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122 Top Quotes By Joaquin Phoenix

Famous As: Best Known for His Role in the Films: 'Joker', 'Gladiator', 'The Master' and 'Walk the Line
Born On: October 28, 1974
Born In: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Age: 48 Years

Joaquin Phoenix has donned numerous hats as an actor and believes in doing the same in real life too. Apart from acting and producing films, Phoenix is also a social activist. He strongly voices his opinion in support of animal rights. He frequently campaigns for ‘PETA’ and ‘In Defense of Animals’. He is a director at the charitable organisation ‘The Lunchbox Fund’ which works towards providing regular meals to poor students in Soweto, South Africa. Not the one to speak diplomatically, his quotes on life, family, Hollywood, work ethics, politics, charity, and animal rights might just inspire you to not follow the norm and be different.

I love having a master. I have no problem serving my director. That's my job. I want to make them happy.

I love having a master. I have no problem serving my director. That's my job. I want to make them happy.

Joaquin Phoenix
That to me was really, certainly, the gateway into discovering John, ... I feel I found the speaking voice through the singing voice.

That to me was really, certainly, the gateway into discovering John, ... I feel I found the speaking voice through the singing voice.

Joaquin Phoenix
I'd see child actors and I'd get so jealous, because they're just completely wide open.

I'd see child actors and I'd get so jealous, because they're just completely wide open.

Joaquin Phoenix
I'm vomiting days before I start shooting a new movie.

I'm vomiting days before I start shooting a new movie.

Joaquin Phoenix
I've never made $20 million. I'm scared. I don't know if you gave me The Ring if I could carry it and bring it to Ozamorph, or whatever you call it.

I've never made $20 million. I'm scared. I don't know if you gave me The Ring if I could carry it and bring it to Ozamorph, or whatever you call it.

Joaquin Phoenix
Together, we can make a U.S. Department of Peace into a reality, and leave a gift of peace for generations to come.

Together, we can make a U.S. Department of Peace into a reality, and leave a gift of peace for generations to come.

Joaquin Phoenix
The footage that you're about to watch of China's dog-leather trade is one of the worst things I've ever seen.

The footage that you're about to watch of China's dog-leather trade is one of the worst things I've ever seen.

Joaquin Phoenix
I don't spend most of my life in front of the media.

I don't spend most of my life in front of the media.

Joaquin Phoenix
For me, I guess I'm the acting equivalent of somebody that jumps off buildings and parachutes.

For me, I guess I'm the acting equivalent of somebody that jumps off buildings and parachutes.

Joaquin Phoenix
I don't think one should be comfortable standing on a stage with people applauding and laughing at every stupid thing you say.

I don't think one should be comfortable standing on a stage with people applauding and laughing at every stupid thing you say.

Joaquin Phoenix
I wouldn't feel satisfied being on set every day doing a romantic comedy - I'd be bored to death.

I wouldn't feel satisfied being on set every day doing a romantic comedy - I'd be bored to death.

Joaquin Phoenix
I'm proud of my brother. I would never not want to be associated with him.

I'm proud of my brother. I would never not want to be associated with him.

Joaquin Phoenix
I've made up so many stores about my name, I can't remember.

I've made up so many stores about my name, I can't remember.

Joaquin Phoenix
I've worked with a lot of people on music and often times those things don't work out.

I've worked with a lot of people on music and often times those things don't work out.

Joaquin Phoenix
It's an amazing feeling to go into a studio and really be alone.

It's an amazing feeling to go into a studio and really be alone.

Joaquin Phoenix
My dissatisfaction with acting has nothing to do with being uncomfortable or vulnerable or feeling like people are going to criticize me. That's not the problem.

My dissatisfaction with acting has nothing to do with being uncomfortable or vulnerable or feeling like people are going to criticize me. That's not the problem.

Joaquin Phoenix
I love scripts about relationships, and I love to see puppy love evolving into this mature love and communication.

I love scripts about relationships, and I love to see puppy love evolving into this mature love and communication.

Joaquin Phoenix
I love doing the music. I love programming beats and kind of working on the music as much, if not more, than the actual rapping.

