Joaquin Phoenix Biography
Staunch cult followers Arlyn Dunetz and John Lee Bottom had their third child, a son, on October 28 1974 in San Juan, Puerto Rico and immediately named him Joaquin Rafael Bottom, he would later grow up to be the famous actor and singer known by the stage name Joaquin Phoenix.
Phoenix has a life story based on the ‘from rags to riches’ theme, his background is of faraway comparison to the star studded life that he currently lives. Phoenix grew up in a family of seven with his two parents as the sole breadwinners to a group of five children, this was a responsibility that Phoenix’s parents did not meet completely not because they were unable to but because their beliefs were ingrained with the extremist views of the Children of God cult which in turn translated to a constricted life.
He lived in the San Juan region of Puerto Rico until the age of four when the family’s religious trips around America led to a permanent settlement in California, USA, there Phoenix faced a life of hardship as the more expensive economy of the US was a far cry from that of Puerto Rico. He faced poverty at its extreme before an idea to include the children in the process of earning the family’s keep was suggested by Arlyn Dunetz and John Lee Bottom. At the time they were not affiliated to the religious cult and so it was easy for Phoenix and his siblings to get jobs, since no one would be willing to hire one minor let alone five they began to perform for passers-by on the streets of California.
At first they were received with scorn but soon enough residents of the city fell in love with the talented children and they began to pay for the performances, soon they were spotted by a talent scout for a promotions company and before Phoenix knew it he was a television star appearing in advertisements for big businesses. The family’[s fortunes changed and in 1982 Phoenix ventured out as a solo act in the film industry.
His first role was in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and later in 1984 he was featured in Backwards: The Riddle Of Dyslexia, these were however minor roles that did nothing much to gain him popularity. Phoenix’s career maker came in 1986 when he was cast for a role in the film Space Camp and in 1987 in the film Russkies which made his debut lead role.
In 1989 Phoenix received his first accolade, the Best Young Actor at the Young Awards for his starring role of Garry Buckman in the film Parenthood, in 1995 Phoenix was honoured with a Chlotrudis Award for Best Supporting Actor for the 1995 titled To Die For.
Other film credits by Phoenix include 8mm, Clay Pigeons, Inventing the Abbotts, U Turn, Return to Paradise, The Yards, Buffalo Soldiers, Signs, It's All About Love, Ladder 49, and he provided a voice role for the cartoon character of Kenai in the 2003 animated film Brother Bear.
A more recent role by Phoenix was in the 2010 film titled I'm Still Here.
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