River Phoenix

Did You Know?

• River was a dedicated animal rights activist and environmentalist.
• He had four siblings: Joaquin, Summer, Rain and Liberty.
• Following his death, various musicians dedicated music or wrote songs in River's memory, such as Red Hot Chili Peppers ("Transcending"), R.E.M. album "Monster," and Natalie Merchant ("River").
• Prior to his untimely death, River was given the role of the interviewer in 'Interview With A Vampire.' Christian Slater took over the role and donated his entire paycheck from the movie to River's favorite charities.
• He lived in South America until he was seven years old.
• River began acting on televsion by age 10 and his first film debut was 'Explorers,' when he was fifteen.
• River died outside Johnny Depp's Los Angeles nightclub, The Viper Room. He was 23 years old.
• He was born River Jude Bottom, but in 1979 his parents changed their name to Phoenix.
• His nickname was 'Rio,' Spanish for River.
• River loved music, even more than acting. His band, Aleka's Attic, have a song on the PETA charity album.

Actor Credits

1. The Adventures Of Indiana Jones Collection (2003)
2. The Thing Called Love (1993)
3. Silent Tongue (1993)
4. Sneakers (1992)
5. My Own Private Idaho (1991)
6. Dogfight (1991)
7. I Love You To Death (1990)
8. Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade (1989)
9. A Night In The Life Of Jimmy Reardon (1988)
10. Running On Empty (1988)
11. Little Nikita (1988)
12. Stand By Me (1986)
13. Circle Of Violence: A Family Drama (1986)
14. The Mosquito Coast (1986)
15. Surviving (1985)
16. Explorers (1985)

See Star Profiles