River's 50th Birthday Fundraiser
for Rainforest Trust UK
Via JustGiving
£250.00 raised in River's memory
£250.00 raised in River's memory
BIOGRAPHY
BIRTH NAME:
River Jude Bottom.
BIRTH DETAILS:
River was born on 23 August 1970 in Metolius, near Oregon, USA at 12.03pm.
River Jude Bottom.
BIRTH DETAILS:
River was born on 23 August 1970 in Metolius, near Oregon, USA at 12.03pm.
THE NIGHT SKY OVER METOLIUS, OREGON - 23 AUGUST 1970 - THE NIGHT RIVER JUDE BOTTOM WAS BORN
PARENTS:
John Lee
Born 14 June 1947 - Turlock, California, USA.
Arlyn (now Heart) Sharon
Born 31 December 1944 - The Bronx, New York, USA.
(John and Heart parted in 1997. Heart is now married to Jeffrey Weisberg.)
SIBLINGS:
Rain Joan of Arc - IMDb - Papercranes (Rain's band) - Venus & The Moon (Rain's new band.)
Born 31 March 1973 - Crockett, Texas, USA.
Joaquin Rafael - IMDb
Born 28 October 1974 - San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Libertad Mariposa (Liberty Butterfly) - IMDb - Libby owns and runs INDIGOGreen, a Green Building supply store - Because I Said So - Libby's book.
Born 5 July 1976 - Caracas, Venezuela.
Summer Joy - IMDb
Born 10 December 1978 - Winter Park, Florida, USA.
Jodean (also known as Trust.)
Born 29 February 1964.
(Jodean is John Phoenix's oldest child. Not much is known about Jodean - her birthdate may not even be accurate. Her mother's name is possibly a lady called Trinity, but this may not be accurate either.)
John Lee
Born 14 June 1947 - Turlock, California, USA.
Arlyn (now Heart) Sharon
Born 31 December 1944 - The Bronx, New York, USA.
(John and Heart parted in 1997. Heart is now married to Jeffrey Weisberg.)
SIBLINGS:
Rain Joan of Arc - IMDb - Papercranes (Rain's band) - Venus & The Moon (Rain's new band.)
Born 31 March 1973 - Crockett, Texas, USA.
Joaquin Rafael - IMDb
Born 28 October 1974 - San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Libertad Mariposa (Liberty Butterfly) - IMDb - Libby owns and runs INDIGOGreen, a Green Building supply store - Because I Said So - Libby's book.
Born 5 July 1976 - Caracas, Venezuela.
Summer Joy - IMDb
Born 10 December 1978 - Winter Park, Florida, USA.
Jodean (also known as Trust.)
Born 29 February 1964.
(Jodean is John Phoenix's oldest child. Not much is known about Jodean - her birthdate may not even be accurate. Her mother's name is possibly a lady called Trinity, but this may not be accurate either.)
Click image for full view
A Phoenix family photo - The young lady in the back holding the baby is said to be Jodean (aka Trust)
River has three nephews & two nieces:
Atticus Affleck
Born 12 January 2008.
Indiana August Affleck
Born 31 May 2004.
to Summer & her husband Casey Affleck (Ben Affleck's brother.) - now separated.
Rio Everest Asch-Phoenix - Photography portfolio website
Born 12 June 1997.
Indigo Orion Asch-Phoenix
Born 9 November 1999 - Passed away in 2001 from pneumonia.
Scarlett Skye Asch-Phoenix
Born 2 July 2001.
to Liberty & her husband Ernesto Asch (divorced.) Libby is now re-married to Andy Lord.
Atticus Affleck
Born 12 January 2008.
Indiana August Affleck
Born 31 May 2004.
to Summer & her husband Casey Affleck (Ben Affleck's brother.) - now separated.
Rio Everest Asch-Phoenix - Photography portfolio website
Born 12 June 1997.
Indigo Orion Asch-Phoenix
Born 9 November 1999 - Passed away in 2001 from pneumonia.
Scarlett Skye Asch-Phoenix
Born 2 July 2001.
to Liberty & her husband Ernesto Asch (divorced.) Libby is now re-married to Andy Lord.
RIVER'S TIMELINE
23 August 1970 - River Jude Bottom born in Metolius, near Oregon, USA at 12:03pm.
2 April 1979 - River's father changes the family name from Bottom to Phoenix.
1980 - River first appears on TV - on a show called 'Fantasy' - singing with his sister Rain.
