Sarah Jessica Parker is reflecting on her seven-year relationship with Robert Downey Jr.
The And Just Like That star admitted in a New Yorker profile that she was “angry and embarrassed” during their romance, which took place amid his struggles with substance abuse.
“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,” the US actress, 58, explained.
Parker clarified that dating the actor, who got sober in 2003, was a “really adventurous, important” part of her life.
“We were together for a long time,” the Sex and the City alum gushed. “He was the first person that I lived with.
“His career was really just beginning,” she continued. “I was so proud to see his success and, you know, watch him grow professionally.”
Downey Jr., 58, was briefly quoted in the article via his rep, telling the outlet that he maintains “great respect” for his ex.
The Firstborn co-stars dated from 1984 to 1991, with Parker moving on with now-husband Matthew Broderick.
The couple are the parents of son James, 20, and twin daughters Marion and Tabitha, 14.
In 2018, the Emmy winner recalled “praying” Downey Jr. wouldn’t die when she “had the courage” to “walk away” from their relationship.
“There was a huge amount of time spent making sure he was OK,” Parker told People at the time. “And I didn’t do anything. I didn’t know for a long time. I was like, ‘Why is his heart beating so fast? Don’t do so many push-ups before bed!’”
However, the Golden Globe winner added, “I don’t resent the time spent [with him].”
Downey Jr. spoke about their time together in 2008, admitting to Parade that Parker was “so miffed when [he] didn’t get [his] act together.”
“She provided me a home and understanding,” the Tropic Thunder star recalled. “She tried to help me. … I was in love with Sarah Jessica … and love clearly was not enough.”
The Oscar nominee, whose career exploded again in 2008 with Marvel’s Iron Man, has been married twice since his split from Parker. He wed Deborah Falconer in 1992, followed by Susan Levin in 2005.
Downey Jr. shares son Indio, 29, with the former, as well as son Exton, 11, and daughter Avri, 8, with the latter.
This story originally appeared on New York Post and was reproduced with permission