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Robert Downey Jr.’s struggles with substance abuse have been well-documented, with the Oscar winner even going through a divorce due to his drug and alcohol problems.
These days, the beloved star is living one of the most emotional comeback stories in Hollywood history.
In March, Robert won his first Academy Award and currently has multiple roles in the critically acclaimed new series on HBO. sympathizer.
Best of all, he is happily married to Susan Downey, his wife of nearly 19 years and the mother of his two youngest children.
![Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey at the 2024 Vanity Fair Presented by Radhika Jones held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California on March 10, 2024 -Attended the Oscar party.](https://cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com/uploads/2024/04/GettyImages-2075075536-1024x677.jpg)
![Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey at the 2024 Vanity Fair Presented by Radhika Jones held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California on March 10, 2024 -Attended the Oscar party.](https://cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com/uploads/2024/04/GettyImages-2075075536-1024x677.jpg)
But it wasn’t that long ago that Robert’s future seemed pretty bleak.
The future Iron Man experienced some heart-breaking lows due to his addiction, including a 15-month prison sentence and a painful divorce from Deborah Falconer.
Robert Downey Jr. Divorce: The End of His First Marriage in 2004
![Robert Downey Jr. attends Columbia Pictures premiere "Spider-Man: Homecoming" June 28, 2017 at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California.](https://cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com/uploads/2024/04/GettyImages-803015182-1024x692.jpg)
![Robert Downey Jr. attends Columbia Pictures premiere "Spider-Man: Homecoming" June 28, 2017 at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California.](https://cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com/uploads/2024/04/GettyImages-803015182-1024x692.jpg)
Robert met singer-songwriter Deborah in May 1992, they married six weeks later and their son was born the following year.
But after nine years of marriage, Robert’s addiction problems and subsequent legal troubles led to the couple’s legal separation, and Deborah reached a breaking point.
![Robert Downey Jr. heads to the prison bus after a hearing on August 5, 1999 in Malibu, California.](https://cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com/uploads/2024/04/GettyImages-669854-675x1024.jpg)
![Robert Downey Jr. heads to the prison bus after a hearing on August 5, 1999 in Malibu, California.](https://cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com/uploads/2024/04/GettyImages-669854-675x1024.jpg)
Robert’s previous relationship with fellow actress Sarah Jessica Parker also suffered due to substance abuse.
Thankfully, Robert has been sober since 2003 and credits his now wife with helping him turn his life around.
“I want to thank my veterinarian, my wife Susan Downey,” Robert said in his acceptance speech after winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the film. oppenheimer.
![Susan Downey and Robert Downey Jr. attend the 96th Academy Awards Ceremony on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California.](https://cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com/uploads/2024/04/GettyImages-2074301463-683x1024.jpg)
![Susan Downey and Robert Downey Jr. attend the 96th Academy Awards Ceremony on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California.](https://cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com/uploads/2024/04/GettyImages-2074301463-683x1024.jpg)
“She found me, her rescue pet, growling and loved me back to life. That’s why I’m here. Thank you,” he continued.
Robert Downey Jr.’s comeback story continues
Robert’s comeback didn’t happen overnight, and there were many setbacks along the way, but now, at age 59, RDJ is once again one of Hollywood’s most beloved and bankable stars.
![Susan Downey and Robert Downey Jr. attend Netflix's Senior AFI Fest Premiere at TCL Chinese 6 Theater on November 4, 2022 in Hollywood, California.](https://cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com/uploads/2024/04/GettyImages-1439327225-1024x683.jpg)
![Susan Downey and Robert Downey Jr. attend Netflix's Senior AFI Fest Premiere at TCL Chinese 6 Theater on November 4, 2022 in Hollywood, California.](https://cdn.thehollywoodgossip.com/uploads/2024/04/GettyImages-1439327225-1024x683.jpg)
The Downeys are now entering an exciting new phase in their careers, with Robert and Susan both credited as executive producers. sympathizer.
The couple’s children also participated in the project, helping Robert shave his head for the role.
In his Oscar acceptance speech, RDJ jokingly thanked his “terrible childhood” for helping him become the actor he is today.
Fortunately, Robert was able to turn all that pain into something positive.
And these days, he and Susan seem like a very happy family.
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