John Lee Bottom: All About Joaquin Phoenix’s Father

Have you ever wondered the man behind the legendary actor Joaquin Phoenix? In this Article, we’re going to discuss the life of Joaquin Phoenix’s father, John Lee Bottom from his personal life to his professional achievements.

Image- findagrave, (Left to right: River, Arlyn, Rain, Joaquin, Summer, John and Liberty Phoenix)

John Lee Bottom’s Early Life

• Born in 1947 in Stanislaus County, California, to Robert Merrill Bottom and Beulah Ernstine Ingram.
• A former high school dropout turned gardener, embarked on a journey for more in his twenties.
• Met future wife, Arlyn Dunetz, in 1968; they married on September 13, 1969, after a year of growing together.
• The birth of their first child, River Jude, in 1970 marked a new chapter.
• Followed by Rain in 1972 and Joaquin and Liberty during their time as Christian missionaries.

Image- Pinterest

Family’s Transformation

• Adopted the surname “Phoenix” as a symbolic representation of a new beginning.
• Departed from the religious group “The Children of God” in 1977 due to disillusionment with its regulations.
• Embraced veganism; John initiated a landscape gardening company in 1978.
• Despite a chronic back ailment, he confronted the challenges of providing for his family.
• Took his initial steps on stage at the age of 8 but maintained a modest and secluded lifestyle.
• Sons, River and Joaquin, gained public attention, beginning with “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” in 1982.
• The family journeyed to California, captivating audiences with street performances.
• His spouse’s employment at NBC and the recruitment of agent Iris Burton created acting opportunities for their children.

Image- findagrave

John Lee Bottom’s Six Children

1. River Jude Phoenix (1970–1993): An acclaimed American actor and musician, recognized for teen roles and leading performances in acclaimed films. Honored with the Volpi Cup and Independent Spirit Award, he also received Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations. John voiced concerns about River’s entry into show business and urged a return to family roots. River tragically succumbed to heroin addiction on Halloween night in 1993, leaving unanswered questions and affecting the family deeply.
2. Rain Phoenix (Born 1972): A skilled actor and vocalist with credits including “Violet” and “Low Down.”
3. Joaquin Phoenix (Born 1974): A renowned actor and producer, starring in “Joker” and “Gladiator.” Acclaimed for portraying dark and nonconformist roles in indie films and historical dramas, he has won multiple awards, including two Golden Globes, an Academy Award, a British Academy Film Award and a Grammy. He was listed as one of the best actors of the twenty-first century by The New York Times in 2020.
4. Liberty Phoenix (Born 1976): Made her acting debut before pursuing other interests.
5. Summer Phoenix (Born 1978): Works in acting, modeling, and design.
6. Jodean Bottom (Born 1964): Less visible but vital to her siblings’ lives, raised in Portugal.

Image- findagrave, (From left to right: Summer, Arlyn, Liberty, Joaquin, John, Rain and River Phoenix)

Divorce and New Beginnings

• John Lee Bottom and Arlyn decided to separate after nearly thirty years of marriage, finalizing their divorce in 1997.
• John decided to leave the spotlight after the divorce and seek a career as a carpenter, spending years in this new field.
• Arlyn, his ex-wife, embraced the opportunity for a fresh start. She found love again and has been happily married to Jeffrey Weisberg, her third husband, since 2001.
• While Arlyn continued with her life, John faced his own struggles. He courageously battled cancer, showing remarkable strength throughout the ordeal.
• Post-divorce, their paths diverged significantly: John sought solace and purpose in carpentry, while Arlyn discovered love and happiness in her subsequent marriage.

Death and Cause of Death

• John Lee Bottom passed away in 2015 after bravely battling cancer.
• His death left the Bottom family in deep grief.
• Children and loved ones expressed profound sorrow, sharing heartfelt tales and priceless memories.
• John’s biography talked clearly of his amazing commitment to his children and his firm parenthood.

Wealth, Height, and Legacy

• John kept his wealth private; Joaquin Phoenix is estimated to be worth $50 million.
• Physically, John was approximately 50 kg (110 lbs) and stood at 5 feet 6 inches.
• John’s brave battle with cancer concluded in 2015, leaving the Bottom family in deep grief.
• His legacy lives on through his dedication to family and their impact on Hollywood, portraying a story of tenacity, commitment, joys, and tragedies.

If you want to know more about John Lee Bottom then you may like this article, please check out 👉John Lee Bottom (Joaquin Phoenix’s Father): Wiki, Bio, Wife, Death👈