why we like him?







Joaquin Phoenix comes from a family full of performers, but he has slowly set himself apart thanks to his unique looks and undeniable talent.



why is he famous?







Joaquin Phoenix spent much of his youth known primarily for being River Phoenix's younger brother, but the performer has long since established himself as one of his generation's finest actors. Whether he's playing a murderous high schooler (in 1995's To Die For), a hapless patsy (1998's Clay Pigeons) or a rock 'n' roll legend (2005's Walk the Line), Phoenix is able to convincingly step into the shoes of just about anybody.











overall rating

85







It didn't take long for Joaquin Phoenix to realize that he wanted to be a performer, as he already appeared in several TV shows and movies before he was even a teenager.



Although he's been at the top of Hollywood's A-list for several years now, Phoenix's role choices remain just as eclectic as ever -- a true testament to his dedication to the craft.



Joaquin Phoenix >> PAGE 2: COMMENTS











quote







"The reason I keep making movies is I hate the last thing I did. I'm trying to rectify my wrongs." -Joaquin Phoenix, on his career motivation.



bio







Joaquin Rafael Phoenix was born on October 28, 1974, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. His parents, John Bottom Amram and Arlyn Dunitz Jochebed, worked as missionaries for much of Joaquin's childhood, and as such, spent much of Joaquin's childhood moving throughout Central and South America. Out of solidarity with his three sisters (Rain, Liberty and Summer) and brother (River), Joaquin adopted an earthy moniker of his own and was thereafter known as Leaf.



Trivia: What types of advertisements were Joaquin and his siblings prohibited from acting in?