River Phoenix: Summary

Recent Role:: Himself on The Greatest

Gender:: Male

Birthday:: 8-23-1970

Death:: 10-31-1993

Birthplace:: Madras, Oregon, USA

Birth Name:: River Jude Bottom

River Jude Bottom was born August 23, 1970 in Madras, Oregon to parents John and Arlyn. River is the oldest child, and was followed by sisters Rain, Liberty & Summer and brother Joaquin (Leaf).

By the time River was two they were members of the Children of God, living in South America, where John was the sect's "Archbishop of Venezuela". In 1977 the family moved to Los Angeles and changed their last name to Phoenix.

By the age of 10, River was acting professionally on TV and made his film debut in "Explorers" in 1985. He's most well known for his roles in "Stand Be Me", "Running on Empty", "The Mosquito Coast" and as the young Indiana Jones in 1989's "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade".

He was nominated in 1988 for an Academy award for his "Running on Empty" role. River was a dedicated animal rights activest, a strict vegetarian and a member of PETA. He was also an accomplished musician and performed in a band, Aleka's Attic, with his sister Rain.

He died October 31, 1993 of heart failure induced by drugs, outside the Viper Room club owned by Johnny Depp. River Jude Bottom was born August 23, 1970 in Madras, Oregon to parents John and Arlyn. River is the oldest child, and was followed by sisters Rain, Liberty & Summer and brother Joaquin (Leaf).

By the time River was two they were members of the Children of God, living in South America, where John was the sect's "Archbishop of Venezuela". In 1977 the family moved to Los...

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mquattrocchi
member since: Apr 7, 2005
River Phoenix was a famous actor from the 1980s. He started acting as a child at about the age of 15, and he has attained lots of popularity as he continued to star in films, such as Stand By Me and Indiana Jones. He sadly died in 1993 from an overdose. ...Continue »
I didn't know much about River Phoenix until now. As I read numorous biographies about him, I noticed that he was in some of the movies I've seen or heard of in my life, and I started to become interested in him. I was so surprised to see that he played Chris Chambers in Stand By Me. I couldn't believe it. I was impressed by his acting, but was sad to see that he died from a drug overdose in 1993, at the age of 23. It hurt me to see that he died at such a young age, and I wish I could've done something to go back and stop him. If I could go back in time, I would've tried to save him, and anyone else who had died around his age. He died three years after I was born. Today, I intend to watch more of his films and continue to read about him. My favorite films of him so far are Stand By Me and Indiana Jones, and I liked scenes of him in the unfinished film known as Dark Blood. He also reminds me of a sort of knight or prince character, probably because of how he looks. Overall, I miss him, and I wish I could've met him before he died. R.I.P. River Phoenix. You are missed, and will never be forgotten.
07/25/08 10:11am | report abuse
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hvstmn316
member since: Nov 5, 2006
God I loved River Phoenix so much. Such an increadable talent taken way to soon. I think had he not died he could have been a big star. ...Continue »
I loved River Phoenix ever since I saw him in Stand By Me. He added alot of heart and depth to what could have been a totally one dimensonal child role. He followed it up with his oscar nomintaed role in Running On Empty which is probley my favorite River Role. He went on to do My Own Private Idaho which while the movie was just ok River was fantastic in it. Wacthing his movies make me so sad at the wonderful potential he could have had. He was so good looking and such a great talent and I still miss him and am sad we never got to see River and his brother Joaguin Phoenix star in a movie together.

R.I.P River-Love you.
01/30/08 03:24pm | report abuse
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JPPT1974
member since: Nov 2, 2005
Should had been a bigger star had he lived! ...Continue »
I first saw River Phoenix in the tv show Seven
Brides for Seven Brothers with future MacGyver Richard Dean Anderson. As he had a lot of talent not just acting but singing as well. Then it wasn't until years later that he was in the movie Stand by Me as Chris Chambers. Which he really had something going. After one film after another plus a singing career. He was on the poise for stardom until he fatally accidentally drug overdose as people thought he was squeaky clean as that was a dark side to him. He had the looks and the talent. Now his younger brother Joaquin is carrying on his talent.
08/15/07 08:21pm | report abuse
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loverio
member since: Feb 9, 2006
you are more than an actor ...Continue »
i didn't know much about u until this winter.
i should have been born earlier to know u,to watch your films,to listen to your songs,and the tings like that.
i am addicted in every role you played,and every message u tried hard to get through.
you are such a person as is much missed.
you are more than an actor,i mean.
i love u,rio.
02/09/06 07:46am | report abuse
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jj934
member since: May 26, 2005
River Phoenix: For the past 12 years you've been gone, all of your fans miss you and wish you were here on Earth with us all. ...Continue »
Why did River Phoenix have to die so young? After seeing Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, I think he should have been a bigger movie star. He did a great Young Indiana Jones. Piver Phoenix I want you to know one thing: We all miss you and wish you were alive. You were blessed with the talent of acting.
09/13/05 03:36pm | report abuse