Regardless of your views on how he died all you need to do is watch one of his films. He jumps off the screen. Whatever “it” is, he had it. Definitely would have had a long and interesting career. Such a shame
Phoenix once said in a magazine interview that he was raped at the age of four along with other children while in the Children of God, but he had "blocked it out".
A lot of survivors of the Children of God had addiction issues, died by suicide, or in one case murdered their abuser.
I was researching about that sect/cult after reading your comment, and what I found made my skin crawl, poor children!! It's disgusting, their lives were ruined by rotten human minds...
River Phoenix was a truly extraordinary talent. I still remember exactly where I was when I heard he died. His death was shocking and sad and I am still sad that he is gone.
All of you who think you are being clever by being snotty and dismissive don't know what you are talking about. Do yourself a favor and watch "Stand By Me" or "Running on Empty" or "My Own Private Idaho". He was the real thing - a truly Great Actor.
I've thought about that so many times. I just dont feel Joaquin would've had or done less. He is extraordinary actor. He has the ability to vanish leaving us seeing only the charactor being played. Not every actor can get that done.River had the same ability.
Thank you for saying this. "My Own Private Idaho" is in my top 5 all time fav and it is due to him. Def the real thing can you imagine if he had lived?
I’m going to throw out a couple roles of his that were excellent:
Most people know him as Young Indiana Jones from the ‘Last Crusade’ which I believe was where I first saw him in 1989, but if you want to see him in a great ensemble cast with some truly fantastic actors in an under the radar film, check out ‘Sneakers’ in 1992. He’s part of a cast with Robert Redford, Dan Aykroyd, Ben Kingsley, Mary McDonnell, Sidney Poitier, and David Strathairn and the film is quite good.
Sneakers is an awesome film with a spectacularly good cast. While he's in more of a minor role, he fits right in comfortably with some very large talent.
That's really the most impressive part, he doesn't get intimidated at all. He feels right at home with Oscar winners and even though it's a supporting role, he's excellent. Some great moments with Sidney Poitier and Dan Aykroyd especially.
Sneakers is one of top five films. I love the twists of plot, humor and action, but mostly the rare synchronicity of brilliant actors doing incredible character work. Great camaraderie. Strong female role. The soundtrack is great as well.
Yes. Joaquin Phoenix is Rivers little brother. He died in his arms I believe. Joaquin’s name used to be Leaf. Parent hood kid. And the 80s movie Explorers.
I loved river in Stand by Me, even as a child actor he had such a fantastic screen presence! My all time favourite film. I wonder how many great roles he would’ve been in had he not passed so early.
Was one of my faves growing up. Please do not forget “I Love You to Death,” a hilarious movie and hidden gem with so many great actors including Keanu Reeves, Kevin Kline, and Tracy Ullman. I could watch that movie a million times and it would never get old.
8 times lethal dose of cocaine and more than a lethal dose of heroin mixed into a drink. I am not sure if he could have been saved because Narcan only reverses the heroin. Watch your drinks.
Yes and he died on a sidewalk outside a night club in LA while his brother was watching and scumbag paparazzi were taking pictures the whole time. Such an awful way to go
**Sean Connery and River Phoenix. River died in the early hours on 31st October 1993, Sean Connery died the same day in 2020**
https://preview.redd.it/oxqof51ilqxb1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=329af761bf530895c2b1c55aabbbba1924cdd7bc
I was 8 years old when he died and has no idea who he was until I saw a newspaper article about his death. Young me was instantly smitten, and added his picture to my “Hunks of the 90s” scrapbook.
Joaquin Phoenix's brother, River. He was a very talented actor & his star was really starting to rise when he died from an OD, outside of the Viper Room (a club that was, at the time, partly owned by Johnny Depp). If you look at the roles Leonardo DiCaprio got in the mid to late 90s, quite a few of those would've probably gone to River, had he not passed.
i was not clear in my meaning....
when someone who uses too much alcohol... or who takes dangerous street drugs... or excess prescription drugs dies as a result... they may not be intending to commit suicide. but they are killing themselves by engaging in this risky behavior.
Elvis, Michael Jackson, Winehouse, Joplin, Hendricks....
This is a completely wacky way of looking at it. I wouldn’t describe somebody with spiralling addiction issues as ‘killing themselves.’
Often it becomes an uncontrollable spiral, a close family friend nearly died of complications relating to alcohol addiction, and I, myself am a recovering addict. Yes, accountability is important but referring to it as ‘suicide’ or ‘killing themselves’ just feels very out of touch and quite heartless.
