Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Phoenix (/hwɑːˈkiːn ˈfiːnɪks/; born Joaquín Rafael Bottom; October 28, 1974), known formerly as Leaf Phoenix, is an American actor, music video director, producer, musician and social activist. He has been nominated for five Golden Globe Awards, winning one, and three Academy Awards. Phoenix started his career by appearing in episodes on television shows with his brother River Phoenix and sister Summer Phoenix. He later appeared in such films as SpaceCamp (1986), Russkies (1987) and Ron Howard's Parenthood (1989). During his period as a child actor he was credited as Leaf Phoenix, his self-given name. He later went back to his birth name "Joaquin" and received positive reviews for his portrayals in a wide range of films, most notably in To Die For (1995) and Quills (2000). He came to wide attention for his portrayal of Commodus in the 2000 historical epic film Gladiator, which earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He has subsequently earned Best Actor nominations for portraying musician Johnny Cash in Walk the Line (2005) and for his highly acclaimed role in The Master (2012). Some of his other notable films are Signs (2002), Hotel Rwanda (2004), The Village (2004), Two Lovers (2008), The Immigrant (2013), Her (2013) and Inherent Vice (2014). Aside from his acting career, he has also ventured into directing music videos, as well as producing films and television shows. He has recorded an album, the soundtrack to Walk The Line, for which he won a Grammy Award. Phoenix is also a social activist, lending his support to a number of charities and humanitarian organizations. Phoenix is also known for his animal rights activism. He has been a vegan since the age of three and actively campaigns for PETA and In Defense of Animals.