Joaquin Phoenix

**Joaquin Rafael Phoenix** (born October 28, 1974) is an American actor known for his roles as dark, unconventional and eccentric characters, particularly in period dramas. Phoenix began his career by appearing in television series in the early 1980s with his brother River. His first major film roles were in SpaceCamp (1986) and Parenthood (1989). During this period, he was credited as Leaf Phoenix, a name he gave himself. He received critical acclaim for his supporting roles in the comedy-drama To Die For (1995) and the period film Quills (2000). He had success with the horror films Signs (2002) and The Village (2004), the historical drama Hotel Rwanda (2004), and won accolades for his portrayal of musician Johnny Cash in the biopic Walk the Line (2005). For his performance as the titular character of Joker (2019), Phoenix won the Academy Award for Best Actor. Apart from acting, Phoenix is an animal rights activist and has produced several documentaries on global meat consumption and its impact on the environment. Phoenix was born at the Hospital Metropolitano San Francisco in the Río Piedras district of San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Arlyn "Heart" Bottom and John Lee Bottom. Phoenix has four siblings: River Phoenix (his late brother), and Rain, Liberty, and Summer (his sisters). He also has a paternal half-sister, Jodean.