows like Perry Mason.

February 2012

The couple celebrated the arrival of their first child, a son named Exton. Two months after becoming parents, Robert and Susan made their first public appearance together at the Hollywood premiere of The Avengers.

Robert Downey Jr and Susan Downey: From On-Set Connection to Real-Life Romance

Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic/Getty Images

November 2014

After announcing that he and Susan were expecting a baby girl in July, Robert and his wife welcomed their daughter, Avri.

August 2015

October 2017

To celebrate the milestone of ten years of marriage, Robert took to Instagram to share a picture of himself and Susan both donning stylish sunglasses. He affectionately captioned the post with, "A perfect 10. Happy Anniversary, Mrs. Downey."

The couple offered fans a glimpse into their Hamptons residence in a feature with Architectural Digest. "We aimed for something unique," Robert commented on their home, which boasted a windmill and a sizable praying mantis sculpture. "We didn't intend to create something extremely eccentric. We simply appreciate a touch of playfulness and enjoyment. And we certainly dislike anything dull."

November 2021

“Fixing the halo on my angelic wife Mrs. D...You mean the world to me, and November 6th will always be a day of thankfulness for your wonderful existence,” Robert posted on social media to celebrate Susan's birthday. “P.S. I will never cheat on a shared streaming show by watching ahead...That is my solemn promise.”

Robert Downey Jr and Susan Downey: From On-Set Connection to Real-Life Romance

Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images

August 2022

In honor of their 17th wedding anniversary, Robert took to Instagram to share a throwback photo from their 2005 wedding. "Today marks 17 years of pure marital happiness," he captioned the photo, which showed him leaning in to kiss Susan on the cheek. "Susan, you are my rock, my guiding light, and my lucky charm."

February 2023

Robert kept expressing his admiration for his wife on social media. "To the one who affectionately puts up with all my antics, I promise my eternal love..." he wrote alongside a collection of humorous photos with Susan.

August 2023

To celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary, Robert and Susan decided to recreate the iconic photo of him kissing her on the cheek. "18 years and love is still in bloom!!" Robert captioned the pair of pictures on Instagram.

Robert Downey Jr and Susan Downey: From On-Set Connection to Real-Life Romance

Courtesy of Robert Downey Jr./Instagram

Robert Downey Jr and Susan Downey: From On-Set Connection to Real-Life Romance

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December 2023

According to an exclusive source, the couple is still as much in love as they were when they first met. Their friends envy them because they make their relationship look effortless. The source also described Susan as Robert's right-hand person, emphasizing her unwavering support for him and noting his impressive talent.