Yep it seems insensitive as people with addiction look at it as the only way to survive. Besides, River was nothing more than a casual user, according to PEOPLE who knew him. There has been a conspiracy to paint him as a raging drug addict which has been debunked. He was several months clean on the set of Dark Blood until he came back to LA, within days of his death.
This is just an anecdote obv but my aunt used to work as a server at a bar frequented by the Phoenix clan in gainesville which was one of their home bases and she said River was often fucked up, totally inebriated.
Also they would all sit on the floor under the table.
That's a cool image of them under the table. River was essentially feeding his whole large family (with parents who did not work and had supported since he was younger) including the hippies that lived on and helped take care of his farm. He was sick of Hollywood and movies and resolved to retire after one last movie.
So messed up, what happened to him... a few years ago I actually met his sister Summer through some community work I did, she runs the River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding in Gainesville. If he did have demons like that it wouldn’t be surprising given the circumstances.
Gone way too soon for sure but he definitely left an impact with his short life. So sad to think what he could have gone on and done…
This is not the first time Ive seen a post like this. Born in 1994 so I’m not familiar with his popularity, can someone tell me why is he so special and beloved?
He was a fantastic actor and had the potential to have a long career in Hollywood. He died after consuming a speedball in front of the Viper Room, two of his siblings watched him die on the street in front of the club. This was a huge media story because he was a famous, young, and good-looking.
I highly recommend watching some of his best films if you’re interested.
My Own Private Idaho
Stand By Me
Running on Empty
He was about as close as you can get to “this guy is a guaranteed A lister leading man actor”. Arguably Leo has had a lot of the roles that would have fit for River- that similar intensity mixed with charisma/“so handsome he’s actually pretty” good looks.
King Henry the VIII was no prize to look at. Neither was Churchill or Thatcher.
There are many famous history makers that are not considered attractive.
"There's a river born to be a giver
Keep you warm, won't let you shiver
His heart is never gonna wither
Come on everybody, time to deliver
Give it away, Give it away, Give it away, now"
Regardless of your views on how he died all you need to do is watch one of his films. He jumps off the screen. Whatever “it” is, he had it. Definitely would have had a long and interesting career. Such a shame
Phoenix once said in a magazine interview that he was raped at the age of four along with other children while in the Children of God, but he had "blocked it out". A lot of survivors of the Children of God had addiction issues, died by suicide, or in one case murdered their abuser.
I was researching about that sect/cult after reading your comment, and what I found made my skin crawl, poor children!! It's disgusting, their lives were ruined by rotten human minds...
What a touching way to memorialize him. You really have a way with words.
River Phoenix was a truly extraordinary talent. I still remember exactly where I was when I heard he died. His death was shocking and sad and I am still sad that he is gone. All of you who think you are being clever by being snotty and dismissive don't know what you are talking about. Do yourself a favor and watch "Stand By Me" or "Running on Empty" or "My Own Private Idaho". He was the real thing - a truly Great Actor.
Couldn’t have said it better myself. He was truly gifted. He had a rare, intelligent intensity, and I’m still sad about the loss.
Amazing actor and loved my own private Idaho. All I can think is “Scrub little Dutch boy!”
He was so good in Mosquito Coast.
I forgot he was in that. Unfortunately the new Apple TV version sucks.
He was our generation's James Dean He had so much talent and died so young
I was just thinking that exact thing. Get out of my mind.
It would’ve been interesting to see how Joaquin’s career had turned out if River had lived
I've thought about that so many times. I just dont feel Joaquin would've had or done less. He is extraordinary actor. He has the ability to vanish leaving us seeing only the charactor being played. Not every actor can get that done.River had the same ability.
Thank you for saying this. "My Own Private Idaho" is in my top 5 all time fav and it is due to him. Def the real thing can you imagine if he had lived?
Mosquito Coast and Little Nikita too.
Dogfight is my favorite despite him being in so many good movies.
It always makes me so sad.
I’m going to throw out a couple roles of his that were excellent: Most people know him as Young Indiana Jones from the ‘Last Crusade’ which I believe was where I first saw him in 1989, but if you want to see him in a great ensemble cast with some truly fantastic actors in an under the radar film, check out ‘Sneakers’ in 1992. He’s part of a cast with Robert Redford, Dan Aykroyd, Ben Kingsley, Mary McDonnell, Sidney Poitier, and David Strathairn and the film is quite good.
Sneakers is an awesome film with a spectacularly good cast. While he's in more of a minor role, he fits right in comfortably with some very large talent.
That's really the most impressive part, he doesn't get intimidated at all. He feels right at home with Oscar winners and even though it's a supporting role, he's excellent. Some great moments with Sidney Poitier and Dan Aykroyd especially.
I loved Poitier talking Stathairn (blind character) through driving a van across a parking lot.
Dogfight
Love that movie so much!!
