With over a decade of wedded bliss to their name, Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Levin (now Downey) make up one of Hollywood’s most enviable couples. Their love story isn’t a traditional one, however.

Actor Robert Downey Jr. and producer Susan Downey arrive at the 2010 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter held at Sunset Tower on March 7, 2010 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/WireImage)

Susan actually met the actor at one of the lowest points in his life, right after he spent close to a year in jail and had just finished court-ordered rehab for an addiction that often made headlines.

Robert could have lost his movie career for good, but then, in 2002, he talked his way into a role in a thriller called Gothika by agreeing to get most of his pay after shooting ended. The experience would change his life in more ways than one.

Not only did Robert meet his future bride, but she also ended up turning his entire world upside down — for the better. In August 2005, the couple said “I do” after two years of being engaged.

MADRID, SPAIN – JANUARY 13: Actor Robert Downey Jr and wife producer Susan Downey attends “Sherlock Holmes” premiere at Kinepolis cinema on January 13, 2010 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images)

When Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Levin first met on the 2003. it wasn’t exactly love at first sight. Far from it, in fact.

In 2009, when Susan was asked if she had been immediately attracted to her husband and she laughingly admitted, “Not even a little bit. The main thing I remember about meeting him was thinking how strange he was.”

Actor Robert Downey Jr. and producer Susan Downey arrive at the 2010 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter held at Sunset Tower on March 7, 2010 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/WireImage)

Their love was so strong that it gave Robert the ultimate push he needed to change things for good. In July 2003, he reportedly tossed the drugs he had left into the ocean and vowed to never touch them again.

Susan credited the power of true love, noting, “I think he saw what we had. There was something magical there, something we couldn’t put our finger on.”

in 2010, Robert admitted, “The old saying is true — behind every good man there’s an incredible woman. I owe a huge amount — if not all — of my success to Susan. We make a great team.”

If there’s one thing everyone can learn from Robert and Susan, it’s that a successful relationship requires mutual respect and admiration.