The Heartbreaking Truth About River Phoenix

[@karmaficionado1163]

In the early 90s, I worked the bar, front door and security at a rock bar on east coast. River’s band played there one night. He was very nice and not snobby at all. He gave my roommate Tippy and I a box fan that he used on stage. He had drawn all over the fan with a sharpie. He made the power knob into a Heineken beer cap. Tippy and I always referred to it as the “Phoenix Fan” and we idolized that fan as a work of art. Glad I got to meet and hang out with him. Good dude! RIP ❤

[@kristie8420]

WoW! What a memory to have.What were the odds of it being his band playing at ur work back then!? Thanks for sharing!!❤

[@ChooseCompassion]

Great story. Not surprising at all.

[@julianacromey7151]

What happened to the fan? Please tell me one of yall still have it?!!

[@kristinecrowley8321]

What a cool experience!

[@kimberlyharshfield8629]

Now I'm a fan of your Phoenix fan! 💕 Great story! 🙂

[@liz3108]

I was a massive River fan as a teenager, I was devastated when he died 😢 Dogfight was one of my favourite movies. He was too gentle for this harsh world

[@Honey-Sanchez]

I met River and Kevin Kline on set during a break of "I Love You to Death" which was filmed partially in downtown Tacoma, Wa. In fact, I own the Joey Boca's Pizza neon sign. If you've never seen this film buy it. Thanks for sharing.

[@kimwarner1681]

@@Honey-Sanchez I love that movie, very underrated! He must have been very cool to meet.

[@thejunklady8891]

Yes! Dogfight is my favourite River movie! Such a beautiful, simple and romantic storyline.

[@HoldenNY22]

I l really liked the Movie- Running on Empty. I will try to watch DogFight again.

[@celticmermaid2974]

I got to work the catering on the movie "Dogfight" and River and I would smoke cigarettes on breaks...I thought this was so cool for me (though cigarettes left my life a long time ago, TG!). RIP sweet guy~

[@suitejodi]

I deleted my original comment due to trolls on this page leaving pretty rude comments, but River Phoenix was an actor from my childhood that I just adored. I remember when he died and that it affected me greatly, but I haven’t reflected him and what a great actor he was in quite some time. Thanks for the trip down memory lane, such a shame to lose a talent like him so young and way too soon. And an aside to the haters here, your nasty comments are unnecessary but show the miserable life you must lead-when a simple comment on a YT video compels you to respond with such vitriol, maybe it’s you that needs to “get a life”. I can’t stand internet tough guys, you’re absolute troglodytes.

[@graceb3934]

Respect for pulling up the trolls 👏🙏💚

[@MsWaggydog]

Trolls have something lacking within themselves - it helps me to look at it that way. I loved your comment. 😊💜

[@AclockworkPurple]

Why did you let the trolls “win” and delete your comment? It keeps them in their rooms and off the streets harassing old ladies and kicking puppies, they get to fulfill their overwhelming craving for attention from strangers, the comments help boost the channel and laughing at and mocking trolls is hilariously entertaining when you get them to rage quit. It’s a win for everyone.

[@HillaryMarek]

@@AclockworkPurple fantastic response. I was literally gonna write something very similar but you stated it better than I probably could have. When people troll for whatever reason, it brings the video that much more attention. And ultimately as a fan of River Phoenix you should want as many eyes on this project as possible. The narrator work very hard on it and it’s edited beautifully. The author was not salacious or using any kind of Clickbait to get views and attention they simply stated the true story of a wonderful young man who left too soon so baby go back and repost what you originally posted and let the haters comment because the more of them there are the more people gonna respond and the more views this video will get the more accolades the production behind it will receive. Applaud your haters high five them, confuse them, let them know they are appreciated, leave them scratching their heads and wondering why the baby never never let them win. You have a beautiful soul and it comes out with what you write. Don’t let some stranger on the Internet dim your shine ever.

[@AclockworkPurple]

@@HillaryMarek I was around before social media and before the internet became popular. These kids didn’t invent trolling and they aren’t original. While it’s sad and disappointing that people failed to develop emotional and social skills during key developmental stages or the ability to connect on a deep level with others in the real world, I find it amusing and entertaining to poke a troll into being the one having a temper tantrum. When it works perfectly it’s like magic. It’s also very interesting if you approach it scientifically from a psychological perspective to analyze, assess and predict behavior. After a point there is no mystery or surprise to the people or behaviors and one can then start “anti-trolling” if one desires or feels a particular comment warrants the effort. When it works perfectly and you get a troll going on long, emotional, multiple comments in a row rampages about how much they hate you it’s like magic and restores balance to the universe. LOL

[@lynn8691]

What a horrible tragedy this was. Such a handsome, and incredibly talented young man River Phoenix was. May his spirit RIP.

[@thepspman116]

Man that final scene of River in stand by me is so foreshadowing and heartbreaking

[@sometimesnevernot]

Nobody loses their virginity at age 4. That's just called rape.

[@catrinahartz944]

That's disgusting. Molested!!

[@AlterEgo373]

Agreed

[@MimiYuYu]

@@catrinahartz944maybe they forced him to stick it into someone

[@starlightrocks7]

💯It explains why he self-medicated. Such tragedy he faced at the tender age of four. I blame his sick parents and the cult.

[@waffle_chair9269]

Exactly!!! Semantics matter.

