Ah, Robert Downey Jr. and Marisa Tomei. Whatever happened to them? Weren't they dating once upon a time? Yes, it wasn't a dream - this wonderfully matched pairing were once an item back in the mid-90s. The Iron Man actor, who appears in the MCU, and Marisa Tomei, both 56, appeared together in a number of films during that decade, including Chaplin and Only You, and more recently have appeared together in the movies Captain America: Civil War and Spider-Man: Homecoming. Their on-screen chemistry together throughout these movies is simply undeniable, and the two stars eventually ended up dating for around a year.Related: 'Sherlock Holmes 3': How Robert Downey Jr. Feels About Johnny Depp Being The VillainSo what happened between these two stars? What was the reasoning for their break-up? Well, let's find out.

6 How Did The Relationship Start?

RDJ and Marisa reportedly started become close while working together on the sets of Chaplin and Only You during the early 90s. The two developed a close bond and eventually ended up dating exclusively between 1993 and 1994, but made a point of keeping things on the down-low - only ocassionally being spotted in public together, and choosing not to speak openly about their relationship. Marisa bucks the Hollywood trend of publicly discussing relationships - she's famously private, hardly ever giving interviews or showing off her partners on the red carpet. The couple dated quietly during this period, and reports say it was a very happy time in both their lives - the two had a great deal in common and shared mutual interests.Related: Here's Why Robert Downey Jr. Remains Friends With This Highly Controversial Actor

5 How Serious Did Things Get?

The couple weren't together for very long, and it seems that things never really got serious between the two. The truth is, they were just better off as friends. A friend of Marisa's has spoken about her dating history, and revealed the reason for the Chaplin actress never having married. According to the unnamed source, she has simply been far too busy pursuing her movie career, and has absolutely no regrets about that. In fact, Marisa has been largely satisfied with her life choices, and doesn't regret her break-up with Downey Jr. Some fans beg to differ, however, claiming that her choice to never marry is proof she still holds a candle for Robert. The My Cousin Vinny actress later dated actor and director Logan Marshall-Green between 2008 and 2012, and though there were rumours of an engagement, but Tomei's people strongly denied this.

Related: Fans Think Robert Downey Jr. Would've Been Perfect To Play A Young Al Pacino In This Film

4 How Did Things End For Robert And Marisa?

The reason things didn't work out for these two Hollywood stars isn't too clear. Robert was going through some tough times during the early 90s, and may have struggled to maintain a healthy relationship. Or it may have been more to do with their schedules - both were going through very busy episodes of their careers during those years, with so many commitments on different film projects, and very tight shooting schedules. The reason certainly doesn't seem to have been a dramatic one - there are no reports of cheating or of a strained relationship, so most likely the couple simply came to an understanding that things weren't going to work out between them.

3 The Two Have Remained Good Friends, However

RDJ has gone through a series of break-ups during his life. His long-term relationship with Sex and the City Sarah Jessica Parker lasted between 1984 and 1991 - but broke down following his drug problems. This break-up was reportedly very difficult for the pair - with animosity on both sides.

With Marisa, however, things were much more amicable. The two were able to salvage something from their brief relationship, and chose to remain friends - which they have ever since. The break-up hasn't damaged their professional relationship at all, as they have worked together comfortably on numerous projects over the years.

2 Marisa Even Credits Robert For Helping Her Career

Tomei has credited her former boyfriend for helping her land the role of Aunt May, Peter Parker's aunt in Marvel's Spider-Man franchise, claiming he recommended her for the part. Robert has always been on hand to provide both personal and professional support for Marisa, and is one of her biggest cheerleaders when it comes to her career.

1 Is There A Chance They May Reunite Onscreen In Future?

Downey Jr. is now happily married to wife Susan, with whom he tied the knot way back in 2005. So a real-life reunion doesn't look to be on the cards. On-screen, however, things are quite different. In fact, Downey Jr. has since sparked rumors that Aunt May and Tony Stark (there is cross-over between the Spider-Man and Iron Man universes) may end up together romantically. Robert complimented Marisa's youthful appearance, and hinted at "the possibilities" for a romance. She's a famously good onscreen kisser, so we really can't blame the guy for hoping.

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