Joaquin Phoenix recently made an appearance on Theo Von’s podcast, This Past Weekend, where the conversation took a poignant turn towards his family. The Joker star opened up about his late brother, River Phoenix, who he described as a “force” and almost “mythical or Shakespearean.”
As the second son in a family of five siblings, Joaquin shared his feelings of gratitude for having River as an older brother to look up to. However, he also acknowledged that this dynamic placed a significant amount of pressure on River’s life.
Reflecting on his own position as the younger sibling, Joaquin admitted that he never felt the same weight or expectations that may have been placed on his brother. He pondered whether the responsibility fell on River naturally, or if he simply took it upon himself to shoulder the burden.
The emotional discussion shed light on the complexities of sibling relationships and the impact of familial dynamics on individual lives. Joaquin’s introspective reflections on his brother’s legacy and the role he played in their family highlighted the deep bond they shared, despite the challenges they faced.
Overall, Joaquin’s candid remarks on This Past Weekend provided a glimpse into his personal life and the profound influence that his brother had on him. The podcast episode served as a reminder of the enduring legacy of River Phoenix and the lasting impact he had on those who knew him.