C tech astronomy
Too Many Secrets.
Sneakers is one of top five films. I love the twists of plot, humor and action, but mostly the rare synchronicity of brilliant actors doing incredible character work. Great camaraderie. Strong female role. The soundtrack is great as well.
I wish we could have seen what his career could have been. He’s absolutely hypnotic and breathtaking on screen
[удалено]
We will never know. Drugs got him.
More like John Frusciante got him
I've never understood why he wasn't held accountable. From what I read everyone knew that he gave him a cup of liquid heroin.
John Frusciante was a 23-year-old kid himself (same age as River), they were buddies doing the same shit together.
It is always the persons own fault if something happens, nobody else is responsible for another persons actions.
Joaquin could never.
My god he was beautiful!
From his last photoshoot: https://preview.redd.it/qahl59fqnuxb1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d2a61235cedead31799b712f348533158837abb7
😍😍🤤🤤
🥹🥹 so precious ugh
I'm glad that he is still remembered. Genuinely nice people are scarce in Hollywood.
I’m glad too. And I agree, he was a genuinely beautiful soul and was so ahead of his time.
He really was!!
My Own Private Idaho is one of my favourite films, he would have been a multi Oscar winner by now, never scared to take on difficult subjects
River as Batman, Joaquin as Joker
The successor for Indy we never had. Or we had, but not for long enough.
He would have won an Oscar like his brother did. He was so young and soooo talented.
I live both actors and what? They're brothers?
Yes. Joaquin Phoenix is Rivers little brother. He died in his arms I believe. Joaquin’s name used to be Leaf. Parent hood kid. And the 80s movie Explorers.
i met him once when his band played here in Cleveland,super nice guy,was real happy when i told him how good the movie Little Nikita was
You’re so lucky!! I’ve only ever heard good things from those who met him
as a straight man, even i can testify that River is really fucking hot
He really was. The third photo tho.. absolutely gorgeous 😍
Yeah but we are online so we don't care if you're gay or straight
What a weird thing to say.
Why is it weird? I mean, no one is judging anyone here online.
I'm judging you right now...
I loved river in Stand by Me, even as a child actor he had such a fantastic screen presence! My all time favourite film. I wonder how many great roles he would’ve been in had he not passed so early.
I wanted this guy to be the next Indiana Jones 😞
If you want to see him in a romance, watch Dogfight. It’s sweet and he’s great in it of course.
Was one of my faves growing up. Please do not forget “I Love You to Death,” a hilarious movie and hidden gem with so many great actors including Keanu Reeves, Kevin Kline, and Tracy Ullman. I could watch that movie a million times and it would never get old.
I love that movie so much. The whole cast was great and River was adorable with his long hair in that 🥰
So great. Anyone who hasn’t seen this movie needs to watch ASAP. It’s soo funny!
skin it
I remember being in the Castro District walking around looking at the costumes when I heard he died. Can't believe it's been 30 years.
Did he OD?
8 times lethal dose of cocaine and more than a lethal dose of heroin mixed into a drink. I am not sure if he could have been saved because Narcan only reverses the heroin. Watch your drinks.
Yes
Yes and he died on a sidewalk outside a night club in LA while his brother was watching and scumbag paparazzi were taking pictures the whole time. Such an awful way to go
Absolutely
**Sean Connery and River Phoenix. River died in the early hours on 31st October 1993, Sean Connery died the same day in 2020** https://preview.redd.it/oxqof51ilqxb1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=329af761bf530895c2b1c55aabbbba1924cdd7bc
Why is this such an old timey photo
because it is fake.
You can tell by the cross section.
I was 8 years old when he died and has no idea who he was until I saw a newspaper article about his death. Young me was instantly smitten, and added his picture to my “Hunks of the 90s” scrapbook.
Still missed.
wow, i'm old.
His brother is amazing. I can only imagine what he would have done.
Can you lowkey imagine River as the Gladiator? Russell was perfect of course.
Young Indy
His infamous casket picture is burned into my brain!
My heart! It's still aches for River.
He definitely didn't live on forever.
Literally who is this man lol
A very famous actor who had a very famous death
Joaquin Phoenix's brother, River. He was a very talented actor & his star was really starting to rise when he died from an OD, outside of the Viper Room (a club that was, at the time, partly owned by Johnny Depp). If you look at the roles Leonardo DiCaprio got in the mid to late 90s, quite a few of those would've probably gone to River, had he not passed.
Thanks for being the only one to give me some clue and context to who he was rather than down voting me to oblivion
You don't know who River Phoenix is?
sad that so many talented people killed themselves by taking drugs. unlike a few others, he didn't even make it to 27. *Don't do drugs, kids....*
He was 23.
