Joaquin Phoenix Trivias

May 2000 - Appeared on both "Late Show with David Letterman" (1993) and "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" (1992) promoting Gladiator (2000).

Took his mother to the premiere of Gladiator (2000).

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) and Walk the Line (2005), he requested that his "leather" costumes be synthetic.

Was born on same day, year and city as Dayanara Torres Delgado.

Resides in New York City in the same apartment building as best friend Casey Affleck and sister Summer Phoenix and director Gus Van Sant.

Took his mother to the Academy Awards [2001]

Joaquin's mother is of Hungarian-Russian decent and his father is of Spanish- Irish decent

Is a spokesperson for PETA

Became an uncle again after sister, Summer Phoenix, gave birth to Indiana August Affleck (2004).

Uncle to his sister Liberty Phoenix's children Rio Everest, Indigo Orion and Scarlette Jasmine as well as Rain Phoenix's son Jonas Winter.

Contrary to popular belief, the scar on his lip is not the result of a repaired cleft lip or palate. It is simply a birth mark. Phoenix has stated in interviews that, while pregnant with him, his mother felt a sharp pain one day, and he was born with a mark on his lip.

Shares a birthday with actress Julia Roberts.

Speaks fluent Spanish.

Reportedly never reads his own press or reviews

Checked himself into rehab to be treated for alcoholism in early April 2005.

Phoenix is half a foot shorter than the real Johnny Cash was, although he plays him in 'Walk the Line' (2005).

Did his own vocals on the "Walk the Line" soundtrack.

He and his siblings have an Irish-Spanish father and a Polish mother.