Joaquin Phoenix is known for getting testy in interviews, but he sat through a full interview with Anderson Cooper for 60 Minutes that aired last night (January 12) and opened up to the host about his late brother, River Phoenix.
The Joker star explained that he and his hippie family weren't aware of the level of fame that River had achieved.
"We were so removed from the entertainment world," he said, joined by his family for the interview. "We didn't watch entertainment shows, we didn't have entertainment magazines in our house. River was a really substantial actor and movie star and we didn't really know it."
River Phoenix died in 1993 from a drug overdose at the age of 23.
"So during that time when you're most vulnerable, there are helicopters flying over and there are people trying to sneak on to your land," Joaquin continued. "Certainly, for me, it felt like it impeded on the mourning process."
Their mom chimed in, explaining that the process is still an ongoing one.
"The grieving process happens out of nowhere," she said. "All of a sudden I will feel it, and I'll welcome it."
Watch the surprisingly heartwarming full interview with Phoenix here via CBS.
As reported this morning, Joaquin Phoenix has been nominated for the Best Actor Oscar for his work in Joker.
The Joker star explained that he and his hippie family weren't aware of the level of fame that River had achieved.
"We were so removed from the entertainment world," he said, joined by his family for the interview. "We didn't watch entertainment shows, we didn't have entertainment magazines in our house. River was a really substantial actor and movie star and we didn't really know it."
River Phoenix died in 1993 from a drug overdose at the age of 23.
"So during that time when you're most vulnerable, there are helicopters flying over and there are people trying to sneak on to your land," Joaquin continued. "Certainly, for me, it felt like it impeded on the mourning process."
Their mom chimed in, explaining that the process is still an ongoing one.
"The grieving process happens out of nowhere," she said. "All of a sudden I will feel it, and I'll welcome it."
Watch the surprisingly heartwarming full interview with Phoenix here via CBS.
As reported this morning, Joaquin Phoenix has been nominated for the Best Actor Oscar for his work in Joker.