19 September 1982 - The very first episode of 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' is aired - with River as Guthrie McFadden.
23 March 1983 - The final episode of 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' is broadcast.
12 February 1984 - River appears as Jeffie in 'Celebrity' - a TV movie.
March 1984 - River stars in 'Backwards: The Riddle of Dyslexia' - this gets him a major role in 'Surviving: A Family in Crisis.'
September 1984 - River appears in the pilot episode of 'It's Your Move' - he says just one line.
15 October 1984 - River begins filming his first big screen role in 'Explorers.'
January 1985 - River lands a brief part in 'Robert Kennedy and his Times.'
June 1985 - River begins filming 'Stand By Me.'
November 1985 - River films one episode of 'Family Ties' - as Eugene Forbes.
May 1986 - River first meets Martha Plimpton.
October 1986 - River appears in 'Circle of Violence: A Family Drama' - as Chris Benfield.
1986 - River begins filming 'The Mosquito Coast.'
January 1987 - River begins filming 'Little Nikita.'
August 1987 - River begins filming 'Running on Empty.'
February 1988 - 'A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon' is released.
June 1988 - The family move to their new home in Micanopy, Florida.
December 1988 - Aleka's Attic perform their first live concert.
April 1989 - River begins filming 'I Love you to Death.'
May 1990 - River begins filming 'Dogfight.'
September 1990 - River receives the Humanitarian Award from PETA, for his fundraising activities.
November 1990 - Filming begins on 'My Own Private Idaho.'
August 1991 - River celebrates his 21st birthday with his family.
October 1991 - River begins filming 'Sneakers.'
October 1992 - Aleka's Attic play a concert in Gainesville for Presidential Candidate - Bill Clinton.
May 1993 - River signs up to star in 'Dark Blood.'
September 1993 - Filming begins on 'Dark Blood.'
30 October 1993 - River travels to Los Angeles during a break from filming 'Dark Blood' - to get some rest.
30 October 1993 - River meets his brother Joaquin, sister Rain, girlfriend Samantha Mathis and others - at the Viper Room.
31 October 1993 - River passes away at 1.51am.
2 April 1979 - River's father changes the family name from Bottom to Phoenix.
1980 - River first appears on TV - on a show called 'Fantasy' - singing with his sister Rain.
19 September 1982 - The very first episode of 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' is aired - with River as Guthrie McFadden.
23 March 1983 - The final episode of 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers' is broadcast.
12 February 1984 - River appears as Jeffie in 'Celebrity' - a TV movie.
March 1984 - River stars in 'Backwards: The Riddle of Dyslexia' - this gets him a major role in 'Surviving: A Family in Crisis.'
September 1984 - River appears in the pilot episode of 'It's Your Move' - he says just one line.
15 October 1984 - River begins filming his first big screen role in 'Explorers.'
January 1985 - River lands a brief part in 'Robert Kennedy and his Times.'
June 1985 - River begins filming 'Stand By Me.'
November 1985 - River films one episode of 'Family Ties' - as Eugene Forbes.
May 1986 - River first meets Martha Plimpton.
October 1986 - River appears in 'Circle of Violence: A Family Drama' - as Chris Benfield.
1986 - River begins filming 'The Mosquito Coast.'
January 1987 - River begins filming 'Little Nikita.'
August 1987 - River begins filming 'Running on Empty.'
February 1988 - 'A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon' is released.
June 1988 - The family move to their new home in Micanopy, Florida.
December 1988 - Aleka's Attic perform their first live concert.
April 1989 - River begins filming 'I Love you to Death.'
May 1990 - River begins filming 'Dogfight.'
September 1990 - River receives the Humanitarian Award from PETA, for his fundraising activities.
November 1990 - Filming begins on 'My Own Private Idaho.'
August 1991 - River celebrates his 21st birthday with his family.
October 1991 - River begins filming 'Sneakers.'
October 1992 - Aleka's Attic play a concert in Gainesville for Presidential Candidate - Bill Clinton.
May 1993 - River signs up to star in 'Dark Blood.'
September 1993 - Filming begins on 'Dark Blood.'
30 October 1993 - River travels to Los Angeles during a break from filming 'Dark Blood' - to get some rest.
30 October 1993 - River meets his brother Joaquin, sister Rain, girlfriend Samantha Mathis and others - at the Viper Room.
