Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin (pronounced roughly "Wah KEEN") Rafael Phoenix (born October 28, 1974 in San Juan, Puerto Rico), who was once also known as Leaf Phoenix, is an actor active in the United States. He often plays suppor

Joaquin (pronounced roughly "Wah KEEN") Rafael Phoenix (born October 28, 1974 in San Juan, Puerto Rico), who was once also known as Leaf Phoenix, is an actor active in the United States. He often plays supporting roles as conflicted, insecure characters, and often with a dark side.

His Irish-Spanish father, John Lee Bottom, and Bronx-bred Jewish mother , Arlyn Sharon Dunetz, joined the Children of God and became missionaries, traveling throughout South America and adopting the surname "Phoenix". Joaquin was born in Puerto Rico and lived there until he was six years old. After leaving the Children of God and returning to the United States, they encouraged their children (Joaquin was the third of five) to develop their creative instincts. Since his siblings had nature-related names – "River", "Rain" (or "Rainbow"), "Liberty Butterfly" (or "Libertad Mariposa"), and "Summer" – Joaquin changed his name to "Leaf".