I love doing the music. I love programming beats and kind of working on the music as much, if not more, than the actual rapping.

Joaquin Phoenix
I know if I'm lost in the moment or not.

I know if I'm lost in the moment or not.

Joaquin Phoenix
I enjoy writing rhymes and sitting alone in a room listening to beats. It's pretty amazing.

I enjoy writing rhymes and sitting alone in a room listening to beats. It's pretty amazing.

Joaquin Phoenix
The offers were, like, a lot of money - maybe not for other actors, but definitely for me. But I don't want that power. I don't want $20-million power.

The offers were, like, a lot of money - maybe not for other actors, but definitely for me. But I don't want that power. I don't want $20-million power.

Joaquin Phoenix
I don't bring my life into a character at all.

I don't bring my life into a character at all.

Joaquin Phoenix
It's hard for me to put my feelings into words.

It's hard for me to put my feelings into words.

Joaquin Phoenix
In every film, whether it's a fictional character or not, you create an idea of the character and for me I always do a bad impersonation to start with.

In every film, whether it's a fictional character or not, you create an idea of the character and for me I always do a bad impersonation to start with.

Joaquin Phoenix
I just I don't feel challenged by acting anymore. I don't enjoy the process anymore.

I just I don't feel challenged by acting anymore. I don't enjoy the process anymore.

Joaquin Phoenix
Every single movie that I've ever done has affected my life; I always feel more changed by a character than I affect them or change them, always. I mean, that's just kind of the way it is.

Every single movie that I've ever done has affected my life; I always feel more changed by a character than I affect them or change them, always. I mean, that's just kind of the way it is.

Joaquin Phoenix
There is no need for fur - since there are compassionate alternatives.

There is no need for fur - since there are compassionate alternatives.

Joaquin Phoenix
I didn't know much about him, and I wasn't a big country music fan. I listened to the Beatles and David Bowie, so I didn't know a lot about him.

I didn't know much about him, and I wasn't a big country music fan. I listened to the Beatles and David Bowie, so I didn't know a lot about him.

Joaquin Phoenix
For me, I'd rather have an intense experience than not.

For me, I'd rather have an intense experience than not.

Joaquin Phoenix
How can you work in film and still see the overt racism that exists in film and not just be furious all the time?

How can you work in film and still see the overt racism that exists in film and not just be furious all the time?

Joaquin Phoenix
I like being an employee. I like making somebody happy - and if they're not, then I'm crushed.

I like being an employee. I like making somebody happy - and if they're not, then I'm crushed.

Joaquin Phoenix
I don't walk around like I'm a movie star because I don't think of myself as a movie star. People usually don't even notice me.

I don't walk around like I'm a movie star because I don't think of myself as a movie star. People usually don't even notice me.

Joaquin Phoenix
I've always loved hip-hop, since I was a kid, that's the music that I loved. I think everyone of our generation kind of fantasized about hip-hop in some ways.

I've always loved hip-hop, since I was a kid, that's the music that I loved. I think everyone of our generation kind of fantasized about hip-hop in some ways.

Joaquin Phoenix
My personal life absolutely goes down the drain when I start working; that's something that I'm incapable of doing.

My personal life absolutely goes down the drain when I start working; that's something that I'm incapable of doing.

Joaquin Phoenix
I've been prepping for my role as Medusa.

I've been prepping for my role as Medusa.

Joaquin Phoenix
I've been in clubs. I don't like being in an enclosed place with really loud music, and a lot of drunk people. It's not my idea of a good time. It's just such a miserable life.

I've been in clubs. I don't like being in an enclosed place with really loud music, and a lot of drunk people. It's not my idea of a good time. It's just such a miserable life.

Joaquin Phoenix
I do like to collaborate, and I like hearing other people, and I like how somebody's performance will affect my own.

I do like to collaborate, and I like hearing other people, and I like how somebody's performance will affect my own.

Joaquin Phoenix
I don't know a single person in life that doesn't have conflict.

I don't know a single person in life that doesn't have conflict.

Joaquin Phoenix
I'm like the kid that crams for tests and never remembers anything.

I'm like the kid that crams for tests and never remembers anything.

