Robert Downey Jr. Praises Wife Susan in His Oscar Speech

by Alexa Villano
March 11, 2024

Now a Best Supporting Actor winner for his role in Oppenheimer, Robert Downey Jr. thanked his wife Susan and the people around him for never giving up on him.

Robert Downey Jr. finally nabbed an Oscar win for his role as Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer on Sunday, March 10, US time. In his speech, he gave a shout-out to the woman whom he often mentions as his rock —his wife Susan

“I like to thank my terrible childhood and the Academy in that order,” he joked referencing his troubled past in the 90s. “I’d like to thank my veterinarian—I mean wife, Susan Downey, over there. She found me a snarly, rescue pet and you loved me back to life. That’s why I’m here.”

Furthermore, he thanked Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan and the producers behind the film for giving him the chance to be part of it. “I needed this job more than it needed me. Chris knew it. Emma made sure she surrounded me with one of the greatest casts and crew of all time.”

*Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / Getty Images*

From a troubled past to becoming one of Hollywood’s Top Paid Actors

Robert Downey Jr. is the son of actor, director, and screenwriter Robert Downey Sr. and is known for his roles as Iron Man in the titular series and the Marvel franchise The Avengers, among many other prestigious roles. Plus, his career has seen many twists and turns. This includes his past drug-related issues, Hollywood lifestyle, and his eventual comeback in becoming one of Hollywood’s top-paid actors.

After his divorce from his first wife—with whom he has a son—Downey Jr. met his now wife Susan and shares two kids with her. In several interviews and social media posts, Downey Jr. has often credited his wife for making him the person he is today.

Back in 2014, the couple told the Hollywood Reporter about one specific rule they made—making time for each other even when work is involved. “Our feeling was, if we wanted to spend time together, have a life together, then we should just go ahead and make movies together,” Susan said.

Now that’s what you call a husband and wife team worth checking out!