Jeremy Renner Recalls 'Great Chats' with Robert Downey Jr. When He Was in ICU: ‘Like We Were Dating’ (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Robert Downey Jr. and Jeremy Renner.Photo:Kayla Oaddams/FilmMagic; Todd Williamson/NBC via Getty

Kayla Oaddams/FilmMagic; Todd Williamson/NBC via Getty

Most moviegoers knowRobert Downey Jr.as Iron Man,Sherlock Holmes,and, as of Sunday, an Oscar winner.

But behind the scenes and without any fanfare, theOppenheimeractor, 58, has built a reputation as someone who’s always coming to the aid of others. “He really does believe in giving back, and he does it through his actions,” his wife and producing partner, Susan, 50, says in the new issue of PEOPLE.

Downey himself refers to it as “quiet service,” but he’s not one to boast about how he helps others.

“It’s just an appreciation for all he’s gone through, for all the people who stuck around through some of his more difficult times,” continues Susan, referring to his stretch of professional and legal troubles in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Whether it’s mentoring younger actors — likeJohn Boyega, who sought Downey’s advice on navigating Hollywood before he broke out inStar Wars: The Force Awakens— or offering moral support to friends going through a hard time, Downey shows up for those who need it.

Robert Downey Jr. and Jeremy Renner in 2014.Kevin Winter/Getty

Kevin Winter/Getty

When fellow AvengerJeremy Rennerwasin the ICU last January following his horrific snowplow accident, Downey checked in on him constantly.

“We ended up having really great chats on FaceTime, like we were dating or something,” recalls Renner, 53, who was nearly crushed to death outside his home in Nevada on Jan. 1, 2023.

“He’s like, ‘Dude, the most important thing is you look good. I don’t care how you feel, as long as you look good that’s all that matters,’” recalls Renner.

Robert Downey Jr. on the cover of PEOPLE’s Oscars issue.©A.M.P.A.S./Matt Sayles/courtesy of the Academy

©A.M.P.A.S./Matt Sayles/courtesy of the Academy

Downey and Susan are both fans ofMayor of Kingstown, Renner’s Paramount+ series, and so the star ribbed his friend about getting out of the hospital and getting back to set.

“He’s like, ‘You’ve got to get back to do Mayor, because we need to see what happens,’ ” Renner says, laughing at the memory. “His ways are very heartwarming.”

Jon Favreau, who directed Downey in 2008’sIron Manand its sequel, agrees. “He’s somebody who, even when he’s not working, he’s still connecting,” says Favreau. “He really keeps relationships going, and he’s always checking in and always keeps those channels of communication and those relationships open.”

Robert Downey Jr. and Jeremy Renner in 2013.Jason Merritt/Getty

Jason Merritt/Getty

“You’re part of a community,” continues Favreau. “I’ve learned a lot about that from him, about how he connects with others who he has worked with and people that he’s going to work with, and people whose work he likes that he hasn’t worked with.”

“He’s definitely an ambassador among people in our field,” says Favreau. “And I think he’s appreciated for it. People really look to him.”

For more on Robert Downey, Jr., pick up the new issue of PEOPLE.

source: people.com