Joaquin Phoenix
I like working all the time. I hate taking breaks. I don't like the weekends.

I like working all the time. I hate taking breaks. I don't like the weekends.

Joaquin Phoenix
The less someone knows about me, the better, because my intention is to play a variety of characters.

The less someone knows about me, the better, because my intention is to play a variety of characters.

Joaquin Phoenix
Do I have a large frog in my hair? I have the sensation that something is eating my brain.

Do I have a large frog in my hair? I have the sensation that something is eating my brain.

Joaquin Phoenix
I don't have the slightest desire to speak over my dead brother. It gets on my nerves to always be compared with him. My brother was a magnificent person and an outstanding actor.

I don't have the slightest desire to speak over my dead brother. It gets on my nerves to always be compared with him. My brother was a magnificent person and an outstanding actor.

Joaquin Phoenix
I don't know why I always get to play these guys who have few redeeming features. But don't knock it. Villains are much more fun.

I don't know why I always get to play these guys who have few redeeming features. But don't knock it. Villains are much more fun.

Joaquin Phoenix
Is it that your dream is unattainable or is it that you have the wrong dream?

Is it that your dream is unattainable or is it that you have the wrong dream?

Joaquin Phoenix
It takes nothing away from a human to be kind to an animal.

It takes nothing away from a human to be kind to an animal.

Joaquin Phoenix
Whether you think a film will affect society or it's plain entertainment, it's all excellent, it's all noble.

Whether you think a film will affect society or it's plain entertainment, it's all excellent, it's all noble.

Joaquin Phoenix
You can take that 'I'm an artiste' stuff to the wrong extreme, too.

You can take that 'I'm an artiste' stuff to the wrong extreme, too.

Joaquin Phoenix
The only reason why I would like to be accepted? Because if your movies don't do well, after a while you don't get to make any more movies.

The only reason why I would like to be accepted? Because if your movies don't do well, after a while you don't get to make any more movies.

Joaquin Phoenix
My parents were just searching for an alternative way of raising their children.

My parents were just searching for an alternative way of raising their children.

Joaquin Phoenix
I feel like everything you learn as an actor growing up is wrong. You're supposed to hit your mark, find your light and know your lines. Those are all things that just make things wooden, dull and boring.

I feel like everything you learn as an actor growing up is wrong. You're supposed to hit your mark, find your light and know your lines. Those are all things that just make things wooden, dull and boring.

Joaquin Phoenix
When I look back I can't believe how my parents managed, but the cliche is true. We didn't have money, but we were rich in so many other ways.

When I look back I can't believe how my parents managed, but the cliche is true. We didn't have money, but we were rich in so many other ways.

Joaquin Phoenix
I guess I had what you could call an unconventional upbringing.

I guess I had what you could call an unconventional upbringing.

Joaquin Phoenix
You see so many earnest characters in movies all the time, everyone has a purpose.

You see so many earnest characters in movies all the time, everyone has a purpose.

Joaquin Phoenix
Might I be ridiculous? Might my career in music be laughable? Yeah, that's possible, but that's certainly not my intention.

Might I be ridiculous? Might my career in music be laughable? Yeah, that's possible, but that's certainly not my intention.

Joaquin Phoenix
I would try and sing along with bands that I like but it sounded so atrocious that I couldn't.

I would try and sing along with bands that I like but it sounded so atrocious that I couldn't.

Joaquin Phoenix
In every film, whether it's a fictional character or not, you create an idea of the character and for me I always do a bad impersonation to start with.

In every film, whether it's a fictional character or not, you create an idea of the character and for me I always do a bad impersonation to start with.

Joaquin Phoenix
Going out on a stage publicly and not knowing how people are going to react to you - once I experienced that, it made me feel much more comfortable about going into a scene.

Going out on a stage publicly and not knowing how people are going to react to you - once I experienced that, it made me feel much more comfortable about going into a scene.

Joaquin Phoenix
I wouldn't feel satisfied being on set every day doing a romantic comedy - I'd be bored to death.

I wouldn't feel satisfied being on set every day doing a romantic comedy - I'd be bored to death.

Joaquin Phoenix
Every movie soaks into you for a certain amount of time.

