Robert Downey Jr. and his wife have maintained a strong relationship for nearly two decades, attributing their success to a ‘two-week rule.’
The couple first crossed paths in 2003 on the set of “Gothika,” where Downey Jr. acted alongside Halle Berry. Susan Downey, then a producer for Silver Pictures, was working on the same project. Despite their professional connection, it wasn’t love at first sight.
In a 2014 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Susan described her initial impression of Downey Jr. as “interesting but weird,” a remark that might be considered a backhanded compliment. Initially hesitant to date the film’s star, Susan eventually decided to give it a chance, and their relationship flourished from there.
The couple’s enduring marriage can largely be attributed to a simple but effective rule, which Susan has openly shared.
Susan explained that the couple prioritizes not going more than two weeks without being together. “We do have a two-week rule, which often feels too long, but we don’t go more than two weeks without seeing each other and the family being together,” she expressed to People magazine.
She further elaborated, “Fortunately, we prefer to be a traveling circus when we can be.”
While the couple tries to adhere to this ‘basic rule,’ Susan acknowledges that life’s unpredictability sometimes requires flexibility.
“Someone might get sick, or there might be a shutdown, or this or that. So you just have to have some basic things in place, and then you have to be willing to flow with the rest of it,” Susan added.
She also mentioned how her job as a producer allows her more flexibility to manage her family commitments compared to those who must be in front of the camera.
“The good news is I’m not in front of the camera, and so as a producer I end up with a little bit more flexibility in terms of location, of where I would need to be,” Susan noted.
She concluded with, “I really admire and have a lot of empathy for couples who both have to be in front of the camera, because you get stuck and you have to make those choices.”