Joaquin Phoenix — Full Biography | Nazaara Box

👶 Early Life & Family

Born: October 28, 1974, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Parents: John Lee and Arlyn Phoenix
Siblings: River, Rain, Liberty, Summer

Raised in an unconventional family that left the cult Children of God, Joaquin’s early life was marked by artistic exposure and hardship. He adopted the stage name “Leaf” as a child actor before reclaiming his birth name later.

🎥 Early Career & Family Tragedy (1982–1994)

• Early roles: SpaceCamp (1986), Parenthood (1989)
• Tragedy: Lost his brother River Phoenix to overdose in 1993

🔄 Return & Rise to Prominence (1995–2009)

• To Die For (1995)
• Breakout: Gladiator (2000) — Oscar nominee
• Other hits: Signs, The Village, Walk the Line (Johnny Cash) — Golden Globe & Grammy wins

🎭 Exploring Depth & Extremes (2010–2017)

• I’m Still Here (2010)
• The Master (2012) — Venice Best Actor, Oscar nominee
• Her (2013), Inherent Vice (2014), You Were Never Really Here (2017) — Cannes Best Actor

🃏 Joker & Global Recognition (2019–Present)

• Joker (2019) — Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe
• C’mon C’mon (2021), Beau Is Afraid (2023), Napoleon (2023)
• Eddington (2025) with Emma Stone

🎭 Acting Style & Persona

Phoenix is revered for his commitment to dark, layered characters and method acting. His physical transformations, emotional intensity, and immersive style define his reputation as a chameleon performer.

🌱 Activism & Personal Life

• Lifelong vegan, vocal animal rights and environmental activist
• Supports PETA, narrated Earthlings, promotes JUST Water
• Partner: Rooney Mara; son River (b. 2020); married in 2024

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• Academy Awards: Best Actor for Joker; 3 other nominations
• Golden Globes: Wins for Walk the Line, Joker
• Venice, Cannes, SAG, Grammy, BAFTA and over 120 award nominations

💼 Net Worth & Legacy

Estimated net worth: $50–80 million. Despite acclaim, he maintains a modest lifestyle focused on values. Seen as one of the most transformative actors of his era—known for integrity, purpose, and artistic courage.

Sources: Wikipedia, Vanity Fair, El País