Robert Downey Jr. says his drug addiction ruined his relationship with Sarah Jessica Parker

The actor started dating the ‘Sex and the City’ star in 1984 after meeting on the set of movie ‘Firstborn’ but split in 1991 because of Downey’s self-centred, wild lifestyle.

He said: "I was so selfish. I liked to drink, and I had a drug problem, and that didn't jibe with Sarah Jessica, because it was the furthest thing from what she is.

"She tried to help me. She was so miffed when I didn't get my act together.

"Sarah Jessica would pull me out of a hangover and we'd go pick out furniture together. She is a force of nature!"

Although he was heartbroken by their split, Downey is pleased Parker went on to find love with fellow actor Matthew Broderick, the father of her five-year-old son James.

He added to Parade magazine: "I was in love with Sarah Jessica and love clearly was not enough. I was meant to move on. And, after some heartache, she was meant to find her home with a great star."

Downey – who has a 14-year-old son Indio from a previous relationship – is now set to wed producer Susan Levin.

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