Joaquin Phoenix biography, Joker, net worth, young, brother, children, age 2025

Biography of Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix is an American actor who appears in both commercial films like "Gladiator" and independent films like "The Village." He's known for his dramatic physical transformations, sometimes gaining significant weight for roles. Though he's famously indifferent to awards and recognition, he's deeply respected by fellow actors and filmmakers. He won the Oscar for Best Actor for his role in "Joker."

Childhood in a Cult

Joaquin Rafael Bottom was born in Puerto Rico on October 28, 1974. His maternal grandfather emigrated from Russia to the United States, where he met and married a Hungarian woman. Their daughter Arlyn would become the future actor's mother.

Years later, she abandoned her husband, secretarial job, and stable life to search for something more meaningful, hitchhiking across America. During her travels, Arlyn met John Bottom and quickly fell in love. The couple married and joined the "Children of God"—a cult masquerading as a hippie commune—eventually having five children together.

Joaquin was the third child born. The eldest was his brother River, and the family also included three girls: Rain, Summer, and Liberty. Joaquin envied his siblings' unusual names and insisted that his family call him Leaf. After the family moved to the United States, Americans often struggled to pronounce his name.

Joaquin was born with a cleft lip, which only adds to his distinctive charm.

Joaquin Phoenix's Scar is Actually a Harelip

The "Children of God" cult promoted unnatural sexual practices. River Phoenix later claimed he was sexually abused at age four. After that, the family left the "Children of God." They escaped just in time—the cult later became notorious for using women as sexual bait to recruit new members. But the Bottoms were no longer concerned. To symbolize their fresh start, they changed their surname to Phoenix—meaning "reborn."

The newly named Phoenix family decided to settle in Florida. But the large family was broke and couldn't afford passage. The parents convinced a sympathetic priest to smuggle them aboard an old cargo ship. When the crew discovered the stowaways halfway through the voyage, they took pity on the family. Joaquin celebrated his fourth birthday on that barge. Luckily, the ship was carrying toys, so the crew gave some to the birthday boy.

After Moving to Los Angeles, Joaquin's Family Changed Their Last Name

Arlyn quickly found a secretarial job at NBC, and John worked on landscaping gardens and parks. They decided to get their children into show business. Their mother found them an agent, Iris Burton—the only one willing to take them on. Joaquin continued to work with her throughout all stages of his career.

The family was selective about which commercials to do—they were vegetarians (thanks to four-year-old Joaquin's influence) and animal rights activists. They wouldn't do ads for products that went against their beliefs.

Youth and Early Roles

Joaquin idolized his older brother River Phoenix. River was building a successful career in Hollywood. Joaquin's TV debut was in the series "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" (1982), where River also starred. Just before that, at age 10, he appeared alongside his brother under the pseudonym Leaf Phoenix in an educational video about raising children with dyslexia.

Little River and Joaquin Phoenix in a film about children with dyslexia

Joaquin dropped out of school as a teenager. Throughout the '80s, he mostly took on TV guest spots and small film roles. The most notable projects from this period were "Murder, She Wrote" (1984), "Russkies" (1987), and "Parenthood" (1989).

Joaquin Phoenix in the TV series 'Murder, She Wrote'

In 1993, River Phoenix died of a drug overdose in front of his brother—Joaquin was the one who called 911, urgently asking for an ambulance to the nightclub where the tragedy occurred. The tragedy completely derailed Joaquin's life. He couldn't get back on his feet for over a year and had no desire to act. Director Gus Van Sant, who had previously worked with River, helped him return to acting. In the movie "To Die For" (1995), Phoenix was joined by Nicole Kidman and Matt Dillon.

Joaquin Phoenix in the movie 'To Die For'

Before proving himself as a truly gifted actor rather than just another promising talent, Joaquin starred in Oliver Stone's "U Turn" (1997) and Joel Schumacher's "8mm" (1999).

Career Rise

Joaquin's breakthrough came with the release of "Gladiator" (2000). Phoenix delivered a vibrant and complex portrayal of Roman Emperor Commodus, the antagonist to Russell Crowe's character. The role earned him nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Award, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Oscar, though he didn't take home any of the prizes.

Joaquin Phoenix in Gladiator

Joaquin followed up with one remarkable project after another: "Quills" (2000), "Buffalo Soldiers" (2001), "The Village" (2004), "Hotel Rwanda" (2004). He wasn't driven by genre or paycheck; the script and a personal meeting with the director were what mattered. Without the latter, Phoenix simply wouldn't sign a contract.

Phoenix was renowned for his ability to immerse himself in roles. Audiences had no idea how much work went into creating his on-screen characters. In 2004, Joaquin took on the role of a firefighter in "Ladder 49". He actually joined a real firefighting team and helped put out fires. His former firefighter colleagues praised his convincing portrayal.

