MAIN Art &... Pop Culture Actors Joaquin Phoenix

Born on October 28, 1974 to parents who encouraged their kids to follow an acting career, Joaquin Raphael Phoenix followed older siblings River Phoenix and Rain Phoenix into film.

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 current screen appearance is 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 2006 Golden Globe Awards.

Next up, Phoenix stars in an early 2008 Oscar contender, Reservation Road, slated for release on October 19, 2007.

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

MrJoaquin.com - The latest updates and news archive, upcoming and rumored film roles, interviews and articles, image gallery and related links.

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.

also see -> Orlando Bloom | Pierce Brosnan | George Clooney

Russell Crowe | Tom Cruise | Matt Damon | Johnny Depp

Leonardo DiCaprio | Colin Farrell | Harrison Ford | Mel Gibson

Jake Gyllenhaal | Tony Jaa | Hugh Jackman | Ashton Kutcher | Jude Law

Heath Ledger | Brad Pitt | Keanu Reeves | Will Smith | Elijah Wood