[@TraciFix]

Such beautiful talent we were robbed of too soon. RIP River

[@JJj-xratedgt]

River was robbed of his innocence way to young & I'm sick to learn AGAIN THE EVIL CHILDREN ARE EXPOSED TO!!!

[@waffle_chair9269]

We weren’t robbed. He was robbed. Someone drugged him and got off scot free

[@ohgawd]

​@@JJj-xratedgtI'm sick to death of cults being allowed to program people and turn them into robots! I was raised in the Jehovah's Witnesses cult and, although I KNEW it was a cult, I couldn't leave! They shun you for that so you lose your family and community. But I finally had an explosive awakening - after 23 years of therapy - just 5 years ago at age 59. I gave them my whole life, practically. Some of us who were taken on building projects as minors are claiming child labor slavery, too. We built our own Kingdom Halls and us kids had to help, too. They got sued and now they don't allow minors on building projects unless they're leashed to their parents. They were getting sexually assaulted on those projects too. I swear! Freakin' pedophiles!

[@ohgawd]

I've spoken with ex-mormons, ex-7th day Adventist and loads of Ex-JWs. All 3 of those are "millennial" religions and they all are cults. Or have turned into at the very least, pedophile magnets because they all have secret CSA problems! The JWs take it a step farther and created a full blown pedophile sanctuary. Their policy is if the child doesn't have an adult witness, it didn't happen. It's called the "2 witness rule" from the Mosaic Law code written for the Jews. The Jews say it shouldn't be interpreted that way at all!

[@ChaCha-lt8rx]

I loved River Phoenix ❤ In Stand by me , he stood out as the most caring, understanding friend even though he suffered at home.It seems to reflect his reality.

[@ArtbyL763]

He was so incredibly talented. I still remember exactly when i heard the news he had died. It was heartbreaking

[@karenbrown4524]

Brought that day back and into the light.

[@cassandraburgess-alex9378]

He would be bigger and better than Johnny Depp.

[@jessieinohio9455]

​@@cassandraburgess-alex9378wasn't it Johnny Depp that wouldn't let him play on stage with them?

[@graceygrumble]

He was young, beautiful, talented and rich... everything that engenders envy and spite. The news reports were almost gleeful. I think it was the first time that I was revolted by the media. Sadly, it wasn’t the last time. RIP

[@israelizzyyarrashamiaak766]

My parents tripped over their words trying to explain to me how someone so young just dies suddenly. I didn’t know about the entertainment aspect of the entertainment world! Had no idea what substances were. I just loved his show on tv and he died which seemed impossible to my young mind/ now it’s common place/ crazy how much America changed

[@UltimatelyBL]

I blame the pharmaceutical companies for this huge mess... I am a retired RN, and around the year 2000, suddenly, someone decided that "pain is a vital sign..." It absolutely is NOT... I still had to ask everyone who I admitted as my patient, to tell me their level of pain on "a scale of 0 to 10" and I could see some people's eyes light up as they suddenly had pain of 8 or 9 or even 10, when they had no signs or symptoms of pain, and never mentioned it before I asked that question.. Of course the admitting Doctors asked the same questions and then patient's were prescribed pain medication as needed... I actually was livid about this stupid question that is still being asked today... I have seen too many people die from drug addiction or alcoholism... It's a truly horrible way to die... Bit by bit, day by day... But asking people about "pain" made those companies rich, until other people figured out the formulas and made the drugs themselves and even they are extremely wealthy, I would imagine... My youngest son is addicted to whatever he can smoke.. I expect to have police come to my door and ask me to ID him one of these days... It's a heartbreaking 💔 way to live, for him, for me, and all people who are addicts and the people who love them... ❤️ 💔❤️💔❤️💔❤️💔❤️

[@Lula2979]

@@UltimatelyBLmy heart breaks for you For him May you both be comforted Addiction is terrible 😞

[@imbretzy]

​@UltimatelyBL I'm so sorry you're going through this with your son. 😢❤️ In 2019, an SUV ran a red light & T-boned my car, direct impact with my body. I'd never been injured in my life & I worked out 5-6 days weekly, fitness was my life, so this accident was a complete shock to my system. The pain was severe.. couldn't turn my neck for 3 months, had a concussion, major nerve damage throughout my body etc. I was prescribed opiates and you know how the story goes... I eventually started buying off-street when the prescription wasn't enough. Tried quitting over & over again for 3 years but couldn't. Its all I thought about & really changed me. My life was a total rollercoaster & it got to a point where my body was giving out & I'd pass out from overuse. I wouldn't hangout with friends bcuz I was so disconnected, and also I knew I was a liability if I was out drinking & mixing with painkillers. I couldn't imagine putting them through that if something bad was to happen.. so I shut everyone out. Finally, I just couldn't imagine dealing with another day being a slave to this drug, so i asked my mom for help. She's a snowbird in Mexico, so I went there and stayed for awhile. I'm so lucky I could go away from my environment, and thankful for having a loving mom. I know most people don't have that option and in some cases don't even have the support which breaks my heart. It's been 2 years painkiller-free and the thought of taking one literally makes my stomach turn. That being said, I really need to watch myself with any prescription, or substance thats euphoria-inducing, even dumb things like cough syrup, sleep aids. Before, I never had addiction issues and had great self-discipline. Now.. I struggle with binge eating.. then not eating at all. It seems to have done something chemically in my brain, and the circuit to my "off switch" has entirely blown out, lol. I just have to take things day by day and rebuild those circuits. I really feel for any person who is dealing with this horrible addiction. 😢 I pray that the knock you receive on your door is from your son asking you for help, just as I went to my mom and leaned on her when I really needed it. 🫂❤️‍🩹