Every movie soaks into you for a certain amount of time.

Joaquin Phoenix
With public figures involved in a relationship it seems that there is a machine behind their love so oftentimes.

With public figures involved in a relationship it seems that there is a machine behind their love so oftentimes.

Joaquin Phoenix
I don't bring my life into a character at all.

I don't bring my life into a character at all.

Joaquin Phoenix
I know if I'm lost in the moment or not.

I know if I'm lost in the moment or not.

Joaquin Phoenix
My music is going to be true. I'm not out to sell records. I'm experiencing something, and it's what I feel.

My music is going to be true. I'm not out to sell records. I'm experiencing something, and it's what I feel.

Joaquin Phoenix
I don't know a single person in life that doesn't have conflict.

I don't know a single person in life that doesn't have conflict.

Joaquin Phoenix
I'd see child actors and I'd get so jealous, because they're just completely wide open.

I'd see child actors and I'd get so jealous, because they're just completely wide open.

Joaquin Phoenix
I love having a master. I have no problem serving my director. That's my job. I want to make them happy.

I love having a master. I have no problem serving my director. That's my job. I want to make them happy.

Joaquin Phoenix
There was a time when I read a script and I just got excited about the possibilities.

There was a time when I read a script and I just got excited about the possibilities.

Joaquin Phoenix
Well, I haven't signed anything giving people the right to do anything they want with my image, you know what I mean. I have the ultimate say.

Well, I haven't signed anything giving people the right to do anything they want with my image, you know what I mean. I have the ultimate say.

Joaquin Phoenix
When I decide to do something, I stick with it, total commitment.

When I decide to do something, I stick with it, total commitment.

Joaquin Phoenix
I'm not technical.

I'm not technical.

Joaquin Phoenix
I just I don't feel challenged by acting anymore. I don't enjoy the process anymore.

I just I don't feel challenged by acting anymore. I don't enjoy the process anymore.

Joaquin Phoenix
I've worked with a lot of people on music and often times those things don't work out.

I've worked with a lot of people on music and often times those things don't work out.

Joaquin Phoenix
Well, I think that you know, I threatened myself with quitting after every movie. But I think everybody does that, right?

Well, I think that you know, I threatened myself with quitting after every movie. But I think everybody does that, right?

Joaquin Phoenix
I don't think one should be comfortable standing on a stage with people applauding and laughing at every stupid thing you say.

I don't think one should be comfortable standing on a stage with people applauding and laughing at every stupid thing you say.

Joaquin Phoenix
I think the day that I become comfortable doing interviews and going on talk shows is the day that I don't know what it is to be a human being anymore.

I think the day that I become comfortable doing interviews and going on talk shows is the day that I don't know what it is to be a human being anymore.

Joaquin Phoenix
I don't really make movies because I want to see my face on a billboard or because I want to get good reviews or have a big box office. That doesn't really matter to me at all.

I don't really make movies because I want to see my face on a billboard or because I want to get good reviews or have a big box office. That doesn't really matter to me at all.

Joaquin Phoenix
The reason I keep making movies is I hate the last thing I did. I'm trying to rectify my wrongs.

The reason I keep making movies is I hate the last thing I did. I'm trying to rectify my wrongs.

Joaquin Phoenix
I'm vomiting days before I start shooting a new movie.

I'm vomiting days before I start shooting a new movie.

Joaquin Phoenix
I don't walk around like I'm a movie star because I don't think of myself as a movie star. People usually don't even notice me.

I don't walk around like I'm a movie star because I don't think of myself as a movie star. People usually don't even notice me.

Joaquin Phoenix
I enjoy humour more than anything, I don't really sit around banging my head and crying all the time.

I enjoy humour more than anything, I don't really sit around banging my head and crying all the time.

Joaquin Phoenix
I don't know why I always get to play these guys who have few redeeming features. But don't knock it. Villains are much more fun.

I don't know why I always get to play these guys who have few redeeming features. But don't knock it. Villains are much more fun.

Joaquin Phoenix
I feel an obligation to set the record straight. Actors that say they're affected by something, that it changes their life, that they take it home with them, they're just trying to get nominated for an Oscar!