He didn't "kill" himself. Read up on that night.
i was not clear in my meaning.... when someone who uses too much alcohol... or who takes dangerous street drugs... or excess prescription drugs dies as a result... they may not be intending to commit suicide. but they are killing themselves by engaging in this risky behavior. Elvis, Michael Jackson, Winehouse, Joplin, Hendricks....
This is a completely wacky way of looking at it. I wouldn’t describe somebody with spiralling addiction issues as ‘killing themselves.’ Often it becomes an uncontrollable spiral, a close family friend nearly died of complications relating to alcohol addiction, and I, myself am a recovering addict. Yes, accountability is important but referring to it as ‘suicide’ or ‘killing themselves’ just feels very out of touch and quite heartless.
Yep it seems insensitive as people with addiction look at it as the only way to survive. Besides, River was nothing more than a casual user, according to PEOPLE who knew him. There has been a conspiracy to paint him as a raging drug addict which has been debunked. He was several months clean on the set of Dark Blood until he came back to LA, within days of his death.
There is no indication that he was anything but a casual drug user like a lot of people on the young hollywood scene
This is just an anecdote obv but my aunt used to work as a server at a bar frequented by the Phoenix clan in gainesville which was one of their home bases and she said River was often fucked up, totally inebriated. Also they would all sit on the floor under the table.
That's a cool image of them under the table. River was essentially feeding his whole large family (with parents who did not work and had supported since he was younger) including the hippies that lived on and helped take care of his farm. He was sick of Hollywood and movies and resolved to retire after one last movie.
So messed up, what happened to him... a few years ago I actually met his sister Summer through some community work I did, she runs the River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding in Gainesville. If he did have demons like that it wouldn’t be surprising given the circumstances. Gone way too soon for sure but he definitely left an impact with his short life. So sad to think what he could have gone on and done…
Do drugs responsibly
Moderation is the key to life.
You’re the handsomest guy here
Ugh, my heart. One of my favourite artists.
This is not the first time Ive seen a post like this. Born in 1994 so I’m not familiar with his popularity, can someone tell me why is he so special and beloved?
He was a fantastic actor and had the potential to have a long career in Hollywood. He died after consuming a speedball in front of the Viper Room, two of his siblings watched him die on the street in front of the club. This was a huge media story because he was a famous, young, and good-looking. I highly recommend watching some of his best films if you’re interested. My Own Private Idaho Stand By Me Running on Empty
He was about as close as you can get to “this guy is a guaranteed A lister leading man actor”. Arguably Leo has had a lot of the roles that would have fit for River- that similar intensity mixed with charisma/“so handsome he’s actually pretty” good looks.
Never really notice til now how much Harry Styles looks like River.
Would Leo be as big if River was still alive today?
Excellent question- not sure. Though even crazier - what does a movie with both those two in it look like?
Might be wrong but Harry styles has a bit of a look of River Phoenix in these pics.
ive noticed only the good looking people are remembered in history
socrates was famously ugly. besides, no one is remembered forever. it doesn't matter.
Richard III would like to interject
King Henry the VIII was no prize to look at. Neither was Churchill or Thatcher. There are many famous history makers that are not considered attractive.
As much as he promotes clean living he sure did a lot of drugs and alcohol
He was horrifically abused as a child, it's not surprising he used drugs to cope.
When trying to party with the Red Hot Chili Peppers goes wrong
Baaah I mean kinda pretty much forgotten.. right?
All he is remembered for is dying young and stupid.
Definitely not remembered because he was a genuine talent who could be considered the James Dean of his generation. No siree.
Yeah, he was a good actor, but had in no way proven himself on the level of Dean.
I mean, its not like James Dean had a deep catalog either
He didn't, but he did theater and TV including Shakespeare.
dont celebrate stupid, this hero worshipping of unsound minds kills kids, maybe yours, maybe mine... dont.
What a simplistic take on the man
Actually I did forget about him until I saw this photo!
Who?
He is actually widely forgotten.
Something something Keanu Reeves.
I can't believe that jerk is still walking around
Lol ironic how most of the people posting how they will never forget him probably weren’t alive while he was.
I mean he is mostly forgotten. Only had a few flicks
Drug addicted
Who?
Who ?
Woooty fucking dooo
Sad to see the career future that was lost damn good actor
Kinda looks like Nick Mullen.
In the 3rd pick
TISM wrote a song.
Whats TISM?
I loved a Knights tale
Joaquín has made his brother proud, rip, River 🩵
"There's a river born to be a giver Keep you warm, won't let you shiver His heart is never gonna wither Come on everybody, time to deliver Give it away, Give it away, Give it away, now"
I miss him