31 October 1993 - River passes away at 1.51am.
DID YOU KNOW?
River was a strict vegan.
Was 5' 11" (1.80m.)
Nicknames: Rio or Riv.
Was 5' 11" (1.80m.)
Nicknames: Rio or Riv.
'Transcending' lyrics
One of River's best friends was 'R.E.M' lead singer - Michael Stipe. The R.E.M album 'Monster' which was released in 1994 includes a dedication to River inside the cover. The songs 'Strange Currencies' and 'Bang And Blame' are said to be about River. (see Music)
'Monster' CD cover
'Monster' inside cover (including dedication)
The R.E.M song 'E-Bow The Letter' is also said to be about River. (see Music)
'E-Bow The Letter' CD cover (front)
'E-Bow The Letter' CD cover (back)
NOTE: The writing in the mirror apparently says River
Ellis Paul wrote a song about River after his passing called 'River'. (see Music)
Other singers who have written songs about River include Belinda Carlisle, Natalie Merchant & Milton Naschimento. (see Music)
One of River's favourite books was 'The Prophet' - this book was also featured in a scene in the movie 'Walk the Line' which starred his brother Joaquin.
The name River comes from Hermann Hesse's novel 'Siddhartha.' His middle name Jude comes from the Beatles song 'Hey Jude.'
He was supposed to be the interviewer in 'Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles' (1994). Christian Slater took his place, and donated his entire paycheck from the movie to all of River's favourite charities.
He was almost definitely set to star as Izzy Singer in 'Safe Passage' (1994). Sean Astin got the part instead.
Dated actresses Martha Plimpton, Samantha Mathis, and Suzanne Solgot.
Was set to star in 'Total Eclipse' (1995), the story of a young gay poet. The part was given to Leonardo DiCaprio.
He disliked flying and travelled everywhere by car or by train.
Was an involved environmentalist - he bought up several hundred acres of rain forest in Costa Rica and Brazil, not to develop them, but to just keep them so they would not be cut down.
He was a very talented writer, songwriter, and sketch artist. Often wrote songs while he was driving to work.
Ironically, despite his reputation for healthy living, River was a chain smoker. Peter Bogdanovich recalled, "He'd say about meat, "That's not good for you, man, that'll kill you." And he'd be smoking a cigarette, and he'd look at it and say, "I know, man, I know."
Other singers who have written songs about River include Belinda Carlisle, Natalie Merchant & Milton Naschimento. (see Music)
One of River's favourite books was 'The Prophet' - this book was also featured in a scene in the movie 'Walk the Line' which starred his brother Joaquin.
The name River comes from Hermann Hesse's novel 'Siddhartha.' His middle name Jude comes from the Beatles song 'Hey Jude.'
He was supposed to be the interviewer in 'Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles' (1994). Christian Slater took his place, and donated his entire paycheck from the movie to all of River's favourite charities.
He was almost definitely set to star as Izzy Singer in 'Safe Passage' (1994). Sean Astin got the part instead.
Dated actresses Martha Plimpton, Samantha Mathis, and Suzanne Solgot.
Was set to star in 'Total Eclipse' (1995), the story of a young gay poet. The part was given to Leonardo DiCaprio.
He disliked flying and travelled everywhere by car or by train.
Was an involved environmentalist - he bought up several hundred acres of rain forest in Costa Rica and Brazil, not to develop them, but to just keep them so they would not be cut down.
He was a very talented writer, songwriter, and sketch artist. Often wrote songs while he was driving to work.
Ironically, despite his reputation for healthy living, River was a chain smoker. Peter Bogdanovich recalled, "He'd say about meat, "That's not good for you, man, that'll kill you." And he'd be smoking a cigarette, and he'd look at it and say, "I know, man, I know."
River had 2 dogs - a German Shephard mixed with a Doberman, and a pure-bred German Shephard. Their names were Jupiter and Justice.
River had to put on 15 extra pounds to play Chris Chambers in Stand By Me - because he was a 14 year old playing a 12-13 year old, and the producers thought that the fatter you were, the younger you looked.
River was fluent in Spanish.
The character of Wolfgang in Explorers wears glasses - while filming, River hated being seen in them by girls, and took them off whenever girls approached him.
River claimed he had a vision of his future wife and would meet and marry her in 2002. He carried a composite sketch of what he thought she would like like.
Terry Gilliam's Brazil (1985) was River's favourite movie.