[@imbretzy]

​@UltimatelyBL I'm so sorry you're going through this with your son. 😢❤️ In 2019, an SUV ran a red light & T-boned my car, direct impact with my body. I'd never been injured in my life, worked out 5-6 days a week, fitness was my life, so this accident was a complete shock to my system. The pain was severe everywhere.. couldn't turn my neck for 3 months, had a concussion, major nerve damage etc. I was prescribed opiates and you know how the story goes... I eventually started buying off-street when the prescription wasn't enough. Tried quitting over & over again for 3 years but couldn't. Its all I thought about & totally changed me. I was living a nightmare. It got to a point where my body was giving out & I'd pass out from taking so much. I wouldn't hangout with friends bcuz I was so disconnected, and also I knew I was a liability if I was out drinking & mixing with painkillers. I couldn't imagine putting them through that if something bad was to happen.. so I shut everyone out. Finally, I asked my mom for help. She's a snowbird & lives in Mexico for 6 months a year, so I went there and stayed for awhile til I felt like I could go home. I was so lucky to get away from my environment, and so thankful for my mom. I know most people don't have the option to go away like that.. and many people don't even have support. 🙁 It's been 2 years painkiller-free and the thought of taking one literally makes my stomach turn. That being said, now i really have to watch myself with any prescription, or substance etc.. even dumb things like cough syrup, or sleep aids. Before, I never had any addiction issues and had great self-discipline. Now.. I struggle with binge eating.. then not eating at all, and waves of bad OCD. Those pills caused some chemical imbalance in my brain - the circuit to my "off switch" has entirely blown out, lol. I just have to take things day by day and rebuild those circuits. I really feel for any person who is dealing with this horrible addiction. 😢 I pray that the knock you receive on your door is from your son asking you for help, just as I went to my mom and leaned on her for help when I really needed it. 🫂❤️‍🩹

[@catherinekerr2160]

River Phoenix was a beautiful human being . A very talented actor. Dear River, RIP 💙💥

[@Amma_lumina]

That person has to live the rest of their life knowing they were responsible for River Phoenix's death. His own personal hell. Loved Joaquin's speech about River, you could really feel it still brings him so much pain. River was awesome! I wish for future generations to know of him because he really opened doors for new perspectives.

[@Allison_Chaynes]

John went through a very dark time after that happened. River's family even wish John well, now. I know River's Dad hated John for awhile. It's sad all around. John loved River.

[@azvascos7542]

​@Allison_Chaynes John definitely spiraled for some time after River's death. I didn't realize they were there at The Viper Room together. I remember the day he died well, it was so devastating. River was an incredibly talented actor at such a young age.

[@jm6566]

All the people I grew up with know where they were when they heard the news. I even remember the black and white photo they used on the news, cause I had the same photo, as a poster in my bedroom. I loved all his films especially Stand by Me, Mosquito Coast, I Love You To Death, Jimmy Reardon and My Own Private Idaho. That generation of actors were so gifted. I'm so grateful I experienced the magic of movies they had then. I always wonder what he'd be like as a 50 something year old. He'll always be young and beautiful.

[@crestalawton5675]

River chose to take the drugs that killed him. Had he not gotten them from where he did, he would have found them elsewhere.

[@jenniferhooper6471]

You don’t “lose your virginity at the age of 4.” That’s called rape or sexual assault. I loved River Phoenix since I was young and was devastated when he died.

[@HoldenNY22]

Good Point. fourteen might be a little young, but 4 years old that is real sick and doesn't make sense.

[@debbielucas1813]

Yeah that is beyond creepy! WTF? No wonder he fell victim to all the Predators, in Hollywood! HE Went from being used by one family: into being used, by another!😢

[@rabbithole26]

Thank you!!!!!;

[@yhudson41]

Ok, like wtf!

[@TrudLe9]

​@HoldenNY22 it doesn't make sense. But it happens and it is horrific.

[@JojannekevandenBosch]

River was my teen crush. A talented, beautiful person with a fragile past. His nothing less than iconic performance in ‘Running On Empty’ moved me deeply, and I still feel why it did. Rest in peace, River.

[@dreammix9430]

I was there that night. Standing 6 ft from where he collapsed. I ran to the bathroom and got wet paper towels and we wiped his face with them and then I went and got a glass of water for him but by then there's so many people around him that I couldn't even get through anymore. That was an absolutely horrible night that I can never forget. And I didn't even know him personally

[@ericapaul7989]

U need attention and approval so ur pathetic. I know ur lying. Everyone knows ur lying rn.

[@q7zjdwomfvkbj74]

Thank you for helping him God rest his soul.

[@annesuire758]

I will never forget River Phoenix an amazing actor!

[@allisonmarlow184]

This is my favorite narrator on this channel. Clear, eloquent, and a wonderful Scottish accent.

[@Factinate]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@jkay8851]

I completely agree with this!! 💖

[@dr.barrycohn5461]

It AI, but I'm sure you knew that. For me, I personally can't stand it.

[@gaylereid8264]

@@dr.barrycohn5461 Tsk, Tsk, Tsk The inflection in this man’s voice, the enunciation is precise bc he’s using a real tongue !!!

