Joaquin Phoenix, the celebrated actor known for his intense performances in films like Joker, comes from a family deeply rooted in creativity and resilience. While Joaquin has carved his own path in Hollywood, the influence of his parents, particularly his father, John Lee Phoenix (born John Lee Bottom), and mother, Arlyn Phoenix, is undeniable. This article delves into the life of John Lee Bottom, exploring his journey from songwriter to fatherhood, his involvement with the Children of God, and his unwavering support for his children’s artistic pursuits. Understanding John Lee Bottom‘s background provides crucial context to the Phoenix family saga and the upbringing of Joaquin and his siblings: River, Rain, Liberty, and Summer.
John Lee Bottom’s early life was quite different from the Hollywood spotlight his children would later inhabit. Born and raised in California, John Lee Bottom was a songwriter with a passion for music. In 1968, a chance encounter changed his life when he met Arlyn, who was hitchhiking. Arlyn, originally from the Bronx, New York City, was exploring counter-culture in California. This meeting marked the beginning of a significant chapter for both of them, leading to marriage in 1969 and the formation of the Phoenix family. It was during their move to Hollywood that John Lee Bottom decided to change his and his family’s last name to “Phoenix,” symbolizing a new beginning, rising from the ashes, a fitting metaphor given their future trajectory.
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Joaquin Phoenix and his mother Arlyn Phoenix at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, showcasing the enduring bond within the Phoenix family, influenced by figures like John Lee Bottom.
Together, John and Arlyn, formerly John Lee Bottom and Arlyn, built a large family. They welcomed River in 1970, followed by Rain, Joaquin, Liberty, and Summer. Their early family life was unconventional, marked by their involvement with the religious group Children of God. John Lee Bottom and Arlyn became deeply involved, even serving as “archbishops” for the group in Venezuela and Trinidad. This period meant constant travel and a unique upbringing for their children. Rain Phoenix described herself as a “gypsy adult,” highlighting the nomadic nature of their childhood. While John Lee Bottom and Arlyn were dedicated to their faith, they were also described as “flower children” with good intentions.
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The Phoenix family, including John Lee Bottom, pictured with their RV in 1986, illustrating their close-knit family dynamic and shared experiences during their upbringing.
However, their time with Children of God was not without controversy. The group faced criticism for its practices, which eventually led John Lee Bottom and Arlyn to reconsider their involvement. Joaquin Phoenix explained that his parents’ participation was initially innocent, driven by idealism and a search for community. Upon learning about the more problematic aspects of the group, particularly its recruitment tactics, John Lee Bottom and Arlyn made the decision to leave in 1977. This pivotal moment demonstrated their commitment to their family’s well-being and marked a significant shift in their lives.
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Joaquin Phoenix and Arlyn Phoenix at a movie premiere in 2000, years after John Lee Bottom and Arlyn transitioned their family away from the Children of God and towards Hollywood.
After leaving the religious group, John Lee Bottom and Arlyn moved their family to California, driven by their children’s burgeoning talents. Recognizing their children’s potential, especially in singing and performing, Arlyn secured a job at NBC. This connection proved crucial, leading to an introduction to a talent agent who was willing to represent all five Phoenix siblings. Despite being vegan, the children initially took on commercials, showcasing their early foray into the entertainment industry. John Lee Bottom and Arlyn, while supportive, ensured their children maintained their values, even turning down commercials for certain products. Rain Phoenix emphasized that their parents provided “positive reinforcement” and created a loving and supportive home environment.
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The Phoenix family at home in 1985, depicting a relaxed family setting nurtured by John Lee Bottom and Arlyn as they navigated their children’s early careers.
However, as his children’s careers took off, John Lee Bottom, while supportive, grew concerned about the potential negative impacts of Hollywood. He worried about materialism and the industry’s pressures. River Phoenix revealed his father’s anxieties about them being “ruined by this business.” This concern led John Lee Bottom to distance himself from Hollywood. He relocated to Costa Rica and opened a vegetarian restaurant, envisioning a simpler life for his family, away from the industry’s glare. He hoped his children would join him, focusing on creativity and a more grounded lifestyle. His concerns, tragically, were amplified by River’s untimely death in 1993.
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The Phoenix siblings with parents Arlyn and John Lee Bottom at their Los Angeles home in 1983, capturing a moment of family unity amidst the burgeoning careers of the children.
In the early 1990s, John Lee Bottom and Arlyn divorced after over two decades together. Arlyn later remarried and, along with her second husband, founded the River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding in honor of her late son. John Lee Bottom, despite distancing himself from Hollywood, remained a significant figure in his children’s lives. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 68, after battling cancer. Joaquin Phoenix, when asked about his father’s whereabouts in 2019, poignantly replied, “He lives in heaven,” revealing his father’s passing to the public for the first time.
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The Phoenix family at PETA’s 35th Anniversary in 2015, pictured with Arlyn and her children, marking a later chapter in their lives after John Lee Bottom’s and Arlyn’s divorce.
John Lee Bottom, or John Lee Phoenix, as he became known, played a foundational role in shaping the Phoenix family. From his early life as a songwriter to his journey through faith and fatherhood, and his eventual concerns about Hollywood, his story is intertwined with the lives and careers of his famous children. Understanding the life of John Lee Bottom provides a deeper appreciation for the Phoenix family narrative – a story of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of family bonds.
