Joaquin Phoenix, Pictures, Movies, News, Bio

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Most recently in the news for his decision to quit movie acting to concentrate on a music career, Joaquin Raphael Phoenix was born on October 28, 1974 to parents who encouraged their kids to follow an acting career, and followed older siblings River Phoenix and Rain Phoenix into film acting careers.

Originally billed as Leaf Phoenix, Joaquin's major performance came in Spacecamp in 1986 followed by starring roles in Russkies (1987) and Parenthood (1989)..

Phoenix soon dropped out the Hollywood scene and, in 1993, was driven even further away from movie acting with the much-publicized death of his 23-year old brother, movie star River Phoenix.

Joaquin only reappeared again in 1995 starring in the title role of Jimmy Emmett to much critical acclaim, and continued on in various roles throughout the '90's in such films as Return to Paradise in 1998 and in 8MM opposite Nicolas Cage.

Superstar status finally came in 2000 with his dark, brooding portrayal as Commodus in the Ridley Scott mega-hit, Gladiator co-starring with Russell Crowe.

Since then, Phoenix has gone on to impress the critics with leading roles in Buffalo Soldiers in 2001 and opposite John Travolta in Ladder 49. Phoenix's most heralded screen appearance was in the Johnny Cash biopic Walk the Line (movie trailer) opposite Reese Witherspoon, who plays wife, June Carter - both of whom brought home awards for Best Actor and Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globe Awards in 2006.

Phoenix next starred in Reservation Road in 2007. He is next slated to appear opposite actress Gwyneth Paltrow in Two Lovers scheduled for release in February 2009. The actor promises that it will be his last film of his career in order to concentrate on his music career that began in earnest ever since learning to play guitar for his role as singer Johnny Cash in 2005's "Walk the Line."

In addition to touring plans, Phoenix is also reportedly planning a debut album sometime in 2009.

Joaquin Phoenix - Yahoo! Movies - A full bio, photo galleries, film reviews, plus links to related sites, messageboards and groups.

Joaquin Phoenix Current Month TV Schedule - Catch the star on regularly scheduled U.S. national cable channel with complete times and listings.

Joaquin Phoenix - Topix.net - The latest headlines and news about the actor and his career from sources around the Web.