[@susankeith326]

​@@dr.barrycohn5461No, it isn't AI. The narrator is listed here as James.

[@POWFAM2011]

In March 1987, my fiancé and I, now wife of 37 years, rode a trolley from San Diego to Tiajuana, Mexico. We encountered the entire film crew for Little Nikita. River Phoenix was checking out my fiance, which I thought was very funny. It was so cool to see them shooting scenes. I'll never forgot that time a celebrity was checking out my girl. She was a stunner.

[@agabrielhegartygaby9203]

The abuse, neglect and trauma to which the Phoenix kids were subjected makes the relief offered by addictive substances almost too irresistible....one could say that the abuse of the animals to which he was so sensitive tells us how bad it must have felt to be the oldest kid in the Phoenix family....problems with anger are a core symptom of PTSD....

[@broeheemed32]

All the kids were pushed into the entertainment industry, but River bore the brunt of the pressure because of his talent and success. "Mom" sent him the bills for every facet of all their lives for years, and now she lives off his legacy. She's just another DUIna Lohan.

[@kendallevans4079]

This is typical of 60's, "hippy" doper parents. At 67 I grew up in S. CA and this was rampant

[@miggs80]

@@kendallevans4079This was during the 70’s and cults weren’t typical. Most hippies wanted no part of the children of god cult.

[@kendallevans4079]

@@miggs80 I'm 67, I know everything abut the 70's and there were all kinds of things going on. Who said ANYTHING about cults?

[@CorbCorbin]

@@kendallevans4079 I’m 87, snd I know everything about anything you say! 👻 I mean, really, what do you think your age has to do either having knowledge on everything about a decade? It makes your prior comments sound even less credible. So, because you were a teen in 1970, and lived through the decade, from thirteen to twenty-three years old, it means you know everything, about it? Do you realize how ridiculous that is?

[@sheilan6235]

He was incredibly talented. Gone way too soon. Rest in peace, River.

[@bettinakatze1]

Soooo sad, River was the most beautiful soul all of hollywood! I miss him! RIP Angel 😥❤

[@ChooseCompassion]

I needed to take an opportunity to thank you for giving River Phoenix so much respect when talking about his life and death. He was a sweet, gentle soul that the tabloids had a field day with for profit. I think that if the guy from RHCP’s hadn’t had given him that concoction that night we might still be celebrating a larger body of work today. I wonder if he was introduced to that band when he and Flea did “My Own Private Idaho”. I was in the music business for quite a while in LA and always hated the Viper Room. After River passed every time I would pass that place I would think of him. He was a beautiful light, an exquisite beauty and a soft, sweet soul. Not conducive with the vampires and bad influences of hangers on and wannabes in Hollywood. I really do appreciate you honoring him in this way. I started crying halfway through.

[@kelli6687]

Yep, same when I pass the Viper room. It gives seedy, druggie, vampire, vibes. RIP River.

[@neon___am]

This video is so good, and such a warm tribute to a talented soul.

[@cazb5777]

Running On Empty is my favourite River film. I also love My Own Private Idaho. I'll never forget what I was doing when I heard about his death. My sister & I were sitting on my bedroom floor, chatting & laughing, when my mum called out to us to say that she had heard that River had died. We were in complete shock and disbelief at first, then when we checked & realised that he really was gone we could not stop 😭. I still get emotional when I think of River... & every time I see Joaquin I remember the harrowing 911 call that he made that night at the Viper Room as his brother lay dying 🥺🥺🥺.

[@mycatlikescheese8090]

Such a massive loss to Hollywood and the world. He was so incredibly talented and unique. I was a huge fan back then, and it was refreshing to find an actor who was not only good at his job, handsome and extremely intelligent, but who also seemed to have a good heart, strong values and beliefs, and wasn’t afraid to stand up for them. He was a beautiful, sensitive old soul, which is a rare find. I don’t think there’s ever been anyone quite like him, and there probably never will be. For the short time he was here, he made some brilliant movies, good music, and inspired millions of people, including teenage me, to care about the welfare of animals. The way the media portrayed him was sickening, but unsurprising really. His death had a huge impact on my life even though I never met or knew him, he’d been a constant breath of fresh air while growing up in what was a turbulent time in my life. And I felt that loss as a young girl quite significantly. Even now I find it hard to watch his films without being transported back and feel incredible sadness. Just like with the poignant last few lines in the narration to Stand By Me.

[@TheMrEcks]

"run to the rescue with love, and peace will follow"

[@nickmonk7945]

Truth ❤

[@lblack1961]

💓💓

[@paulforder591]

Profound. ❣️

[@arifrost.x]

Can someone explain this quote to me, because it doesn't make sense. If you run towards people rescuing you they are most likely your allies. Why would running to your allies bring peace when it's exactly the opposite? Run to your enemies with love and peace will follow, would make more sense to me. Or does he mean God?

[@TheMrEcks]

@arifrost.x in the quote, you are the one doing the rescuing. You are the one running towards danger with love. It isn't about embracing your rescuers. It suggests that it is in service to others that we can find peace.

[@Dan_Ben_Michael]

Joaquin is the spitting image of their father. I thought it was him at first until I realised it was their dad.

[@pearlhartney9]

Yes! Noticed that too!

[@agustinjones9266]

Yes

[@gendc]

💯

[@SoopahG]

Uncanny!

