Mel Gibson Recalls Heartwarming Moment That Inspired Robert Downey Jr.

Let me tell you a story that brings together two Hollywood legends—Mel Gibson and Robert Downey Jr. Mel, the father of nine kids, considers himself something of an expert in the parenting game. During a recent chat with Esquire, the Braveheart star shared a touching memory involving his family and his longtime friend, Robert. It’s one of those moments that really speaks to the bond between two fathers, even if they come from completely different worlds.

A Memorable Evening with the Gibson Tribe

Imagine this: Mel Gibson, now 68, is sitting in a small, cozy room surrounded by his tribe of kids. At the time, they were all fairly young, sprawled out on him, watching some forgettable movie on TV and laughing their heads off. And then, in walks Robert Downey Jr., who takes a seat and joins in on the fun. But here’s the thing—Mel had a feeling that Robert wasn’t just there for the movie. “He was watching us,” Mel recalled, his voice filled with warmth as he told Esquire on Monday, April 8.

Building a Family Legacy

Mel’s brood includes Hannah, Christian, Edward, William, Louie, Milo, and Thomas, all of whom he welcomed with his ex-wife, Robyn Moore Gibson, before their divorce in 2011. Later on, the Lethal Weapon star added to his family tree with daughter Lucia, born with ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva, and son Lars, born with his current partner, Rosalind Ross. It’s a big, beautiful, sometimes chaotic family, but one that clearly holds a special place in Mel’s heart.

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As Robert prepared to leave that evening, Mel walked him out. That’s when Robert turned to him and said, “Man, how do you do that? You’re like a saint.” There was a sense of awe in his voice, as if he was witnessing something extraordinary. “I think he really wanted that sense of family,” Mel reflected, his tone tinged with pride and admiration for his friend.

Robert Downey Jr.'s Journey to Fatherhood

Now, let’s shift gears and talk about Robert Downey Jr. The Iron Man star, who turned 59 this year, has his own incredible family story. He first became a dad back in 1993 when he and his first wife, Deborah Falconer, welcomed their son, Indigo. After their marriage ended in 2004, Robert found love again with Susan Downey, whom he married in 2005. Together, they’ve built a beautiful life, expanding their family with the arrival of son Exton in 2012 and daughter Avri in 2014.

And if that wasn’t enough, Robert just had another moment to celebrate. At the 96th Academy Awards in March, he took home his first Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Oppenheimer. It’s a testament to his incredible talent and resilience, proving that he can conquer anything—whether it’s Hollywood or fatherhood.

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Reflections on Family and Friendship

At the Oscars, host Jimmy Kimmel made a joke about Robert’s past struggles with drug addiction during his opening monologue. While some viewers were divided over the humor, Robert took it in stride, telling the outlet, “I don’t care. I love Jimmy Kimmel. I think he’s a national treasure.” It’s that kind of grace and humor that makes Robert such a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Through it all, Susan, now 50, has been Robert’s anchor. She’s the one who keeps him grounded and helps him navigate the highs and lows of life. Together, they enjoy long walks, using the time to have heartfelt conversations about everything from their fears to their dreams. “Trying to figure out where we’re at, what’s pissing us off, what are we afraid of, what do we want, what will bring us closer together,” Robert explained, revealing the depth of their connection.