There is no denying that Robert Downey Jr. is an effortlessly cool person. And he perfectly portrayed the enigmatic Sherlock Holmes on screen a few years back. But even the smoothest operator can have some questionable ideas sometimes. Therefore, while preparing for the iconic role, Downey Jr. considered a look more specifically decided to grow a creepy-looking mustache to give the character a significant look.
Susan Downey, his wife and producing partner, however, thankfully intervened at the right moment. A recent Harper’s Bazaar article sheds light on this intriguing tidbit. Downey Jr.’s initial vision, while likely interesting, was apparently nudged in a different direction by Susan Downey’s keen eye.
How Susan Downey Skillfully Saved RDJ’s Sherlock Holmes from a “Terrible, P*rn-Looking Mustache”!
Thanks to Susan Downey‘s intervention, fans were spared the sight of Robert Downey Jr. sporting a creepy-looking mustache while portraying the iconic Sherlock Holmes. In a recent Harper’s Bazaar magazine article, where the film producer who also happens to be the spouse of Robert Downey Jr. discussed how they manage their personal and professional relationship.
That’s when Downey shared something that fans may not have been prepared for. However, now that it’s out in the open, fans are extremely grateful that she prevented it from happening.
She revealed how she strategically broached the topic with Robert Downey Jr. about his appearance, politely nudging him in the right direction without causing any hurt feelings. It was indeed an interesting behind-the-scenes tidbit from the movie, she explained,
“I remember way back before we shot the first Sherlock, he had this terrible, p*rn-looking mustache that he was trying out in anticipation of playing Sherlock. And I was just looking at this thing, thinking, ‘This is horrible’. But I didn’t need to say anything right away. We weren’t shooting yet, we weren’t camera testing. So I was just waiting and waiting.”
She further continued,
“Finally, when it seemed like he was not quite coming to that conclusion himself, I said, “Dude, he’s a master of disguise! You can’t have that mustache. It’s not going to work. Just let [costar Jude Law] have the mustache!” And his reaction was: “Oh, that’s a really good point.” So sometimes you have to let things kind of work themselves out”
Although many might be curious to see how it would have looked on the actor, the majority believe it’s for the best that the look didn’t see the light of day.
Susan Downey Is Robert Downey Jr.’s Real-Life Pepper Potts
Having been together for over 20 years now, navigating a relationship under the spotlight hasn’t been easy for the duo. Yet, they’ve mastered the art of balancing fame and personal life. While they’re not overly secretive about their personal lives, they’ve managed to keep their on-screen and off-screen worlds distinct.
Susan Downey has played a pivotal role as a producer in many of Robert Downey Jr.’s films, including the Sherlock saga. In the same chat with Harper’s Bazaar, she spilled the beans on how they maintain this delicate balance. She said,
“We’ve been doing this together for so long that I don’t know if there’s a wife hat versus a producer hat, but the relationship we have enables me to be very honest with him.”
She also further added later in the conversation,
“I know my lane, he knows his lane, and we both know when to engage with one another and when to step back. He’s a producer too, and he does take those responsibilities very seriously, but he also knows when something is better left to me and Amanda. After 20-plus years of doing this together, it all flows naturally.
Their bond shines through, even after a lifetime in Hollywood’s spotlight, two kids, numerous joint ventures, and their company Team Downey. Despite all the glitz and glamour, they’re still completely smitten with each other.
Sherlock Holmes is available on Apple TV for rent.
