Joaquin Phoenix

Cast · Writer · Director

Born

October 28, 1974 · San Juan, Puerto Rico

Birth name

Joaquin Rafael Bottom

“I guess I'm the acting equivalent of someone who jumps off buildings and parachutes.” Joaquin Phoenix, born in Puerto Rico and naturalized U.S. citizen, is an outstanding actor and musician, recognized for his intense and diverse performances. He made his screen debut with Space Camp (1986) and landed his first starring role in Russkies (1987). After a brief retirement, he returned to film with Inventing the Abbotts (1997) and To die for (1995). His portrayal of the emperor Commodus in the acclaimed film Gladiator (2000) earned him his first Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actor. He also collaborated frequently with director Shyamalan in films such as Sixth Sense (1999), Signs (2002), The Village (2004), and Hotel Rwanda (2004). He won several awards for his portrayal of Johnny Cash in Walk the line (2005) and then retired again. He returned to the scene with memorable performances in The Master (2012), Her (2013), and You were never really here (2017). In 2019, Phoenix achieved international recognition with his role in Joker, directed by Todd Phillips, a film acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, and for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. A vegan and animal rights activist, he has participated in documentaries about meat consumption and its impact on the environment. With a career full of unforgettable roles and an unwavering commitment to his causes, he is an influential and respected figure in the industry.