River Phoenix

River Phoenix, also known as River Jude Bottom was an American musician, activist, and an actor. Phoenix worked in more than 25 films and also worked in many television series. His increasing fame during his teenage gave him the title Teen Idol. He is known for his incredible roles in the movies Running on Empty, Stand By Me, and Explorers. Phoenix was born on August 23, 1970, in Madras, Oregon, US. His parents named him Phoenix based on the river in the novel Siddhartha written by Hermann Hesse.

His mother left the family in the year 1968 to travel the world. Phoenix lived in poverty and was raised in Florida. Phoenix and his sister used to play guitar and sing on the street to gather some money for food. After some time, his family moved to his maternal grandparent’s house in Florida. Since Phoenix spent almost all his teenage on the streets, he never attended a high school. An NBC broadcaster saw River and his siblings singing and dancing on the streets for money and was so charmed by their talents that she decided to represent the siblings. River started his career when he was just ten years old. He appeared in Mitsubishi commercials.

After that, he appeared in a bunch of other commercials for various companies like Saks Fifth Avenue and Ocean Spray. River, along with his sister joined a show named Real Kids. River officially started his career in 1980. He appeared in the show named Fantasy, singing with his sister. He played the role of Guthrie McFadden in the CBS television series named Seven Brides for Seven Sisters in 1982. That’s when he gained recognition.

River was also recognized as a Professional Tap Dancer. After his overwhelming performance in the show, River was signed for the movie Celebrity in the year 1983. After that he played the role of a dyslexic boy in the show ABC Afterschool Special: Backwards: The Riddle of Dyslexia. After that, he appeared in some television series and movies. He appeared in the movie Robert Kennedy and His Times and Explorers. Phoenix first appeared as a lead actor in 1985 in the movie Circle of Violence: A Family Drama, which was based on domestic violence on children.

River played a significant role in the movie Stand by Me. After that, Phoenix appeared in the movie The Mosquito Coast directed by Peter Weir. Phoenix appeared in a leading role in A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon. Though the audience was satisfied with his performance in the movie, he found it disappointing.

In 1988, River appeared in Sidney Lumet’s movie named Running on Empty. His performance was so good in the movie that he even won the Best Supporting Actor Award from the National Board Review. He was also nominated for the Academy Award for the Best Supporting Actor. In 1990, River appeared alongside Keanu Reeves in I Love You to Death. River died on 31st October 1993 following a cardiac arrest due to acute mixed drug intoxication.