What is Joaquin Phoenix's Net Worth in 2024? Find Out As Brian Cox Calls Him Out for His Acting in Napolean

Joaquin Phoenix's net worth in 2024 is significant, reflecting his successful acting career and awards. However, it's worth noting that Brian Cox criticized Phoenix's acting in Napoleon.

Updated on Apr 19, 2024  |  02:04 AM IST |  60.4K
Unveiling Joaquin Phoenix's 2024 Net Worth
Joaquin Phoenix (Warner Bros. YouTube)

Joaquin Phoenix is a multi-talented figure in the entertainment industry, known for his roles as an actor, director, producer, and musician. With a net worth of $80 million, he has left an indelible mark on cinema with his memorable performances. Among his notable works are Walk the Line (2005), The Master (2012), Her (2013), and Joker (2019), for which he received widespread acclaim.

Phoenix's journey into acting began in television, but it was his film roles that truly showcased his talent. His breakout came with the film To Die For (1995), where his performance earned him critical praise. However, it was his portrayal of the menacing Commodus in Gladiator (2000) that propelled him to international stardom. This role demonstrated his ability to delve into complex characters, earning him his first Academy Award nomination.

ALSO READ: Joker: Folie à Deux Trailer's 'Lipstick Smile' Shot Steals The Show, Fans Call It 'Pure Perfection'

Following Gladiator, Phoenix delved into a variety of challenging roles that showcased his versatility and commitment to his craft. One standout performance came in Walk the Line (2005), where he portrayed music icon Johnny Cash.

This role not only garnered critical acclaim but also highlighted Phoenix's musical abilities, as he performed all of Cash's songs himself. His dedication to the role paid off, earning him both critical praise and a Grammy Award for his musical contributions.

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Phoenix: Mastering Complexity in Cinematic Artistry

Phoenix's career is marked by his willingness to embrace roles that challenge conventional filmmaking norms. This is evident in films like The Master (2012), Her (2013), and Inherent Vice (2014), where his performances were lauded for their authenticity and emotional depth.

However, it was his portrayal of the titular character in Joker (2019) that perhaps left the most indelible mark. His depiction of the iconic comic book villain was both chilling and profoundly human, earning him widespread acclaim and his first Academy Award for Best Actor. In Joker, Phoenix demonstrated his remarkable ability to completely inhabit a character, delivering a performance that was simultaneously disturbing and deeply empathetic, showcasing his prowess as one of Hollywood's most versatile actors.

Joaquin Phoenix: From Cult Survivor to Hollywood Icon

Off-screen, Joaquin Phoenix is recognized for his passionate advocacy for animal rights and environmental causes, often leveraging his platform to shed light on these pressing issues.

Born Joaquin Rafael Bottom on October 28, 1974, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, he hails from parents Arlyn (née Dunetz) and John Lee Bottom. Both originally from the United States mainland, his father has predominantly English roots, while his mother is an Ashkenazi Jew with Hungarian and Russian heritage. The family was once part of the religious cult Children of God, leading them on a journey across South America. However, when Phoenix was three, they broke away from the cult and returned to the U.S.

Choosing a new surname, Phoenix, symbolized a fresh start akin to the mythical bird's rebirth from ashes. Joaquin has five siblings, among them a half-sibling from his father's prior relationship. Many of his siblings boast nature-inspired names like River or Rain. In his youth, Phoenix identified as Leaf, partly in admiration of his siblings.

Joaquin Phoenix's family in 1986 (Getty Images)

From Child Star to World Traveler: Joaquin Phoenix's Early Career

Growing up in a family that relied on talent shows for financial support, Joaquin Phoenix and his siblings caught the eye of Iris Burton, a prominent children's agent in Hollywood. At just eight years old, Phoenix made his acting debut alongside his brother River in a 1982 episode of the television series Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

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This marked the beginning of a string of collaborative projects with his siblings, including appearances in TV shows like Murder, She Wrote, The Fall Guy, and Hill Street Blues, as well as films like SpaceCamp (1986) and Parenthood (1989). Notably, he starred in the film Russkies (1987). Despite finding success as a child actor, Phoenix eventually made the bold decision to step away from the industry, opting to travel Latin America with his father instead.

ALSO READ: Did Joaquin Phoenix grow up in a cult? Exploring his early life amid his movie Napoleon's release

Phoenix: A Journey Through Dark and Light

In the 1990s, Joaquin Phoenix returned to acting after a hiatus, taking on supporting roles in films like To Die For (1995), U Turn (1997), and Clay Pigeons (1998), where he often portrayed darker, conflicted characters. However, it was in 2000 that his career took a significant turn. Starring in three notable films, The Yards, Gladiator, and Quills, Phoenix garnered critical acclaim, particularly for his role as the emperor in Gladiator, which earned him an Oscar nomination. He continued to impress audiences with roles in M. Night Shyamalan films like Signs and The Village.