[@LieDetectorMusic]

Absolutely

[@fiennesgirl9776]

River was a phenomenal actor and the best looking boy in the world! God, I loved him to death! I feel like we got cheated by not seeing what else he would have accomplished in his life. Running On Empty was my all-time favorite! RIP beautiful boy! ❤😢

[@michellelowe7082]

His upbringing and gentleness didn’t prepare him for how Hollywood would change him

[@merricat3025]

He was born into one of the worst cults in the world. I can't think of anything worse than being a child in that cult.

[@YAHsBurntButterfly]

​@@merricat3025please pray for my firstborn who was born into the Reynolds cult (#13 largest in the world). I haven't been allowed to see or speak with my child since 2018. He was baptized by me this year and all he 'll broke loose. Thank you all 💔🙏🏻

[@w.t.1338]

His gentleness didn’t prepare him for his upbringing or Hollywood

[@MaryPetrauskas-z1g]

Something nefarious happened that nite at the viper room😢😢

[@clairebordeaux]

@@MaryPetrauskas-z1g Yes, he was sacrificed.

[@thebigbopper6000]

Heroin destroyed a lot good people in my generation.. Wish more people would have gotten the message from that like I did and never messed with the shit. 🖤

[@Hengry-uw7gi]

@@thebigbopper6000 Phoenix drugs or drink that he acquired from someone were botched .

[@joesphschramm3754]

It's been destroying generations for hundreds of years.

[@joan_of_art4235]

And now youth + has fentanyl...

[@char524]

In school in the ‘80’s, we were taught that you became addicted for life the minute you tried heroine. I wonder what they teach the kids nowadays.

[@IamRaloPib]

​@char524 they need to Be teaching the children to stay away from any and all pills Or drugs because fentanyl is in everything now, and back then In the early 2000s, most people who were taing oxycontin, and at least they knew what was in it, but it was so expensive. People had to turn to the heroin and then they don't know "exactly" what they're getting. And they get a dirty bag and next thing You know, they're dead. It's a d*** shame.

[@Ire308]

River Phoenix's death was shocking, specially since the actor himself always denied ever using drugs or alcohol. He said that it contradicted his "clean" vegan lifestyle. But no matter how healthy was his diet, he was unable to exorcised the demons that troubled his soul. RIP.

[@Factinate]

Shocking indeed. RIP ❤️

[@supramby]

So tired of hearing that vegan is a healthy diet. Not how humans were designed. Period. And the evidence has been mounting for years.

[@EarthyKitchen]

Heart wrenching 💔😔

[@clairebordeaux]

The “demons” were Hollywood executives.

[@lostintexas699]

He was a sacrifice. They do this all the time in hellywood.

[@boop7313]

I'm only 6 years younger than him and had hippy parents too, I related to him and remember all this like it was yesterday. It was such a tragedy, just so bloody sad🥺. I'm a big fan of his brother Joaquin too, who has a loads of sensitivity and talent just like River did. I had no idea they'd been caught up in the children of god for a while..that's truly scary shit especially for kids.😳

[@advlandvideo]

I have never been moved by a celebrity like this. It felt like my childhood had died with him. RIP River.

[@TheFord1612]

Me too, named my son after him 😢

[@laurad324]

Same . I named my son for him. He was born 3 years after. My son was born at home . That first night he was up fussing for hours. I was so tired and put the tv on while I rocked him. We had not yet named him. We had a few names and River was one but weren’t 100 percent . When I put the tv on River Phoenix’s last movie ( at the time as Dark Blood wasn’t released til Years later) came on - The Thing Called Love. I called out to my hubby to tell him and we knew it was a sign of what to name him! River it was!💜

[@laurad324]

@@TheFord1612me too! When was yours born? Mine was born in 96.

[@stevephlyer]

A beautiful tribute to one of the world´s best actors.

[@karenwolsey2283]

As his family so beautifully said, River Phoenix is "a gift for all Eternity." xo ❤💔🌌⭐🌟

[@lillaurap]

More than anything he just seemed so incredibly kind and like he was the best big brother to his siblings. None of them have been the same since his passing.

[@bjs4291]

Such an incredible loss to the world, not only a great talent but a great example of humanity. But fragile up against the struggles of addiction.❤

[@Renee-xo8hk]

Respectfully, I believe you miss the point. He wasn’t an addict. He was given something that was too much for someone who was an occasional user of substances.

[@Giveupyerowlsins]

Loser Depp made a career out of trying to be River

[@ListedMia-sm4xm]

@@Renee-xo8hkflea

[@cindylamm5236]

I was in the driveway in my car in San Francisco when I heard this news. It was so easy to sob those tears as I loved this actor way above any other.

[@Vimge4]

River was my early teens crush. I loved his movies and reading the teens magazine stories about him. I remember thinking he was the most beautiful boy I had ever seen. I couldn't believe when he died. Then, I grew up and never looked much into anything related to him again, so I had no idea about some of the things on this video. Thank you for being so respectful. Seems like he was just as beautiful inside as well. May he rest in peace.

[@shaz4532]

What a talented and compassionate young man!💔❤️

[@SJW-13]

"Fanatic veganism"? I see a very compassionate man who cared about animals.

[@kimaglioti7775]

River was a deeply sensitive soul. ‘Mosquito Coast’ was a brilliant movie. Gotta find it again.

[@TheRanaro]

So well done. Loved River Phoenix.

