Joaquin Phoenix retirement a hoax?

By Alexandra Heilbron on January 30, 2009 | 17 Comments


Joaquin Phoenix in Las VegasLast October, Joaquin Phoenix made headlines when he announced he was quitting acting to pursue a career in music but now close friends of the actor say his newfound rap career is a hoax. Phoenix, almost completely unrecognizable in a full beard and sunglasses, made an appearance as a rapper at a Las Vegas nightclub on January 16, during which he appeared to have a meltdown and then fell off the stage. The performance was filmed by his brother-in-law Casey Affleck, and pals say it’s all part of an “art project.” A friend told Entertainment Weekly: “He said, ‘It’s a put-on. I’m going to pretend to have a meltdown and change careers, and Casey is going to film it.’ It’s an art project for him.  He’s going full out. He probably has told his reps that he’s quit acting. Joaquin is very smart. This is very conscious. He has a huge degree of control.”



Comments & Discussion

  1. Bill • January 30, 2009 @ 10:08 AM

    You know that your acting career has already tanked when you have to rely on cheap and stupid theatrics to get a little press coverage. This guy is off-the-scale pathetic!

  2. whatever • January 30, 2009 @ 10:46 AM

    actually, his career is on high right now.
    he’s just having fun. the rich and powerful can do such things.

  3. nat • January 30, 2009 @ 12:17 PM

    BOY OH BOY ! I HOPE THIS REALLY IS A HOAX ! CAUSE IF YOU SEE THE FOOTAGE ON YOU TUBE ITS PAINFUL TO WATCH .

  4. ke • January 30, 2009 @ 12:54 PM

    i think there might be something seriously wrong with him. if its all a joke or a ‘hoax’, what’s it about? just so he could change careers? no one is going to take him seriously after this.

  5. Khristopher • January 30, 2009 @ 1:08 PM

    He’s such a horrible actor anyway. I could care less if I ever see him in a movie again!

  6. 4thjet • January 30, 2009 @ 4:08 PM

    Why would ANY actor go to a public event looking like that unless it was some sort of pre-scripted movie or a joke?
    He looks like a homeless bum! Actually an insult to the homeless!
    He’s too good an actor to be involved in cheap theatrical tricks like this. Stand by your performance, not sad publicity stunts like this!

  7. Chris • January 30, 2009 @ 7:04 PM

    I disagree Pheniox is an amazing actor no matter what wierd things he choses to do

  8. Peter • January 30, 2009 @ 11:56 PM

    Crazy doesn’t even begin to cover it.

  9. Jo-Anne • January 31, 2009 @ 3:15 PM

    Actually, I have always liked Joaquin, and think he’s a pretty good actor, although I haven’t enjoyed every one of his movies.

    I really like his brother Casey as well.

    this seems a very unusual project, but appears totally harmless, so be it.

  10. Nancy • January 31, 2009 @ 7:14 PM

    Actually Casey is his “brother in-law”. Ben Affleck is Casey’s brother. 😛

  11. Jo-Anne. • January 31, 2009 @ 7:16 PM

    that’s right, thanks for being there.

  12. Nancy • January 31, 2009 @ 10:30 PM

    Ah, don’t mention it Jo! Say, wasn’t it you who told me to “learn how to read”?

  13. stan • February 1, 2009 @ 12:25 PM

    im so glad that there are people on this sight caring enough to spend their day correcting others posts

  14. tributegirl • February 1, 2009 @ 3:19 PM

    Yeah, Stan, and it’s a good thing you’re here to point it out to everybody else.

  15. ricky • February 1, 2009 @ 7:09 PM

    tribute girl i agre with you, finaly someone sees whats reelly goin on here

  16. Nancy • February 1, 2009 @ 7:43 PM

    I agree with you ricky…you’re such a breath of fresh air.

  17. Joshua • February 2, 2009 @ 4:24 PM

    i would have to say that MOST people are messed up in one way or another, Joaquin had earned my respect as an actor and i had much respect for River as well (his brother) may he rest in peace. So unless hes killing people, drinking or driving or anything else that i personally find disgusting, hes still got my vote. Go be free Joaquin, be as weird as you want, i hope you find what it is you are looking for.


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