Joaquin Raphael Phoenix was born on October 28th, 1974 in Puerto Rico. His parents John Bottom and Arlyn Dunetz,, sixties flower children wanted anything but to lead a monotonous life. The family joined a religious cult, Children of God, and began traveling extensively to spread the word of God.

His parents encouraged their children, River, Rain and himself, to act. At the age of 4 Joaquin told his father, who was raking leaves at the time, he wanted a name more like his siblings. His father suggested Leaf…and the name stuck.

He got his first gig in 1982 in an episode of the short-lived CBS TV series "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" which featured Peter Horton and his brother River. Then at the age of 12 he made his film debut in 1986's "Spacecamp" and then went on to star in "Russkies" in 1987 and "Parenthood" in 1989. His performance in the later made him a fledgling star, however, he chose to stay away from Hollywood and spent the next few years traveling and living with his father in Mexico. During this time he decided to change his name back to Joaquin.

It was River's 1993 death that brought Joaquin back into the spotlight, albeit a very unwelcome spotlight. The 911 call that he made as his older brother lay dying was broadcast over radio and TV in the aftermath of River's death. Many in the media accused Joaquin of rushing back into acting to exploit the reverential memory of the critically adored River, but the script "To Die For", his first since "Parenthood", actually sat unread for many months before friends finally convinced him to look at it. He loved what he read and it proved to be a hit.

Two years later, he delivered an exceptional performance in the coming-of-age drama "Inventing the Abbotts" with Liv Tyler. Joaquin and Tyler became an off screen item and he claims that she was the first woman he'd ever approached for a date. He is very tightlipped about his personal life but says "We share a great love and understanding."

In 1998 he appeared with Anne Heche and Vince Vaughn in the review mixed "Return To Paradise". The critics may have thought the movie to be of little value but they all agreed that Joaquin's performance was outstanding. He re-teamed with Vaughn months later to star in "Clay Pegeons". In 1999 he starred in Joel Schumacher's thriller "8MM" with Nicolas Cage. Most resently he starred with Russell Crowe in the mega-hit "Gladiator". Coming down the pike is the crime drama "The Yards" that will be out later this year.