[@angelicbean7635]

I was his age when he passed . That day was so crushing when he passed. But I understand his pain . He was beautiful ❤

[@VictoriaPL]

Some footage here that I’ve never seen before, thank you!

[@phoenixrising5088]

Scottish 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@RingYourDoorbell]

Oh, my GenX heart. He was my crush growing up. I was so heartbroken when he died.

[@NeverBelieveALie]

Thank you. Tears welling. Whenever I went past the Viper Room I brought sunflowers. Forever River 🌻

[@MaryAnn-ob4qb]

So very sweet of u.

[@annechris2677]

Its stil ll in the US?

[@rosescott5340]

Sunflowers my favorite flower, my dad used to call me that after I was born., al yellow outfit to wear on my way home. Knitted hat that surrounded my face...every time I tell that story of how I got my name from dad, I feel special....his sunflower ....

[@paulforder591]

This is a heartfelt, respectful tribute to a young actor who died too soon from an overdose at 23. The Scottish narrator's voice is articulate and reassuring. Rest Easy, River. 😢🎸

[@clairebordeaux]

Lol, an overdose/accident? No, he, like most celebrities, was sacrificed. Wake up.

[@paulforder591]

​@@clairebordeauxI dtand by my opinion, and I don't believe you! 🙎😤

[@clairebordeaux]

@@paulforder591 You’re entitled to your opinion of course. It’s just not rooted in fact because you evidently are unaware of HOW people become famous/celebrities, and the price of their fame. You probably don’t know they have to take the brotherhood oath to even get their contracts. I guess ignorance is bliss.

[@Cobbmtngirl]

He was such a good guy as far as his activism. His life was tragic. Thanks for sharing his story. ❤

[@trytorememberallthis]

Watch Earthings narrated by Joaquin Phoenix. That's a good way to honor his life and compassion. RIP

[@TheBurntOrange1]

Glad to see a lot of comments complementing the narrator. He truly is the best narrator on the channel.

[@burgundybabyy]

The fact that their parents were never held responsible for the awful upbringing they gave their kids really pisses me off.

[@aprilhdunmoyer]

EXACTLY. 😡

[@burgundyjayde]

And they never press charges on the people that I'm alive River and what a shame because River took care of them and rivers mother's a very mean person she is very rude to Rivers fans and I don't like the Phoenix families are hypocrites at the beginning I like them but I come to find out that they're hypocritical liars

[@Scorpio72350]

They obviously didn’t feel that they were giving their children an awful upbringing, also there was a lot of beauty in how they grew up, it’s not all a horror story. Please have some respect.

[@timmywitty1432]

@@Scorpio72350The cult his family joined is known for having the adults maintain sexually relationships with the children….do some research.

[@beatrixkiddo7083]

⁠@@Scorpio72350try “losing your virginity at 4” and be your family breadwinner since you’re a child and then you can talk about how growing up like that isn’t a horror story

[@richardsemuta1089]

River's drummer plays on the record Elements by Athiest. Apparently he was surrounded by good musicians too. I remember exactly where I was when I heard of his death. R.I.P. River.

[@Yellowrose8]

❤

[@Sarah-b7r3g]

River reminds me of Heath Ledger

[@grl9917]

River killed himself with drugs

[@bettyspag_]

Me too 💕

[@roxannemoser]

I think River was an exponentially more tortured soul than Heath. Also, while Heath was a great actor, River was a phenomenal actor and a great musician in his own right. River and Johnny Depp are more similar, in my opinion. That's just me. I'm not trying to convince or ridicule anyone. It's just a good discussion. Have a good evening.

[@egad6842]

You mean Heath Ledger reminds you of River. River came first.

[@ColdaBlack]

I loved them both. I was shocked to learn of their deaths, and in both cases I can still remember the exact moment. Such great souls, such great losses...

[@roseyk7677]

I was in hospital having my baby boy when River died..... It was truly heartbreaking... Such tragedy and joy within 24hrs. I will always remember his passing. 🙏💔

[@phoebeknyx]

Halloween baby?

[@Yaz-tw4pb]

May he rest in Haeven. What a pure soul he has, a shy sensitive kind hearted angel 💔💔💔

[@marissac870]

Hopefully he s out of purgatory

[@EarthyKitchen]

@@marissac870he’s resting peacefully, the Lord will awake him at the resurrection 🙏

[@clairebordeaux]

@@EarthyKitchen You don’t know if he was even saved.

[@EarthyKitchen]

@@clairebordeaux Neither do you, the Lord meets certain souls at the end of their life such as the thief on the cross…

[@clairebordeaux]

@@EarthyKitchen I agree that the Lord will save anyone who believes on Him, but neither you nor I know if he got saved before he passed or not. Now, I sincerely hope he did get saved…and Phoenix knows if he believed on Christ before he died….But we cannot KNOW. So, we should not assure people that he is in Heaven when we don’t know just to make them feel better. Truth matters.

[@jessicasplans6848]

Such a sweet gentle soul. One thing I have learn from 30 years in nursing, we are sent special gifts with those who are with us for only a brief moment of time, but to teach us/remind us of what’s most important, selfless love, kindness. I hope his sweet soul found the peace he was hoping for, his siblings found peace as the celebrate his memory. So many times I have wished he was still with us, but the world as it is now, it is better this sweet soul is trying to survive his way through along with us.

