Robert Downey Jr. marks 21 years with wife Susan: 'She-the lioness, me-the adult cub'
Synopsis
Robert Downey Jr.’s anniversary tribute to wife Susan — calling her his ‘lioness’ and ‘SuperBuddy’ after 21 years — is the kind of Hollywood love story that cuts through the noise. And with the Oscar-winner set to reinvent himself as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, the personal milestone arrives at a career-defining moment.
Key Takeaways
Robert Downey Jr. celebrated 21 years with wife Susan Downey on 28 August with an Instagram post.
He called Susan his ‘lioness’ and ‘SuperBuddy,’ tagging himself the ‘adult cub.’ The couple wed in August 2005 in a Jewish ceremony at Amagansett, New York , after a 2003 proposal.
They have two children: son Exton Elias (2012) and daughter Avri Roel (born 4 November 2014 ).
Downey Jr. is set to play Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday , the 39th MCU film , directed by the Russo brothers .
Hollywood star Robert Downey Jr. on 28 August celebrated 21 years with his wife Susan Downey, sharing a heartfelt tribute on Instagram that called her his ‘SuperBuddy’ and the ‘lioness’ who has guided him toward ‘righteous humility.’ The post, accompanied by an image of an ace and queen playing card, quickly drew attention from fans worldwide.
The Anniversary Post
Downey Jr. shared two images on Instagram, including a picture of an ace and queen card from a deck of playing cards, to mark the occasion. His caption read: “Her to whom all is owed…The great joy of being led on a path of righteous humility is mine. She-the lioness - Me-the adult cub / recipient of 21 trips around the sun with my SuperBuddy.” The post reflected the actor’s characteristic blend of wit and sincerity that has long defined his public persona.
Their Story Together
Downey Jr. proposed to Susan Downey on 5 November 2003, the night before her 30th birthday. The couple wed in August 2005 in a Jewish ceremony held at Amagansett, New York. Their family grew with the arrival of son Exton Elias Downey in 2012 in Los Angeles, California, followed by daughter Avri Roel Downey, born on 4 November 2014 — an announcement Downey Jr. had made via social media earlier that year.
A Career Like No Other
Widely regarded as one of the highest-grossing actors of all time, Downey Jr. has earned an impressive array of accolades over his career, including an Academy Award, a Daytime Emmy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and two British Academy Film Awards. His versatility across dramatic and comedic roles has cemented his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most enduring talents.
What Comes Next: Doctor Doom in MCU
Downey Jr. is set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in a striking new avatar — not as Tony Stark, but as the villain Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, the 39th film in the MCU and a direct sequel to Avengers: Endgame. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and written by Michael Waldron and Stephen McFeely, the film features the Avengers, Wakandans, New Avengers, Fantastic Four, and the X-Men converging from different universes to confront Doom. The casting represents one of the most talked-about pivots in superhero cinema in recent years.
As Downey Jr. marks two decades of marriage, the anniversary post serves as a reminder that behind one of Hollywood’s most celebrated careers stands a partnership the actor himself credits as foundational.
Point of View
But the real story is the arc it punctuates. The same man who was written off by Hollywood in the early 2000s is now celebrating two decades of a marriage widely credited with stabilising his life — and is about to headline the MCU’s most anticipated film in a villain role. Susan Downey’s influence, both personal and professional (she has produced several of his films), is rarely given its full due in mainstream coverage. The ‘lioness’ framing isn’t just affection — it’s an unusually candid acknowledgement of who held the centre.
NationPress
28 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long have Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey been married?
Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey have been together for 21 years, having married in August 2005. Downey Jr. proposed on 5 November 2003, the night before Susan’s 30th birthday.
What did Robert Downey Jr. post for his anniversary?
Downey Jr. shared an Instagram post featuring an image of an ace and queen playing card, with a caption calling Susan his ‘lioness’ and ‘SuperBuddy’ and himself the ‘adult cub.’ He wrote: ‘Her to whom all is owed…recipient of 21 trips around the sun with my SuperBuddy.’
Who are Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey’s children?
The couple have two children — son Exton Elias Downey, born in 2012 in Los Angeles, and daughter Avri Roel Downey, born on 4 November 2014.
What is Robert Downey Jr.’s next film?
Downey Jr. is set to play Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, the 39th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and a sequel to Avengers: Endgame. The film is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and written by Michael Waldron and Stephen McFeely.
What awards has Robert Downey Jr. won?
Downey Jr. has received an Academy Award, a Daytime Emmy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and two British Academy Film Awards, making him one of the most decorated actors of his generation.