The musical biography "Walk the Line" (2005) with Reese Witherspoon, where Phoenix played country musician Johnny Cash, earned him a Golden Globe. Joaquin and Cash couldn't have been more different—in both appearance and personality. To become the musician, Phoenix said he had to "cross a line within himself". He studied Cash's life obsessively and carried a guitar everywhere he went. He insisted colleagues call him Johnny, not Joaquin. During a prison scene, he actually banned food for the extras to make sure their on-screen anger was real.

"Walk the Line" garnered many awards for Joaquin, besides the Golden Globe, which frustrated him; he called film awards "complete nonsense".

After "Two Lovers" (2008), Joaquin shocked everyone by announcing he was quitting acting. Then he showed up on David Letterman's show looking completely different—heavier, sporting a wild beard, acting bizarre, and claiming he was now a rapper. Everyone wondered what the hell was going on, but it was all an elaborate hoax for Casey Affleck's mockumentary "I'm Still Here" (2010). He fooled everyone for a year and a half!

When it comes to "The Master" (2012), Phoenix loves joking that Paul Thomas Anderson probably watched "I'm Still Here" and thought, "This guy's nuts and he'll say yes to anything. Perfect!" Joaquin always raves about working with Philip Seymour Hoffman, calling him one of the greatest actors ever. In this film, Joaquin plays a war veteran enthralled by a destructive cult's ideas. Sometimes he'd stay in character between takes, causing chaos on set and actually hurting himself. He even had a dentist put metal brackets on his teeth just to limit how much he could smile. The performance earned him an Oscar nomination, though he wasn't comfortable with the attention, saying "These awards are always the result of collective work, and only that."

Taking bigger risks finally freed Phoenix as an actor. He jumped at the chance to star in "Her" (2013), Spike Jonze's story about love in the digital age.

Joaquin Phoenix On The Traditional Rules Of Acting And Why He Has His Own

In 2015, "Irrational Man" (2015) directed by Woody Allen was released.

Phoenix then took a step back, being super selective about projects and hunting for fresh directors to collaborate with. Lynne Ramsay fit the bill perfectly. When they made "You Were Never Really Here" (2017), they clicked immediately.

You Were Never Really Here Press Conference

Ramsay totally got what Joaquin needed as an actor, despite them being complete strangers. When they had to shoot a pool scene and Phoenix was hesitant, Lynne dove right in fully clothed to help him relax.

Critics praised the film. At Cannes, he never expected to win Best Actor—when they called his name, he actually hesitated and looked to Rooney Mara for confirmation before accepting.

I've been allergic since childhood to—what do you call it?—frivolous, meaningless, youth-oriented projects

In 2018, Phoenix appeared in three major films. "Don't Worry, He Won't Get Far on Foot" (2018), a dramedy about a partially paralyzed cartoonist, forced Phoenix to confront disability issues in a whole new way.

Don't Worry He Won't Get Far On Foot Press Conference Highlights

In "Mary Magdalene" (2018), he played Christ. When asked how he prepared for such an iconic role, Phoenix said he stuck to his usual approach. Beyond diving deep into Christ's story, he fasted to strip away any trace of Hollywood polish.

In Mary Magdalene (2018), Joaquin played Christ

"The Sisters Brothers" (2018) featured a strong cast: John C. Reilly, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Riz Ahmed. Phoenix found filming with them comfortable and exciting.

Joaquin's main project for 2019 was undoubtedly "Joker". For years, Heath Ledger seemed to own the definitive screen portrayal of the character, but Phoenix's powerhouse performance in "Joker" completely redefined what the role could be.

Joaquin Phoenix on Playing Joker

Phoenix's "Joker" breaks completely from DC comics tradition. It's a devastating portrait of societal rejection, watching harmless comedian Arthur Fleck's descent into madness. Phoenix dropped 24 kilograms for the role and perfected that haunting laugh. His efforts earned him an Oscar for Best Actor.

Joaquin Phoenix wins Best Actor (2020)

After "Joker's" massive success, Phoenix could've easily chased blockbuster paychecks, but stayed true to form, picking challenging, unconventional projects. His 2020 short film "Guardians of Life" tackled urgent climate change themes through devastating wildfire imagery. Phoenix played a doctor desperately trying to save a girl's life as flames engulf everything around them. 2021's intimate drama "C'mon C'mon" featured Phoenix as a radio journalist on a cross-country journey with his young nephew. Critics praised the film's genuine heart and emotional warmth.

In 2022, Ridley Scott's historical epic "Napoleon" was released, with Phoenix playing the French Emperor. Phoenix's Bonaparte was refreshingly unconventional—less mythic conqueror, more flawed human wrestling with power and insecurity.

Fall 2021 brought another stunning Phoenix transformation that left fans speechless. He gained significant weight and shaved his hairline for the lead in Ari Aster's psychological horror "Beau Is Afraid."