[@glendalopez9364]

I remember that dreadful night like it happened yesterday… still heartbroken

[@Spiritualillusions1]

I absolutely loved River! When he passed it devastated me. I remember crying for days. His beautiful heart. Dog fight was one of my favorites! I'd watch it over and over... I think I'll watch it now....❤

[@SisterUnity]

an utter heartbreaking tragedy. He was lovely and inspiring for a lot of us then. I felt like we had all been robbed of something we loved.

[@trisha3856]

Holy cow Joaquin is the spitting image of his Dad !! 0:27

[@jennifer-S1971]

Was thinking this!!

[@shawnshawn6070]

Exactly

[@Balissabalissa]

I was literally just saying this to my husband as I was watching this! Exactly!

[@kimbarnett619]

He won’t be forgotten. I rescued a German Shepherd, and I named her River! All these years later and I still can’t forget him.

[@MCS7000]

So? A dog named after him? That's disrespect.

[@bluepolarbear753]

​@@MCS7000how is that disrespectful? I don't find that all disrespectful. I name my cat after him as well.

[@Oceansgreen]

@@MCS7000No it isn’t, dogs are beautiful, loving, faithful companions… more than you can say for a lot of human beings.

[@anncarlin8767]

His parents were horrible degenerates but what is not talked about is one of them was closely related to Garry Marshall. I don't think his mother just happened to get a secretarial job at a studio nor do I think he just happened to get discovered.

[@sandyfishgirl]

The entertainment industry chews people up and spits them out. Sad.

[@VenomousMe]

River Phoenix is one of the most beautiful souls i never met.

[@mis5949]

I share a birthday with River and Kobe. Stand by me is one of the best movies.

[@beccabardot1118]

I've always connected with River. Being from Oregon, the movie Stand by Me was truly an Oregon kids real life. ..

[@vajolet1]

It still breaks my heart in two 💔😭 but thank you so much for your way to tell his story, with respect and no morbid speculations.

[@Willipik]

The world would be a better place if everyone was as sensitive as River. Absolutely heartbreaking. Pray for all the children that go into the performing arts to support their families. 🙏🏽

[@bonnievysotsky6311]

River and his family were part of our music scene in Florida. We all adored his family, they were close and always together. His mom was everybody's mom too. River was quiet, and we felt protective of him due to voyeurs. Artist usually have quirky families. So no judgement here.

[@gabrielleandrew542]

I was slightly sympathetic until I heard about the Children of God cult debacle . Choose it for yourself perhaps . Don’t choose this for little children

[@MCS7000]

Rivers family at one point belonged to a free love cult that had sex in front of young ones.

[@Psi-Ink]

So they were together when River was raped at 4 years of age?

[@KassKat519]

I’m so glad they had this narrator do River Phoenix, because any other narrator would have just been disrespectful 🖤

[@maungl]

Agreed. I probably would have, sadly, skipped watching. This narrator 's voice has a sense of empathy.

[@suitejodi]

He’s absolutely the best on this channel 👍🏼

[@elizabethjones861]

Exactly my thought, 1 second in!

[@trytorememberallthis]

Watch Earthings narrated by Joaquin Phoenix. That's a good way to honor River's life and compassion. RIP

[@anne-vl7qf]

He’s Scottish

[@amyjo18]

I remember this well…..I was 24 years old at that time and loved River Phoenix…..he was so talented and gorgeous! 😍 His death was so heartbreaking.💔😢 RIP River…..never forgotten! 🪽🩵🕊️

[@puglove876]

People just don't get it that these drugs suppress your breathing. What a tragic loss of talent. We make a lot of stupid mistakes before our 25th birthday. Hindsight is the best insight to foresight.

[@strengthandbulkMadness]

True but there are a lot of success stories about people that took drugs for years and still alive.

[@marygoff3332]

​@@strengthandbulkMadnessbut no one ever says "drugs were the best part of my life..."

[@Ddubs1975]

​@@marygoff3332 Hunter Thompson might have disagreed with you there.

[@r-l1214]

I was such a fan. He was one of those actors whose presence in a movie could guarantee that I would go and see that movie. There was so much depth and sensitivity he brought to his roles, especially in the moments where he didn’t have any lines at all. A great talent and a gentle soul gone too soon.

[@12thDecember]

Perhaps River's death from an overdose was ironic, but it certainly did not define him. Shame on the media for trying to portray him as being insincere about his beliefs. He was, and always will be, an extraordinarily compassionate and decent person. So much sadness for what could have been were it not for that tragic night. RIP, River.

[@Seeklip196T]

Yup...how could he be such a vocal advocate for being a "vegetarian" and the veggie lifestyle but poison his body with a huge cocktail of drugs? You would wanna ask him...bro, are you high? He obviously was.

[@erikwigelandiestad2270]

Given what has surfaced and still lurks beneath in Hollywood + society in general, only God knows what “normal” people has endured over the years. Then imagine being River standard on top of all that. ❤

[@TegFark]

You knew him?

[@krisstromgren8268]

Blame rests totally on his irresponsible parents! They should have been imprisoned for what they did to all their children!

[@stephenroldan5107]

Thas the damn media... lies lies lies ,yeah 🎶 🎶 🎶

[@dawn8288]

River Phoenix,Talented,Beautiful Human Being…….Forever Young 💐

[@kateuhler7803]

😢I loved River. Kurt too. He was gone within the same year too. It was crushing💔

[@cathylavender6992]

Such a tragic accident. River, did not mean to OD. May his beautiful soul R.I.P.

