Robert Downey Jr. Says His Kids 'Seemed Anxious' to Shave Their Dad's Head for His Role in “The Sympathizer”

The actor is dad to son Exton, 12, and daughter Avri, 9, whom he shares with wife Susan, and son Indio, 30, from a previous relationship

Robert Downey Jr. had some help from a few special people when he got into character for The Sympathizer.

On Tuesday, April 9, the actor, 59, and wife Susan Downey spoke with Extra at the Los Angeles premiere of his new television show, sharing new details about how his kids helped him shave his head as he prepared for the role.

"They seemed anxious to shave my dome," the star admitted.

"There's something really cathartic about shaving your head or shaving someone's head, and then our daughter Avri was a big Stranger Things fan and she actually gave herself a buzz cut at one point, too, so I don't know what to say about all this."

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Related: Robert Downey Jr. Shares Rare Video of Daughter Avri and Son Exton as They Shave Dad's Head: Watch

The actor is dad to son Indio, 30, whom he shares with ex-wife Deborah Falconer. He shares son Exton, 12, and daughter Avri, 9, with Susan.

In October 2022, the actor gave a rare glimpse at his two younger children when he documented the experience of having his kids shave his head.

"Sorry to interrupt but I need your help," Downey Jr. began the video as he entered a room where his kids were carving pumpkins. "You know how I'm starting this project soon?"

"Yeah, The Sympathizer?" said Avri, as Exton added, "Yeah, you're playing like five roles or something."

"Right. Well anyway, I don't want to wear a bald cap, so will you guys shave my head?" he asked his children, who looked up in confusion.

"Is that even appropriate?" Avri said with a smirk.

After fully shaving Downey Jr.'s head, the actor showed off his new look and said, "Great job guys. I'll let you get back to your pumpkin carving but what do I owe ya?"

At this year's Oscars, Downey Jr. won his first Academy Award for his role in Oppenheimer and has since revealed that he had a lot to juggle the day before.

He and Susan “had to make the real high-level executive call,” the actor told PEOPLE: Which parent would accompany Exton to Little League, and which would cheer on Avri at her softball game?

“They were both starting pitchers,” noted Downey. In the end, Downey rooted on Exton, and Susan, who's also the actor’s producing partner at their company, Team Downey, supported Avri. Said the actor, “We had to divide and conquer.”

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