Before going on camera he would drink warm soda, such as Dr. Pepper or Coke.
He collected baseball jerseys.
River had to put on 15 extra pounds to play Chris Chambers in Stand By Me - because he was a 14 year old playing a 12-13 year old, and the producers thought that the fatter you were, the younger you looked.
River was fluent in Spanish.
The character of Wolfgang in Explorers wears glasses - while filming, River hated being seen in them by girls, and took them off whenever girls approached him.
River claimed he had a vision of his future wife and would meet and marry her in 2002. He carried a composite sketch of what he thought she would like like.
Terry Gilliam's Brazil (1985) was River's favourite movie.
Before going on camera he would drink warm soda, such as Dr. Pepper or Coke.
He collected baseball jerseys.
HOUSE OF BLUES
River financed the first House of Blues along with Dan Aykroyd, Aerosmith, Paul Shaffer, James Belushi and others. It opened on November 26 1992, in the Harvard Square commercial district and retail area of Cambridge, Massachusetts. This original location has since closed, but the hands-in-concrete driveway where members of the Blues Brothers and others left their mark, is still there.
House Of Blues
Click here to go to the House Of Blues official website
EXCERPT FROM - A CONVERSATION WITH RIVER PHOENIX AND DAN AYKROYD By Michael Cartel (1993)
Phoenix is Aykroyd’s new partner. They are opening up The House of Blues in Cambridge, MA and will soon have a franchise of nightclubs and blues accessories around the country. “Help ever, hurt never,” the card slogan reads. “I can’t stand parties and I hate bars,” Phoenix says after being asked about his participation with the new venture. “…but I love music.” You might see a scheme that snares this naïve kid into gambling a considerable bankroll on Aykroyd’s new project. Soon, It’s clear that Phoenix wants to invest on his own. “Blues,” he says, “aside from the Native American music, it’s true, it’s the only true indigenous American music…”Phoenix turns to Aykroyd for help. “Right? Blues…? Umm…”
Phoenix is Aykroyd’s new partner. They are opening up The House of Blues in Cambridge, MA and will soon have a franchise of nightclubs and blues accessories around the country. “Help ever, hurt never,” the card slogan reads. “I can’t stand parties and I hate bars,” Phoenix says after being asked about his participation with the new venture. “…but I love music.” You might see a scheme that snares this naïve kid into gambling a considerable bankroll on Aykroyd’s new project. Soon, It’s clear that Phoenix wants to invest on his own. “Blues,” he says, “aside from the Native American music, it’s true, it’s the only true indigenous American music…”Phoenix turns to Aykroyd for help. “Right? Blues…? Umm…”
A Music Bar named after River
The exact location and whether it still exists is not known
The exact location and whether it still exists is not known
THE INFORMATION BELOW IS FROM AN OFFICIAL RIVER PHOENIX FAN CLUB NEWSLETTER, PRINTED IN 1987
My favourite recording artists and groups are:
Buddy Holly, Sam Cooke, The Doors, The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Marley & the Wailers, Traffic, Squeeze, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, early Carole King, The Fixx, U2, Modern English, The Smiths, Roxy Music, Jimmy Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Steele Pulse, Talking Heads, UB40, Jimmy Cliff, CCR, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, early Rolling Stones, early Michael Jackson, The Eagles, The Pretenders, Cat Stevens, and many more.
Some films that I have enjoyed are:
My Life as a Dog, Brazil, Salvador, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, The 2000 Year Old Man, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, Some Like it Hot, The Twelve Chairs, Spinal Tap, Gandhi, The Little Shop of Horrors, Innerspace, Woody Allen films, and many more that I just can't think of.
My favourite recording artists and groups are:
Buddy Holly, Sam Cooke, The Doors, The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Bob Marley & the Wailers, Traffic, Squeeze, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, early Carole King, The Fixx, U2, Modern English, The Smiths, Roxy Music, Jimmy Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Steele Pulse, Talking Heads, UB40, Jimmy Cliff, CCR, Crosby Stills Nash & Young, early Rolling Stones, early Michael Jackson, The Eagles, The Pretenders, Cat Stevens, and many more.
Some films that I have enjoyed are:
My Life as a Dog, Brazil, Salvador, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, The 2000 Year Old Man, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, Some Like it Hot, The Twelve Chairs, Spinal Tap, Gandhi, The Little Shop of Horrors, Innerspace, Woody Allen films, and many more that I just can't think of.