[@formerlyfromthefuton8171]

Apparently he didn't mean not to.

[@MaryAnn-ob4qb]

No it didn't seem too.

[@cuffjulie]

Hmm 🤔 Sean Combs was a year older than River.

[@CJ-dg3bm]

No one means to OD. He took crap he had probably not even tried before. It only takes once. What a waste. Sad.

[@bluepolarbear753]

Here a few more things ABOUT Riveer Phoenix did u guys also know why his father pick the Phoenix as a last name its because they rise from the burning ashes and become beautiful. So after the family left the cult that's where his father came up with Phoenix last name and from then on they keeped it. Very Awesome video!!

[@Emily-the_funny_guys]

He was a beautiful man, inside and out. Such a shame it ended so soon.

[@yvonnepagan9912]

What an absolute waste of a brilliant young man’s life! He was a great actor, a hugely popular singer and band member, had lived such a short but tragic life, only to die so tragically at the hands of a “friend’s” offer of fun! Such a sad, sad situation!

[@rustywirestudio556]

I was driving to work when I heard the news. My friend was in the car with me and we were speechless. I lived in L.A. at the time. I had been to The Viper Room only once. It had a cover charge and it was expensive. Prior to it being The Viper Room, it was called Club Dump. I went to Club Dump a few times. It was a bit of a dump even after it became The Viper Room. It was always a music venue. We lost an amazing soul that night and I miss seeing the films I know he would have made. He would have been an amazing, life long actor.

[@JohannaTeresa96]

Beautiful person inside and out. It’s sad the horrors he must’ve gone through as a child growing up literally everywhere. The things he and his siblings must’ve seen and gone through. So sad. Atleast they all stuck together and changed their lives for the better hopefully. Teens and adults still don’t get the danger of mixing different drugs with alcohol etc. so dangerous how one bad trip can cost you your life. Not worth the high. RIP River ❤

[@tammarajackson7240]

He was a beautiful soul. Those of is us from hos generation still miss him and wonder what could have been.

[@jkay8851]

Amazingly well produced and narrated!! 💖

[@NiXiZme]

Joachim recently had a child with Rooney Mara & named him River🥹

[@cz6671]

Rest in peace, River Jude Bottom. May the world never forget about you and your tragic story 🕊️🫶🏻😢

[@kaizen_5091]

He was one of those rare and incredible actors that brought me so much joy watching. So tragic and even more so by what sounds like an accounting of a possible drink being spiked that led to his untimely death.

[@MCS7000]

Depp was not responsible for adult Rivers behavior.

[@donnalee2112]

Rivers' demons were too strong, Rivers couldn't outrun them, or the dealers with pure Bad stuff. Just sad.😢

[@Allison_Chaynes]

No one blamed Depp. They blamed John Frusciante.

[@jaiadixon7918]

Someone spiked his drink so he couldn’t play ,jealous ! It’s not rivers fault he died ,Johnny told everyone not to call the ambulance cos he didn’t want his club raided ,a lot of people need to take accountability ,perfect storm ,Shane he never got justice ,beleive what you want but what’s going on with Hollywood right now should give you the permission you need to open your mind abit to the possibility media and rivals lie

[@123mememe]

You did an excellent job on this. Such a heartbreaking story of a talented boy. I remember his death and as a child I remember the shock wave that it sent through America.

[@maryettamoreno9402]

R.I.P River and we miss you! Love him and he was so young! 💙🙏🏽🥲🥰

[@stephaniedorr1722]

Thank you for the video. At 13 years old, I believed i was "in love" with River Phoenix, like so many others, and watched all of his movies over and over again, even watching the first 15 minutes of Indy Jones and the Last Crusade lol. When hearing about his death, to this day he is the only celebrity who brought me to tears 😢 RIP River 🙏🏻 ❤️

[@powder2575]

I loved him and Samantha Mathis is Thing Called Love

[@HelenL2-b1i]

He was such amazing actor and I'm so sorry what and who did what to him. That was such amazing movie, I Love You To death. I did get to see lots of his movies. R.I.P River Phoenix 🙏🏼🕊️🙏🏼🕊️🙏🏼

[@Angel_Silver]

I remember this night. We hadn’t been to the Viper Room yet, but we were regulars in that area and bought all of our music at the Tower Records. My first husband did backline in Hollywood and we had both been to most of the clubs there. 17:39

[@SPCrusader]

Thank you Jeff, this is so important. Great work 👏 😊

[@katara6227]

❤ thank you, well made.

[@jm6566]

All the people I grew up with know where they were when they heard the news that River Phoenixhad passed. I even remember the black and white photo they used on the news, cause I had the same photo, as a poster in my bedroom. I loved all his films especially Stand by Me, Mosquito Coast, I Love You To Death, Jimmy Reardon and My Own Private Idaho. That generation of actors were so gifted. I'm so grateful I experienced the magic of movies they had then. I always wonder what he'd be like as a 50 something year old. He'll always be young and beautiful.

[@thesummerofsam]

I think blaming John is always harsh. River was an adult and they'd been taking drugs together for days, I doubt he ever meant to kill him.

[@cheriboberry1808]

U don’t “lose ur virginity at 4”! Smh, it’s horrific that River would even think to phrase it that way. Poor thing, that’s so sad.

[@user-do1fq8oy9c]

So i was waiting for his girl to open up and tell us something new. Complete clickbait BS. This channel will get the "do not recommend " button