Joaquin Phoenix preparing for Beau Is Afraid

When it hit theaters in 2023, the film marked a bold departure from Aster's previous work. Phoenix embodies Beau Wasserman, a man so consumed by anxiety it borders on paranoia. Living in isolation, plagued by countless phobias, and suffocated by his controlling mother's watchful eye. When news of her sudden death reaches him, his journey home unleashes a cascade of increasingly surreal encounters: from a deceptively warm family harboring sinister secrets to an otherworldly theatrical troupe deep in the forest.

Beau Is Afraid Official Trailer

Clocking in at nearly three hours, it's a genre-bending odyssey that careens from psychological thriller to pitch-black comedy. Critics were divided on its experimental approach and unconventional storytelling, but Phoenix's performance earned near-universal praise.

Joaquin Phoenix's Personal Life

The actor has admitted he was always popular with women and rarely single, though his relationships typically didn't last long.

Joaquin has always been successful with women

On the set of "Inventing the Abbotts" (1997), Joaquin met Liv Tyler. He was drawn to the young star's down-to-earth nature, while she was impressed by Phoenix's intense preparation for their scenes. The couple dated from 1995 to 1998, and Phoenix reportedly struggled with their split.

From 2001 to 2005, Joaquin dated model Topaz Page-Green, and from 2013 to 2015, he was with DJ Allie Teilz.

In 2016, Phoenix began a romance with his co-star in "Mary Magdalene," Rooney Mara. They quickly moved in together and kept quiet about wedding plans, though they did announce their engagement in summer 2019.

Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara are engaged

In September 2020, the couple welcomed a son named after Joaquin's late brother, River. The parents don't share photos of their son on social media and work hard to keep him away from the spotlight.

In early 2024, it was revealed that the couple is expecting their second child. In June, paparazzi photographed Rooney holding an infant, but the exact birth date remains unknown.

Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix at the Academy Museum Gala

Joaquin's a homebody who goes to great lengths to avoid publicity. He stays off social media and rarely weighs in on current events. He used to skip award shows entirely, which became a running gag for "Golden Globes" hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. He views interviews and social events as just part of the job, nothing more.

Joaquin Phoenix Now

Fans constantly questioned the actor about a potential "Joker" sequel. Phoenix said he'd be open to reprising the role, though he wasn't sure if the director shared his enthusiasm:

I don't know. You see, it's an interesting character. There's still so much we could do with him, how to reveal him. But will we actually take this on? I don't know.

Still, after the first "Joker" became a massive hit (earning over a billion dollars worldwide and snagging two Oscars), a sequel seemed inevitable. In 2021, information emerged that a continuation would indeed happen.

The surprising choice was casting Lady Gaga as Joker's girlfriend, Harleen Quinzel. Even more shocking was turning the sequel into a musical. Phillips justified this choice by explaining that Arthur Fleck's madness has evolved—now he experiences reality through song and dance.

Joker: Folie À Deux Official Trailer

The movie's budget hit around $150 million—nearly double the original's cost. Filming took place in New York and Los Angeles from December 2022 to April 2023.

Photos from the shooting of the second Joker

The production featured roughly 15 musical numbers, requiring Joaquin Phoenix to take both dance and vocal coaching. Composer Hildur Guðnadóttir, who won an Oscar for the music of the first film, was brought in to work on the soundtrack.

The mass premiere of "Joker: Folie à Deux" took place in October 2024. The sequel got mixed reviews and fell far short of matching the original's success.

Joaquin Phoenix: latest news and articles

Critics were shocked by this role of Joaquin Phoenix: a cozy black-and-white film that you might have missed

21 Mar 2025

Fans believe this is the best role of Joaquin Phoenix`s career. Spoiler: it’s not about `Joker`

12 Mar 2025

16 Biographical Films About Musicians Who Changed the World

4 Dec 2024

10 Unusual Romantic Comedies That Break Genre Cliches

27 Nov 2024

Nathaniel Elijah Bryant

I`ve been waiting for the Joker movie with him for a very long time, even before the announcement. Until that moment, there was also Summer, but that is a completely different story. And «Her»? No, Joaquin still knows how to choose roles ... I`m glad that now he also started a family

2021-04-20 16:53:57
Jason Kelly

The role of the Joker has been discussed throughout the year. And Joaquin is beyond praise, the film hit the box office, which is not surprising with such an actor`s play.

2021-04-10 08:46:49
Minnie Quinn

Joaquin Phoenix is definitely a very talented actor. Moreover, before the role of the Joker, he did not have very many roles of the first plans.

2021-03-08 15:52:41
Keith Obrien

The fiercest Joker in history. Although many say that Heath Ledger was cooler, I think it`s a matter of taste.

2021-02-09 10:59:36
Dana Jones

And I fell in love with him since the film Gladiator, he is very talented, after the Joker no one doubts this.

2021-02-08 15:18:40

Photos: Joaquin Phoenix