Sarah Jessica Parker Reflects On Her Past Frustration While Dating Robert Downey Jr.

In a rare and candid revelation, Sarah Jessica Parker shared her frustrations regarding her past relationship with actor Robert Downey Jr., from 1984 to 1991. 

Despite her efforts to provide stability and support during his battle with addiction, she often felt disregarded by those close to him. However, Downey Jr. has expressed great respect for Parker. He had previously emphasized her role in providing him with a home and stability. 

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In a rare revelation, Sarah Jessica Parker opened up about her past romance with her ex-boyfriend Robert Downey Jr., with whom she had a well-known relationship from 1984 to 1991.

Reflecting on their seven-year partnership, Parker, 58, shared her frustrations regarding her efforts to support Downey during his battle with addiction. The "Sex and the City" star revealed that she often felt disregarded by those close to him, despite her unwavering commitment to providing stability and nurturing an environment conducive to his well-being.

"People around him would be dismissive of me, but I had given him stability and tried to create a steady heartbeat that allowed him to show up on time," Parker explained in an interview with The New Yorker. "That made me angry and embarrassed me."

Parker and the "Iron Man" star first crossed paths while working on the set of the 1984 drama "Firstborn," both fresh-faced 18-year-olds at the time. Their connection was instantaneous, and within eight weeks of dating, they took a leap of faith and decided to move in together.

Speaking through his representative, Downey, Jr. expressed his enduring admiration for Parker, affirming that he still has "great respect" for the mother of three, who has been happily married to Matthew Broderick since 1997.

Looking back on their shared history, Parker fondly reminisced about Downey, Jr.'s early days in the industry, where she witnessed his burgeoning talent firsthand.

In a 2018 interview with YES Network, she proudly said, per Daily Mail, "His career was just beginning. I was so proud to see his success and, you know, watch him grow professionally."

Furthermore, the "Hocus Pocus" star described their time together as an exciting adventure, emphasizing its significance in shaping her life.

In a candid revelation to Parade in 2008, Downey Jr. opened up about how his struggles with addiction played a pivotal role in their separation. "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 shared, per Daily Mail.

While reflecting on their relationship, the father-of-one expressed gratitude for Parker's unwavering support and understanding during their time together.

"She provided me with a home and understanding. She tried to help me. She was so miffed when I didn't get my act together. I was in love with Sarah Jessica … and love was not enough," the actor stated.

After a reunion in 2015, Downey Jr. had nothing but praise for Parker during an appearance on "The Howard Stern Show." He admired her greatly, describing her as "great, cool, funny, and in command." 

"I got to meet her kids, and I saw how she and [husband Matthew Broderick] live, and I respect both of them so much," he stated.

When Stern inquired whether Downey Jr. was still in love with the six-time Golden Globe winner during their dating years, Downey candidly replied, "Absolutely." However, he acknowledged that the distance from their past had shaped his perception of her.

Reflecting, the "Sherlock Holmes" star shared, "You always have a perception of somebody that you spent a big chunk of your life with, and I think it's typical to the human thing that the further you get away from that in your new relationship, you taint your perception of the person."

He continued, per HuffPost, "It happens in this haphazard way, and it's a little bit stilted, then this familiarity overtakes it. And you realize you're just in the presence of this fully mature mother, woman, artist, and human being, and there's enough goodwill left over. You didn't burn that bridge."