Joaquin Phoenix Quits Acting: "I'm Done"

Oscar-nominated actor Joaquin Phoenix made a shocking announcement to "Extra," saying, "I want to take this opportunity...to give you the exclusive ... that this will be my last performance as an actor... I'm not doing films anymore."

Probed further by "Extra's" Jerry Penacoli, "Are you serious?" Phoenix, who was curiously being followed by his own camera crews, reiterated, "Yeah. I'm working on my music. I'm done. I've been through that."

Penacoli, still suspicious, followed up with Casey Affleck who was standing next to Phoenix. Penacoli asked, "I take it that he's kidding?" Affleck responded, "I don't think he's kidding. He's got music and stuff."

Today, "Extra" contacted Phoenix's rep for clarification and got this response: "That is what he told me."

Comments

[AZ4thatone]

Boy, this is a rough crowd! Why would you say he'll fail in music? Do you have a magic 8 ball or something? He's a great actor, stayed out of the limelight for the most part and chose to do some very interesting roles. I wish him the best and look forward to hearing his music. You go dude!

[nakedhand]

He will fail in the music business, but then again, this world does not need more musicians and it sure doesnt need more actors.

He was a fine actor, utter respect for his choice to stop his career at this highpoint. We need more people doing this, but preferably to return to reality and the abundance of problems humanity as a whole faces.

[thereverendryan]

Actually the world needs more real musicians. Not the multitudes of regurgitators spewing out the drivel on the radio.

[nakedhand]

I agree, and mainstream radio has been intolerable for a long time to me by now. But there already is loads of real musicians, the talent can be found in every genre. But that doesnt necessarily mean that they will ever be heard. Labels and executives generally go for profit margins, not talent or artistic vision.

[whit4brains]

Joaquin Phoenix is a very talented actor. He has an impressive body of work. It's possible he got started in acting because of his older brother River so maybe it isn't his true passion.

Whatever the reason. I wish him the best and look forward to hearing his music.

[oommoore]

Impressive body is right!!!! No really, I think he's a great actor. Not bad on the eyes either.

[sarimn00]

I have to agree with this comment!

[Francesca74]

Who cares about this!

[jakkib]

Thank you!!!!!! I Do think he's a great actor- and if he goes off and does something else who cares?
This is not noteworthy. This should n;t even be getting this much attention.

[typingisnotactivism]

probably anybody who bothers to read and comment on it.....i r o n y....

[ProfessorDuh]

Won't be missed.

[mercury613]

That's too bad. He's very talented. I hope he doesn't think the music industry is going to be any better...

[provgrays]

He'll be "retired" until it hits him that he can't make 22 million per performance doing anything else.

[owltattoo]

Maybe after "earning $22 million a performance" he figures he has enough to live comfortably doing what he wants! From what I've read of him and his family, he was raised to be a pretty down-to-earth person. If I had that kind of wealth, I'd certainly use it to pursue creative paths I wanted to take rather than continue work that leaves me empty. I don't think he's showing signs of being a diva, as someone else suggested, either. I think it's a bold move. I wish him luck.

[smoothdogie]

provgrays i thought the same thing. not to diss him as an actor, i have enjoyed his work. and perhaps he can make it in music. but when he goes to get a regular job or runs out of money, he will be back. who knows? i mean really if he has invested his earnings prudently, he could afford to retire and live a nice lifestyle. but i doubt it.

[Lerk4]

Exactly! Kind of like Cher and Barbra and their handful of retirement tours.

[novatom]

That's too bad. I like this guy, he was excellent in Gladiator and even better in Quills.

[Myrell002]

.....does anyone really care?

[MikeDu]

Before you think actors can't just up-and quit, anyone see Phoebe Cates on the silver screen lately? She announced (on letterman) she was going to quit too, and nobody believed her either. But with the exception of that one film for her buddy Jennifer Jason Leigh she got out and stayed out.

[provgrays]

That's known as the exception that proves the rule.

[llmitchellb]

Can you say: DIVA

[DrC]

Noooo!!!! Nooooo!!! Oh the humanity. This is one of the greatest tragedies in the history of humanity. Nooo!!!

[HarlanE]

Can he take Affleck with him?

[DixieMelody]

Casey Affleck is married to Summer Phoenix so your wish is granted on a personal level since they are brothers-in-law.

[LoRiseAntlers]

It's hard to say with Mr.Pheonix­.This is,after all,the man who grilled a red carpet reporter,demanding to know if he had a frog on his head.

[Jason404]

Hey man, anytime you want to come, we'll forget about all this.