Gwyneth Paltrow is set to play an aging country star who struggles with alcoholism while she faces the stress of her career winding down in Country Strong. From the trailer it looks like she finds the strength to overcome her addiction and make a comeback professionally.

And now we hear that she actually got advice from her Iron Man co-star Robert Downey Jr on how to properly portray someone addicted.

Cinemablend quotes Paltrow

“I actually emailed Robert Downey, Jr., who’s been sober for a long time. I was like, ‘Explain to me addiction’. He wrote me the most amazing email, and it really helped me understand it.”

You know you have a certain level of comfort when you can cross such personal lines so casually. Remember when you were a staggering hopeless drunk? Can you tell me about that to help me with a role where I have to pretend to be damaged goods? Do I need to buy a Monkey Dong to help me with testing?

That can’t at all be awkward.

But its great to see that Paltrow got an inside look to help her understand her role and that Downey was cool about sharing his darker times with her.