I feel an obligation to set the record straight. Actors that say they're affected by something, that it changes their life, that they take it home with them, they're just trying to get nominated for an Oscar!

Joaquin Phoenix
I still think that movies are amazing; I respect actors and directors.

I still think that movies are amazing; I respect actors and directors.

Joaquin Phoenix
I've always loved hip-hop, since I was a kid, that's the music that I loved. I think everyone of our generation kind of fantasized about hip-hop in some ways.

I've always loved hip-hop, since I was a kid, that's the music that I loved. I think everyone of our generation kind of fantasized about hip-hop in some ways.

Joaquin Phoenix
I've always loved music, but I never really played anything. After 'Walk the Line' and learning to play guitar, and having that sense of performing, I think that certainly opened the door for me, for music.

I've always loved music, but I never really played anything. After 'Walk the Line' and learning to play guitar, and having that sense of performing, I think that certainly opened the door for me, for music.

Joaquin Phoenix
I don't spend most of my life in front of the media.

I don't spend most of my life in front of the media.

Joaquin Phoenix
I didn't know much about him, and I wasn't a big country music fan. I listened to the Beatles and David Bowie, so I didn't know a lot about him.

I didn't know much about him, and I wasn't a big country music fan. I listened to the Beatles and David Bowie, so I didn't know a lot about him.

Joaquin Phoenix
When I go out with the ladies, I don't force them to pronounce my name. I tell them I like to go by the nickname of Kitten.

When I go out with the ladies, I don't force them to pronounce my name. I tell them I like to go by the nickname of Kitten.

Joaquin Phoenix
It's hard for me to put my feelings into words.

It's hard for me to put my feelings into words.

Joaquin Phoenix
No, I don't want to talk about River. I have nothing to say about it that I would want to be public.

No, I don't want to talk about River. I have nothing to say about it that I would want to be public.

Joaquin Phoenix
Acting is real important to me. I love it, and it's something I care about.

Acting is real important to me. I love it, and it's something I care about.

Joaquin Phoenix
For me, I guess I'm the acting equivalent of somebody that jumps off buildings and parachutes.

For me, I guess I'm the acting equivalent of somebody that jumps off buildings and parachutes.

Joaquin Phoenix
In most films - especially in regards to the protagonist - really from the get-go they set up some scenario that endears that character to the audience. Or imbues him with some nobility or heroism or something.

In most films - especially in regards to the protagonist - really from the get-go they set up some scenario that endears that character to the audience. Or imbues him with some nobility or heroism or something.

Joaquin Phoenix
I becan acting when River was doing this TV series and they needed two kids for the show, so they got me and my little sister, Summer, to do it. After that I did some really weird guest spots with orangutans and stuff.

I becan acting when River was doing this TV series and they needed two kids for the show, so they got me and my little sister, Summer, to do it. After that I did some really weird guest spots with orangutans and stuff.

Joaquin Phoenix
I've made up so many stores about my name, I can't remember.

I've made up so many stores about my name, I can't remember.

Joaquin Phoenix
I loved hip-hop. The first stuff I heard was Public Enemy, and I couldn't believe it. It was amazing, and I've always loved hip-hop.

I loved hip-hop. The first stuff I heard was Public Enemy, and I couldn't believe it. It was amazing, and I've always loved hip-hop.

Joaquin Phoenix
Things are rarely as exciting or dramatic as we make them out to be in the press.

Things are rarely as exciting or dramatic as we make them out to be in the press.

Joaquin Phoenix
You're always thinking, What's the next move - the career, the money.

You're always thinking, What's the next move - the career, the money.

Joaquin Phoenix
Once I became a total buffoon, it was so liberating.

Once I became a total buffoon, it was so liberating.

Joaquin Phoenix
I wish I had fair justification for not being as informed as I should be, but I don't.

I wish I had fair justification for not being as informed as I should be, but I don't.

Joaquin Phoenix
I always have the fear that, if I don't commit 100 percent to my work, then it's gonna suffer.

I always have the fear that, if I don't commit 100 percent to my work, then it's gonna suffer.

Joaquin Phoenix