Robert Downey, Jr. Recruited Gwyneth Paltrow for 'Avengers'

Gwyneth Paltrow is positively glowing as she leaves The Montage Hotel after having lunch with gal pals at Scarpetta restaurant on Tuesday (April 17) in Beverly Hills, Calif.

The 39-year-old actress, who played the role of Pepper Potts in the Iron Man series, was convinced to appear in The Avengers by her co-star Robert Downey, Jr., according to director Joss Whedon.

“Pepper, this was really Robert‘s thing. He pushed hard … ,” Joss told the Los Angeles Times. “He really thought Gwyneth would bring something great to the table, and we all thought so as well, but he was the one who convinced her to come and do it.”