Vegan Celebrity: Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix (first name pronounced "wah-keen") was born October 28, 1974 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Joaquin Phoenix had a strange beginning, as he was born to Children of God missionaries John Bottom Amram and Arlyn Dunetz Jochebed. It was during the many moves of the family throughout Central and South America that they adopted the surname "Phoenix" to celebrate their new beginnings. Settling in Los Angeles, California when Joaquin Phoenix was six years old, they found an agent willing to represent all five of their children. The children starred in TV commercials, although they could not be for meat, milk, or junk food because the family was strictly vegan. Joaquin Phoenix was home-schooled up until the ninth grade when he quit his studies.

Joaquin Phoenix: Vegan

Joaquin Phoenix is a strict vegan. For his movies, he requests that his "leather" costumes be made of synthetic materials. During a photo shoot for Prada, he refused to wear shoes because they were made out of leather. Joaquin Phoenix has been a spokesperson for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).

Joaquin Phoenix: Career

1995-- Joaquin Phoenix played Jimmy Emmett, who gets seduced by Nicole Kidman's character, in the film To Die For.

1999-- Joaquin Phoenix played the porn store clerk, Max California, in the film 8MM along side Nicholas Cage.

2000-- Joaquin Phoenix played Commodus in the popular film Gladiator, along side Russell Crowe.

2002-- Joaquin Phoenix played Merrill Hess in the popular film Signs, along side Mel Gibson.

2004-- Joaquin Phoenix played Jack Morrison in the film Ladder 49, along side John Travolta.

2005-- Joaquin Phoenix played in probably the biggest movie of his career as Johnny Cash in Walk the Line, along side Reese Witherspoon.

This is just a glimpse into Joaquin Phoenix's life and film career. It is just great to know that no matter what you are being paid, you stick to your beliefs. It sounds as if Joaquin Phoenix is sticking to his vegan beliefs even in Hollywood.

"Joaquin Phoenix". NNDB. < http://www.nndb.com/people/898/000025823/> 24 August 2010.

"Joaquin Phoenix". The Internet Movie Database. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001618/> 24 August 2010.