Joaquin Phoenix Shares Rare Comments About Late Brother River Phoenix originally appeared on Parade.
It’s been just over 30 years since the untimely passing of River Phoenix, yet to this day, many fans continue to mourn an actor of unparalleled acting potential.
The oldest brother in the famed Phoenix acting family, Phoenix quickly rose to career prominence upon his entry in the film industry in 1982.
Rapidly winning renown as a child actor, Phoenix went on to a star of variety of critically acclaimed films throughout his lifetime, including Stand by Me, The Mosquito Coast, Running on Empty and My Own Private Idaho.
Sadly, in spite of his clear talent and acting capabilities, Phoenix ultimately passed away from an accidental drug overdose in 1993. At the time of his death, he was only 23-years-old.
In the decades since the Academy Award nominee’s death, his younger brother Joaquin Phoenix has generally avoided discussing his sibling in prolonged interviews.
But in a recent episode of comedian Theo Von’s This Past Weekend podcast, the 50-year-old Joker actor openly discussed his late brother’s legacy, as well as River’s impact on his own life and career.
“My brother was quite a force and was definitely, like, I don’t know if it was mythical or Shakespearean, or I don’t know, maybe it’s because he died or something,” Phoenix remembered of River. “Maybe it’s because he was the first son and he was incredible.”
“He was such a force within our family,” the Gladiator star continued. “He was kind of like the guiding light in some ways. He was the one who acted first. We used to sing on the streets and he played guitar and kind of like oversaw everybody.”
At the time of River’s passing, Joaquin was only 19-years-old, but he continues to express his appreciation for his brother and the positive example he set for his younger siblings.
“He was such a strong but gentle force within the family,” Phoenix said. “So I think in some ways, if I’m honest, a lot of my life, like growing up, I was kind of like, ‘Cool. Sh*t’s handled. Everything’s f**king handled.”
Joaquin Phoenix Shares Rare Comments About Late Brother River Phoenix first appeared on Parade on Jul 31, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
