Joker star Joaquin Phoenix has discussed the death of his brother in rare comments during a new interview.
The 45-year-old star of Joker has been nominated for Best Actor at the 92nd Academy Awards and now footage of his interview with Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes has shown him open up abut his late brother River Phoenix.
Movie star River died of an overdose outside the Viper Room in Hollywood on October 31, 1993, with brother Joaquin at his side.
Speaking on 60 Minutes , Joaquin revealed: "I feel like in virtually every movie that I made, there was a connection to River in some way."
He added: "And I think that we've all felt his presence and guidance in our lives in numerous ways."
Joaquin has rarely spoken about the passing of his brother but has now opened up about how the tragic death impacted his family, who also appeared in the interview special.
"During that time in which you're most vulnerable, there are helicopters flying over, there are people that are trying to sneak onto your land," he described. "Certainly, for me, it felt like it impeded on the mourning process."
The interview also saw Joaquin discuss how River encouraged him to pursue acting further, detailing a story of River introducing him to the influential Martin Scorsese film Raging Bull starring Robert De Niro which "awakened something in" Joaquin.
Commenting on his brother's talents further, Joaquin explained: "You know, River was a really substantial actor and movie star and we didn't really know it."
River Phoenix is best known for his acclaimed roles in Stand By Me, Running on Empty, and My Own Private Idaho.
Recently, Joaquin Phoenix won the Golden Globe award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture (Drama), attending the awards ceremony on January 5 with partner Rooney Mara.
Despite his success at the Globes, Joaquin faces contention at the Oscars on February 9 from Antonio Banderas (Pain and Glory), Leonardo DiCaprio (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood), Adam Driver (Marriage Story), and Jonathan Pryce (The Two Popes).
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