Having a prosperous career in Hollywood as a graceful actor, Robert Downey Jr. has been linked with several names. While he has married and settled with the Hollywood producer Susan Downey, the Iron Man star has reportedly been in several relationships, including with the Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker. The actors started dating after they first met on the set of the 1984 film Firstborn and soon became the hot sensation of the glam city.
The former couple dated for around seven years before they officially decided to split in 1991. And the reason behind their split is believed to be Downey Jr.’s struggles with substance abuse. The Footloose actress later opened up about feeling angry and embarrassed during her relationship with the Marvel star.
Robert Downey Jr. Embarrassed His Ex-Girlfriend
Robert Downey Jr. and Sarah Jessica Parker first met while starring in the 1984 drama Firstborn. Both of them were 18 at the time and even moved in together within weeks of meeting each other. As per the House Pocus star, they both enjoyed living together very much.
However, like all good things, their relationship came to an end in 1991, and the reason behind their split is believed to be the Dolittle star’s struggles with addiction. Jessica Parker later opened up about her long-term relationship with the Hollywood actor, saying, “People around him would be dismissive of me.”
It was also around the time when Downey Jr was struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. The actress shared that she tried giving him “stability” and keeping him steady so that he could show up on time. But she often felt “angry and embarrassed” by her ex-boyfriend.
While she did feel embarrassed sometimes, the actress has said that she does not resent her relationship with the Oppenheimer actor. The 58-year-old actor has spoken highly of his ex-girlfriend as he explained that she provided him with home and understanding.
Sarah Jessica Parker Was Scared For Her Ex-Boyfriend
Robert Downey Jr. has been quite open about his struggles with drugs and alcohol. He has also shared that it was one of the reasons his and Sarah Jessica Parker’s relationship ended. During an interview with Parade, he said,
“I liked to drink, and I had a drug problem, and that didn’t jibe with Sarah Jessica because it is the furthest thing from what she is.”
He also shared that she provided him with a home and understanding and tried to help him. Jessica Parker has also shared that she had a reason for being with her ex-boyfriend for that long. During her appearance on WTF with Marc Maron, The Family Stone star shared that she stayed with Downey Jr because she was scared for his life. She shared,
“You love this person, and you’re afraid they’re going to die if you aren’t there to shore up their base every single solitary day. … I just didn’t want him to die.”
The Avengers star has since received treatment for his addiction and is married to Susan Downey. Jessica Parker has also moved on and has married Matthew Broderick.
Source: The New Yorker
