Ten Things You Want to Know About River Phoenix
1. Born as River Jude Bottom where his name was derived from the Beatles’ song “Hey Jude” and from the “River of Life” Hermann Hesse’s novel Siddhartha.
2. Parents are Arlyn Dunetz and John Bottom. An older brother to Hollywood character actor, Joaquin Phoenix. He would be happy now to know about Joaquin success in Hollywood who starred and gained awards for his award winning movies, "Gladiator" and "Wallk The Line". Other siblings are Liberty, Rain and Summer.
3. His first love was music. Together with his sister Rain, they dreamt of becoming recording artists. At the very young age, he often played the guitar with Rain performing on the streets to help his family financially. He was known as an actor, but by heart he was a singer, songwriter, and a well versed guitarist. He formed the Aleka’s Attic Band in 1987, and recorded a number of songs. He also collaborated with his friend bassist from Red Hot Chili Peppers, Michael "Flea" Balzary for some projects.
4. With no formal acting education, his career begun in Television in 1980 when he finally appeared on a TV show “Fantasy” with sister rain singing. Other TV shows follows Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Celebrity, Backwards: The Riddle of Dyslexia (with brother Joaquin). It’s Your Move, Surviving: A Family in Crisis with Molly Ringwald.
5. His career jumped into film in 1985 with the “Explorers”, a science-fiction film that landed him on the first major role. He also starred as a teenage Indiana Jones in 1989 film "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" with Harrison Ford. Other notable performance was from the movie "My Own Private Idaho".
6. His performance from 1989 film “Running on Empty” gave him an Oscar and Golden Globe-nomination for Best Supporting Actor category. While he finally won the Best Supporting Actor award from the National Board of Review. Other recognition includes a Best Actor award from Venice Film Festival, the National Society of Film Critics and the Independent Spirit Awards from the 1990 "My Own Private Idaho".
7. Inspite of the fame, he was involved in several causes about animal rights, environment, and some political issues. He was a spokesperson for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), and won their Humanitarian award in 1990 for his fund-raising efforts. From a Phil Donahue Show in 1990, he appeared with Lisa Bonet, Raul Julia, John Robbins who talked about vegetarianism, veganism, environmentalism, vaccinations, breast-feeding, ecology, rain forests, health, well-being, activism, Diet for a New America.
8. Before his death, he had unfinished project, a never released movie entitled “Dark Blood” which was almost 90% completed. His next project would be the "Interview with the Vampire" opposite Tom Cruise, the role later went to Christian Slater.
9. River died at the age of 23 on October 31, 1993 outside the West Hollywood Viper Room night club. The cause of his death remains mysterious but reported as due to overdosed on drugs. His going into drugs might be a result of his problems and depression due to the sad childhood experience he had with “Children of God”, a religious cult his family belonged to in the early 1970’s. At his previous interview, he mentioned that he was molested and lost his virginity at the age of four while in the cult. The family later separated from the cult because of the malpractice they have seen.
10. River is a close pal to equally talented actor Johnny Depp who was devastated when the actor died.
He joined the wagon of celebrities whose death were associated with cocaine and drugs. His humanitarian works and independent views that he fought during his short life would separate him from the list. Who would better know him but only the people who loved the young man, and friends who stood by him along the road. His fans from the 80’s had grown by age and life experiences. But for them River Phoenix will always be remembered who was been a part of their teenage life that once adored and cheered him.
Hollywood noticed his remarkable talents from his role in 1986 “Stand By Me” directed by Rob Reiner based on the novel “The Body” by Stephen King. With co-stars Wil Wheaton, Cory Feldman,Jerry O’Connell, and 24 TV series star, Kiefer Sutherland. Movie Song "Stand By Me" performed by Ben E. King.
"For some, it’s the last real taste of innocence, and the first real taste of life. But for everyone, it’s the time that memories are made of."
River Phoneix Filmography
Report about River Phoenix Death
