Was born Joaquin Rafael, but at the age of four he decided that he wanted a more earthy name, like his elder siblings River and Rain, so while he was raking leaves with his father he decided on Leaf. In the early '90s he took back his birth name.
Brother of River Phoenix, Summer Phoenix, Rain Phoenix and Liberty Phoenix
His first name is pronounced "WAA-keen"
Once refused to wear shoes during a photo shoot for Prada because they were made out of leather.
He is a strict vegan. He refuses to wear any costumes made out of animal skin. For the movie Gladiator (2000), Quills (2000) and Walk the Line (2005), among others, he requested that his "leather" costumes be made from synthetic materials.
Was born on same day, year and city as Dayanara Torres.
Resides in New York City in the same apartment building as best friend Casey Affleck and sister Summer Phoenix and director Gus Van Sant.
Joaquin's mother is of Hungarian-Russian decent and his father is of Spanish-Irish decent.
Uncle of Liberty Phoenix's children Rio Everest, Indigo Orion and another boy, and Summer Phoenix's son Indiana August.
Reportedly never reads his own press or reviews.
Invited to join AMPAS in 2006.
Brother-in-law and best friend of Casey Affleck.
In his diner scene with Sean Penn in U Turn (1997) the song "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash starts playing. Years later, Joaquin played Cash in Walk the Line (2005).
Owns two cats.
Close friends with Matt Damon.
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