John Lee Bottom, who goes by the stage name John Phoenix, is a notable presence in the world of Hollywood. He is best recognized as the father of the late actor and singer River Phoenix, as well as Academy Award-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix. Prior to his involvement in the entertainment industry, John and his wife were actively engaged with the Christian missionary organization known as ‘The Children of God’ for an extended period of time. This unique background adds an intriguing dimension to John Phoenix’s life and journey.
John Phoenix’s presence in the limelight may have been relatively brief, but his enduring legacy is intricately linked to the achievements of his exceptionally talented sons. River Phoenix, who tragically passed away at the tender age of 23, left an indelible mark on the entertainment world with his captivating performances in films like ‘Stand By Me’ and ‘My Own Private Idaho.’ In stark contrast, Joaquin Phoenix has emerged as a highly acclaimed figure, earning critical acclaim for his roles in movies such as ‘Joker,’ ‘The Master,’ and ‘Walk the Line.’
While John Phoenix’s association with ‘The Children of God’ may not be widely recognized, it represents a significant chapter in his personal journey. This religious organization, which has encountered its fair share of controversies, was established in the late 1960s with the mission of spreading Christianity through unconventional methods. Although John distanced himself from the group many years ago, his experiences within ‘The Children of God’ undeniably played a role in shaping his life perspective and influencing his approach to parenting his children.
John Lee Bottom Profile summary
- Full Name: John Lee Bottom
- First Name: John
- Middle Name: Lee
- Last Name: Bottom
- Profession: Celebrity Father
- Nationality: American
- Birth Country: United States
- Father Name: Robert Merrill Bottom.
- Mother Name: Beulah Ingram
- Gender: Identity Male
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
- Date of Birth: 1947
- Height: 5 ft 6 in
- Weight: 50 Kg
- Net worth: $50 million
John Lee Bottom Biography
John Lee Bottom’s life story was exceptional and enthralling. He was a husband, a father, and a member of a religious sect. He first met Arlyn Phoenix, the lady he ultimately married on September 13, 1969, in California. They immediately developed into missionaries and travelled the world to spread their message.
However, they later discovered that the group to which they belonged welcomed both group sex and sex between adults and children. Their son River had early sexual abuse as well. After a while, they made the decision to quit the cult and come back to the United States with their children. They settled in Winterpark, Florida, and changed their last name to Phoenix.
Early Life of the Phoenix Family
The Phoenix family is a prominent and well-known household in the entertainment industry, consisting of five siblings: River Phoenix, Joaquin Phoenix, Liberty Phoenix, Summer Phoenix, and Rain Phoenix. Their family history is both unique and intriguing, marked by a global journey and their association with the religious sect known as the Children of God.
Their father, John Lee Bottom, had his own experiences with this religious group. He was just three years old when his parents made the life-altering decision to depart from the sect, ultimately leading to their adoption of the last name Phoenix. This significant change signified a new beginning for the family, one that would eventually see the emergence of talented and celebrated individuals in the world of entertainment.
John Lee Bottom Early Career
John Lee Bottom, the father of actor Joaquin Phoenix, embarked on his journey in the world of acting at a young age, beginning when he was just eight years old. However, despite his early start in acting, he ultimately chose not to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Instead, he opted for a more private and tranquil life, away from the public spotlight. This decision allowed him to focus on his family and other aspects of his life outside of acting.
His girlfriend and the birth of his first child
Before his marriage to Arlyn Phoenix, John Lee Bottom had a previous relationship with an unidentified woman, from which a daughter named Jodean Bottom was born. However, John’s family was unaware of Jodean’s existence for many years. It was only through the assistance of a close friend that they learned about her. River Phoenix, John’s son, took on the responsibility of finding and providing support for Jodean and her daughter. This discovery and reconnection with his half-sister became an important part of their family’s story.
The Phoenix children
River Phoenix
River Phoenix, the most prominent among the Phoenix siblings, was a multifaceted individual known for his roles as an actor, musician, and activist in various popular films. He garnered widespread acclaim and recognition as one of the most talented actors of his generation. River embarked on his career at a young age, making appearances in television shows and commercials before achieving stardom with his breakout role in the film Stand by Me.
Throughout his career, he continued to feature in critically acclaimed films, including Running on Empty, My Own Private Idaho, and The Thing Called Love. His unwavering commitment to social justice causes set him apart, as he passionately advocated for environmentalism, animal rights, and other important issues. River Phoenix’s legacy continues to inspire many in the entertainment industry and beyond.
Tragically, River Phoenix’s life was cut short on October 31, 1993, at the tender age of 23, marking a profound loss for both the entertainment industry and his countless global admirers. His untimely demise occurred after he had performed at The Viper Room nightclub, and it was attributed to a fatal drug overdose. His passing was a grievous event that left a void in the world of entertainment, and it served as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of substance abuse. River’s death also had a profound impact on his family, who continue to honor his memory and carry on his legacy through their work in the industry and their advocacy for social and environmental causes.
Divorce and Life after Divorce
John Lee Bottom’s marriage to Arlyn endured for an extended period, but in 1997, the couple chose to part ways and officially divorced after 27 years of marriage. The specific cause of their divorce remains shrouded in mystery, as both John and Arlyn have maintained a low profile regarding their personal lives. Following their separation, John Lee Bottom retreated from the public spotlight and led a private life, away from the prying eyes of the media and the public, focusing on his personal journey and relationships with his children.
John Lee Bottom Cause of Death
During his last years, John Lee Bottom faced a challenging battle with cancer, a battle that he fought privately and with courage. Unfortunately, information regarding this phase of his life is limited, as he chose to maintain a low-profile existence following his divorce and during his health struggle. In 2015, he ultimately succumbed to cancer at the age of 68, marking the cause of his passing. John Lee Bottom’s legacy lives on through his talented sons, River and Joaquin Phoenix, who have made significant contributions to the world of entertainment and carry their father’s memory with them.
John Lee Bottom Net worth
John Lee Bottom pursued a career as a carpenter, and specific details about his net worth are not publicly available. However, his son Joaquin Phoenix has achieved a substantial net worth of $50 million as of October 2022. Joaquin has amassed this wealth through his highly successful acting career, which includes critically acclaimed performances in a wide range of films. Notably, he won an Oscar in 2020 for his exceptional performance in “Joker.” Below, you will find a list of some of Joaquin’s most renowned films, along with their budgets and box office earnings:
- “Joker” (2019)
Budget: $55-70 million
Box Office: Over $1 billion
- “Gladiator” (2000)
Budget: $103 million
Box Office: Over $457 million
“Walk the Line” (2005)
Budget: $28 million
Box Office: Over $186 million
- “Her” (2013)
Budget: $23 million
Box Office: Over $48 million
- “Signs” (2002)
Budget: $72 million
Box Office: Over $408 million
These are just a few examples of Joaquin Phoenix’s successful films that have contributed significantly to his impressive net worth. His talent and dedication to his craft have made him one of the most respected actors in the industry.
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