Robert and Susan Downey Celebrated at Lincoln Center Spring Gala Following Broadway Return

Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey took center stage at the 2026 Lincoln Center Spring Gala at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre on Monday evening, May 18, in New York City.

The Oscar-winning actor and his Emmy-nominated producer wife were recognized at the event following Downey Jr.'s theatrical return in McNeal, a play by Ayad Akhtar that debuted to critical acclaim in fall 2024. The production marked his first appearance on stage in nearly three decades, with Susan serving as a producer through their company Team Downey.

"Thank you to Bart, Lear, and the entire Lincoln Center Theater team for this great honor," the couple said in a joint statement. "We look forward to being back at the Vivian Beaumont in May, reuniting with the incredible theater community that embraced us wholeheartedly. Our McNeal experience was a creative journey that continues to inspire us long after the run."

The gala drew an impressive roster of entertainment industry figures. Broadway luminary Daniel Radcliffe attended alongside his longtime partner Erin Darke, along with his Merrily We Roll Along castmate Katie Rose Clarke. The evening also welcomed Matthew Rhys, Paul Bettany, Tessa Thompson, Mark Strong, Carrie Preston, Solea Pfeiffer, and Jordan E. Cooper.