Childhood and Education Journey of Joaquin Phoenix in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Joaquin Phoenix. From birth to education, explore key events.

Joaquin Phoenix is a highly acclaimed American actor, recognized as one of the leading performers of his generation. He is celebrated for his portrayals of complex, often dark and eccentric characters in independent films. Phoenix's talent has been acknowledged with numerous prestigious awards, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award, a Grammy Award, and two Golden Globe Awards, solidifying his status as a major figure in contemporary cinema.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

April 2005: Enters Rehab for Alcoholism

In early April 2005, Joaquin Phoenix checked himself into rehab to be treated for alcoholism.

January 26, 2006: Car Accident in Hollywood

On January 26, 2006, Joaquin Phoenix veered off the road and flipped his car in Hollywood due to brake failure. He was helped from the wreckage by German filmmaker Werner Herzog.

2012: Labels Academy Awards "Bullshit"

In 2012, Joaquin Phoenix labeled the Academy Awards "bullshit," later apologizing for his comments, acknowledging that the awards provided an important platform for many deserving filmmakers.

2015: Discusses Uncomfortableness Receiving Accolades on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

In 2015, Joaquin Phoenix elaborated on his discomfort in receiving accolades for his work on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, considering the filmmaking process a collaborative one.

2018: Describes Himself as Secular Jew

In 2018, Joaquin Phoenix described himself as a secular Jew, unaffiliated with any organized religion, and identified forgiveness as one of his core values.

2019: Engaged to Rooney Mara

In 2019, Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara were engaged to be married, but the ceremony never took place.

2019: Plant-Based Menus at Award Shows

In 2019, Joaquin Phoenix spearheaded a movement to transform the menus of five award show events to be plant-based, starting with the Golden Globe Awards, advocating for addressing climate change through dietary choices.

2019: Spider Named After Joker Role

In 2019, the movie Joker was released. In 2020, a spider species endemic to Iran, Loureedia phoenixi, also known as the Joker spider, was named after Joaquin Phoenix due to its color pattern matching the DC Comics character Joker from his role in the 2019 movie Joker.

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August 2020: Birth of Son with Rooney Mara

In August 2020, Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara had a son.

2020: Public Service Announcement on L.A. County Jails' Health

In 2020, Joaquin Phoenix collaborated with JusticeLA to create a public service announcement, #SuingToSaveLives, to raise awareness about the health conditions of people in L.A. County jails during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2020: Spider Named After Joker Role

In 2020, a spider species endemic to Iran, Loureedia phoenixi, also known as the Joker spider, was named after Joaquin Phoenix due to its color pattern matching the DC Comics character Joker, from his role in the 2019 movie Joker.

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October 2023: Signs Open Letter Calling for Ceasefire in Gaza

In October 2023, Joaquin Phoenix signed an open letter by artists to President Joe Biden, calling for a ceasefire during the Gaza war, emphasizing the sanctity of all life.

June 2024: Welcomes Second Child with Rooney Mara

In June 2024, Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara welcomed their second child.

September 2024: Marries Rooney Mara

In September 2024, Joaquin Phoenix formalized his marriage with Rooney Mara during Talk Easy podcast.

May 2025: Signs Open Letter Condemning Film Industry's "Silence" on Gaza Genocide

In May 2025, Joaquin Phoenix was one of 370 Hollywood figures to sign an open letter condemning the film industry for its "silence" on the Gaza genocide and Israel's killing of Fatma Hassona.