Joaquin Rafael Phoenix, born Joaquin Rafael Bottom on October 28, 1974, is an American actor renowned for his versatility and depth in portraying complex characters. His career spans over four decades, marked by numerous critically acclaimed performances and prestigious awards.
Main Milestones
Birth
October 28, 1974
Joaquin Phoenix was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to parents who were missionaries in a millenarian Christian religious cult called the Children of God. His family later returned to the United States and changed their surname to Phoenix.
Early Career
Early 1980s
Phoenix began his acting career by appearing in television series with his brother River. He made his debut in a 1982 episode of the series "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and later costarred in an "ABC Afterschool Special" about dyslexia in 1984.
Film Debut
1986
Phoenix made his film debut in "SpaceCamp" and later played a withdrawn teenager in Ron Howard’s "Parenthood" (1989). During this period, he was credited as Leaf Phoenix, a name he gave himself.
River Phoenix's Death
1993
Following River’s accidental death from a drug overdose, Joaquin took a break from acting but later returned to the screen with the critically acclaimed "To Die For" (1995).
Breakthrough Role
2000
Phoenix’s breakthrough role was that of the Roman emperor Commodus in "Gladiator", for which he received an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor.
Critical Acclaim
2005
Phoenix channeled musician Johnny Cash in the biopic "Walk the Line", earning him a Grammy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor.
The Master
2012
Phoenix starred in Paul Thomas Anderson’s "The Master", playing a tormented World War II veteran with alcoholism. His performance was highly praised and won him an award for best actor at the Venice International Film Festival.
Joker
2019
Phoenix starred as the titular comic-book villain in the psychological thriller "Joker", which was a blockbuster hit. He won the Academy Award for best actor for this role.
Napoleon
2023
Phoenix assumed the title role in Ridley Scott’s "Napoleon", a biopic about the legendary French emperor. This marked another significant milestone in his career, showcasing his versatility in historical roles.
Joker: Folie à Deux
2024
Phoenix returned to the grim world of Gotham City in "Joker: Folie à Deux", a sequel to the 2019 hit. He reprised his role as the Joker, falling in love with Lady Gaga’s Harley Quinn.
