River Jude Phoenix was an American actor prominent as a teen actor who later took on leading roles in critically acclaimed films.
Phoenix was born in Madras, Oregon. His mother, Arlyn (Dunetz), was a secretary born in the Bronx, and his father, John Bottom, was a carpenter.
He began his acting career at age 10 in television commercials. His early film roles include Explorers, Stand by Me and The Mosquito Coast.
Phoenix earned a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the Sidney Lumet drama Running on Empty.
Phoenix died at age 23 in West Hollywood on October 31, 1993, from combined drug intoxication. Phoenix overdosed on cocaine and heroin at The Viper Room, a Hollywood nightclub.
Siblings
River had four siblings, namely Rain, Joaquin, Liberty, and Summer. River was the oldest son and the first of the siblings to gain Hollywood’s attention.
Joaquin has often mentioned River as the main reason and inspiration for his success.
Rain Phoenix has had an acting and singing career. She was also in several bands, including Aleka’s Attic with River.
Career
Phoenix began his acting career at the age of 10 in television commercials.
He started performing on the streets with his siblings to support the family, which contributed to his natural talent.
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Phoenix landed roles in television series like “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” and “Family Ties,” gaining experience before transitioning to film.
His early film roles included Explorers (1985), but he gained national recognition for his role in Stand by Me (1986), playing Chris Chambers, a troubled 12-year-old.
Later that year, Phoenix starred in The Mosquito Coast (1986).
He consciously sought roles that challenged him and allowed him to showcase his range, transitioning to more adult-oriented roles.
Phoenix earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Running on Empty (1988), where he played the son of fugitive parents.
He also won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor for his performance in My Own Private Idaho (1991), portraying a gay street hustler with narcolepsy.
Phoenix brought a deep sense of vulnerability and sensitivity to his characters, conveying complex emotions with authenticity.
Accolades
Phoenix died on October 31, 1993, at the age of 23. His death was caused by a drug overdose.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office determined the cause of death to be “acute multiple drug intoxication,” involving lethal levels of cocaine and morphine.
Morphine was believed to have originated from heroin as the body metabolizes heroin into morphine.
Toxicology reports also revealed lower levels of Valium, marijuana, and ephedrine in his system. No foul play was suspected, and his death was ruled accidental.
Phoenix collapsed outside The Viper Room, a Hollywood nightclub, in the early hours of the morning.
He was transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 1:51 a.m. PST. His brother Joaquin and sister Rain were present, and Rain attempted to revive him.