River Phoenix

Who is River Phoenix?

River Phoenix was an American actor and musician who have contributed his 11 years of life in the entertainment industry. He was just ten years old when he began his acting career on TV. He received his filmy role when he was fifteen years old in the 1985 science fiction film ‘Explorers’. Since his childhood days, he has also had an interest in playing the guitar. He also started music career sidewise after acting. Then, he formed a band called ‘Aleka’s Attic’ in 1987. His first released song was ‘Across the Way’ in 1989 for the album ‘Tame Yourself.’

Apart from acting and music, he was also a committed animal rights, environmental and political activist. He was always ready to raise his voice and speak for Humanitarian work and have even written awareness essay on Environmental day. But this good human died in 1993 due to an overdose of the drug when he was 23 years old.

Bio

River Phoenix’s real name was River Jude Phoenix, born on August 23, 1970, in Madras, Oregon, USA. He was born as the eldest son in the family. His father was John Lee Bottom, and his mother was Arlyn Phoenix. He and his four more siblings named Joaquin Phoenix, Liberty Phoenix, Summer Phoenix, and Rain Phoenix, grew up in Micanopy, Florida. He was of Virgo star sign.

Nationality and Physical Stats

River Phoenix was American by his nationality. His father and mother came from different religious backgrounds, so they joined a religious sect called the Children of God. Besides, he stood 5 feet and 10 inches (178cm/1.78m) tall and weighed 72 kg (159lbs). He had a pair of blue colored eyes and blonde hair color.

Early Life/ Education 

River Phoenix stated his parents as ‘hippieish’ who were counterculture members of the 1960s. His family had an acute economic crisis due to which he couldn’t attend any schools or colleges. He, along with his sister, used to collect money by singing in the streets for food.

Personal Life 

River Phoenix was a pure vegan from his age of seven and never went back to raise his voice against animal rights and environmental issues. After he was involved in this industry, he often used to provide donate money to different organizations.

Taking about his love life, he dated women named Suzanne Solgot and Martha Plimpton. He was dating Samantha Mantis before he was dead.

Death

River Phoenix had an untimely death when he was just 23 years old on October 31, 1993. He died due to overdoes use of drugs he used in the cocktail drink he took last night of his death. Although River was killed at an early age, he was already regarded as one of the most successful actors in that century. 

Career

River Phoenix Film

River Phoenix landed his debut film in 1985 ‘Explorers’ for which he was also nominated for Young Artist Award. The very next year, he again appeared in ‘Stand by Me’ and ‘The Mosquito Coast’ as Chris Chambers and Charlie Fox, respectively. Also, he gained an award Jackie Coogan Award for his work in ‘Stand by Me.’ Two years later, he featured in three different movies named ‘A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon,’ ‘Little Nikita,’ and ‘Running on Empty.’ He has received the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Danny Pope in ‘Running on Empty.’

Moreover, he was also nominated for Academy and Golden Globe Award. Likewise, he featured as Young Indiana Jones in the action-adventure film ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ in 1999. It starred other actors like Harrison Ford, Denholm Elliot, Alison Doody, and Julian Glover. This film was a commercial success and also received an Oscar Award. Likewise, his next movie, which led him to gain more popularity, was ‘My Own Private Idaho’ in 1991 as Mikey Waters. This was one of his most successful films,s and through this, he received many awards and accolades. Moreover, it became a critically and commercially hit film as well. He then appeared in movies like ‘Sneakers,’ ‘The Thing Called Love’ and ‘Silent Tongue.’

Television

River Phoenix appeared on the small screen in the 1982 series ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers’ as Guthrie McFadden in 21 episodes. This series ran till 1983. In 1984 he was seen in an episode of series like ‘ABC Afterschool Special,’ ‘It’s Your Move’ and ‘Hotel.’ A year later, he also played a miniseries and television film named ‘Robert Kennedy & His Times’ and ‘Surviving: A Family in Crisis.’ Likewise, his last television film he played was in 1986 called ‘Circle of Violence: A Family Drama’ as Chris Benfield.

Apart from film and series, he also had appeared in music videos like ‘Stand by Me’ in 1986 and ‘Breaking the Girl’ in 1991.

Achievements

River Phoenix was awarded Jackie Coogan Award in 1986 for his film ‘Stand By Me’ and the National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1988 for his movie ‘Running on Empty.’ Likewise, he had also won Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead, the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actor, and Volpi Cup for Best Actor for his role in the film ‘My Own Private Idaho.’ He was also honored with Young Artist Award for Best Young Actor Starring in a Television Special or Mini-Series. Moreover, he was also named in the Greatest Movie Stars of All Time poll in 64 number position.

Net Worth

River Phoenix was one of the most successful actors in the 20^th century who had gained popularity. His net worth as of that time was $5 million.