Sarah Jessica Parker’s 7 Challenging Years with Robert Downey Jr.: ‘I Just Didn’t Want Him To Die’
Sarah Jessica Parker's relationship with Robert Downey Jr. marked an intense chapter in her life. Long before her marriage to Matthew Broderick, Parker encountered challenges with Downey Jr. This relationship was complex right from the start, US Weekly reported.
How it Began
Parker and Downey Jr. were only 18 years old when they met in 1984 on the set of "Firstborn." Both were experienced child actors and had established themselves in Hollywood. The attraction was instant, leading them to move in together in Los Angeles after just a few weeks.
How Long it Lasted
Parker supported Downey Jr. through his significant substance abuse problems over seven challenging years. While their romance was intertwined with iconic 1980s fashion and exciting Hollywood events, it also consisted of constant heartache and anxiety. Parker described feeling like a parent at 22, facing stress and fear regarding Downey Jr.'s addiction struggles.
How it Ended
The couple separated in 1991 when Parker recognized that her efforts to support Downey Jr. were not making a difference. She then returned to New York and later dated the late John F. Kennedy Jr. before marrying Broderick in 1997. Around this period, Downey Jr. experienced his lowest point. His early drug dependency started with parental influence, leading him to serve a year in prison. However, he has remained sober since 2003 and married Susan Downey in 2005.
Insights Into Their Relationship
During their relationship, the absence of social media perhaps shielded them from public scrutiny. They attended various red carpet events together, navigating their difficulties in private. Years after their split, Parker shared her reflections on their shared past.
What They Say Now
In 2023, Parker elaborated in "The New Yorker" about the challenges she faced regarding others' views of their relationship dynamics. "People around him were dismissive, but I tried to provide him stability," she explained, highlighting her frustration.
In a 2020 interview with "People," Parker connected her experiences with Downey Jr. to her parenting journey with Broderick and their children. She stated that caring for Downey taught her valuable lessons about parenting.
Parker recounted her fears about Downey Jr.'s well-being, expressing that there was constant worry he might die without her support. On Marc Maron's podcast in 2016, she said, "I just didn’t want him to die." The inner struggles of leaving someone in such distress became the essence of difficult choices in her heart.
Robert Downey Jr. remembered their time together positively as well. He acknowledged his addiction issues while highlighting Parker's kindness. "She provided understanding and a home, and I was in love with her," he shared with *Parade* in 2008, admitting his struggles to maintain the relationship.
Key Takeaways
In 2015, the ex-couple reunited to find closure from their tumultuous past, which reportedly went well. Downey Jr. expressed that he felt fondly about Parker and appreciated how their lives continued to evolve.
During an appearance on "The Howard Stern Show," he reflected on the perception shift of someone with whom he shared meaningful years. Parker echoed similar sentiments, calling the meeting refreshing and filled with affection.
Despite their rocky past, both have grown into accomplished individuals, with significant careers and personal lives. Their journey indicates a profound evolution, marked by both hardship and joy.
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