By 2004, Phoenix had solidified his reputation as a versatile actor, appearing in films like Hotel Rwanda and Ladder 49. However, it was his portrayal of Johnny Cash in Walk the Line (2005) alongside Reese Witherspoon that earned him widespread recognition. Phoenix's performance not only won him a Golden Globe for Best Actor but also earned him his second Academy Award nomination.

In the following years, Phoenix expanded his repertoire, co-writing and starring in the mockumentary film "I'm Still Here" (2010), where he portrayed a fictionalized version of himself. He continued to deliver captivating performances in acclaimed films such as The Master (2012), Her (2013), and Inherent Vice (2014).

However, it was his portrayal of the titular character in Joker (2019) that catapulted Phoenix to new heights of fame. His performance as the iconic comic book villain earned him widespread acclaim, with many considering it one of his career-defining roles. Notably, Phoenix and director Todd Phillips took lower salaries in exchange for backend points, a decision that paid off handsomely as Joker became the most profitable R-rated movie of all time.

Phoenix: Shaping Worlds Through Voice

In addition to his impressive on-screen performances, Joaquin Phoenix has lent his voice to various projects in the realm of animation and documentary narration. In 2003, he voiced the character Kenai in the animated film Brother Bear, adding depth and emotion to the character's journey.

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Phoenix's distinctive voice has also been heard in several impactful documentaries, including Earthlings (2005), where he served as the narrator, bringing attention to the treatment of animals in various industries. His narration continued to resonate in documentaries like Unity (2015) and Dominion (2018), where his powerful delivery added weight to the films' messages of interconnectedness and ethical considerations.

Joaquin Phoenix's Joker Payday: Breaking Down the Millions

Phoenix's earnings from playing the Joker have been substantial, reflecting both his talent and the immense success of the films.

For the first Joker movie, Phoenix earned a base salary of $4.5 million. However, he also negotiated backend points, which could potentially add up to an additional $25 million, assuming a 5% cut of profits. Director Todd Phillips likely earned even more, with a reported 20% cut of profits, possibly exceeding $100 million.

In the case of Joker 2, Phoenix received an upfront fee of $20 million, indicating a significant increase from his initial salary. While he still has some backend points, they are expected to be smaller compared to his first deal.

Reports suggest that Phoenix is working under a 2-film deal to portray the Joker, for which he will earn a total of $50 million. This implies a potential $30 million payday for a third installment if it materializes in the future. Overall, Phoenix's earnings as the Joker underscore the immense value he brings to the role and the franchise's success.

Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga in Joker 2: Folie a Deux (via Instagram)

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Beyond the Screen: Joaquin Phoenix's Directorial Ventures and Philanthropic Endeavors

Outside of his acting career, Joaquin Phoenix has ventured into directing, particularly in the realm of music videos. He has directed videos for various artists such as Ringside, She Wants Revenge, People in Planes, Arckid, and Albert Hammond Jr. Additionally, Phoenix served as an executive producer for the television show 4Real.

In his personal life, Phoenix has been in a relationship with actress Rooney Mara since late 2016, with the couple confirming their engagement in July 2019. Prior to this, Phoenix has been romantically linked to actress Liv Tyler and South African model Topaz Page-Green.

Known for his advocacy work, Phoenix champions several charitable organizations, including Amnesty International and the Peace Alliance. He is also a vocal supporter of animal rights and a committed vegan, actively participating in campaigns and productions for organizations like PETA and Nation Earth. Phoenix's dedication to social and environmental causes reflects his broader commitment to making a positive impact beyond his acting endeavors.

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Joaquin Phoenix in Napoleon ( PC: IMDb)

Brian Cox Unleashes Blunt Critique of Joaquin Phoenix's Napoleon Performance

Brian Cox, known for his boldness in using the phrase fuck off, didn't hold back when it came to his thoughts on Joaquin Phoenix's performance in Napoleon. During a live talk at London’s HistFest, Cox didn't mince his words, labeling Phoenix's portrayal of Napoleon Bonaparte as truly terrible.

He didn't stop there, emphasizing his point by repeating the word terrible multiple times and adding that he could have played the role better himself. Cox even took a jab at Phoenix's name, suggesting it suited the wacky performance. While Cox's critique may seem harsh, his no-nonsense approach to criticism is well-known, and his opinion is certainly one to consider.

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ALSO READ: Joker 2: Director Todd Phillips Sets The Stage For Joaquin Phoenix And Lady Gaga In The Upcoming Sequel

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