Who was Joaquin Phoenix’s father John Lee Bottom? Learn More About The Phoenix Family

Who was Joaquin Phoenix’s father John Lee Bottom? Learn More About The Phoenix Family
Source: Thrill NG
  • John Lee Bottom was a celebrity father
  • He was renowned as the father of well-known actors River Phoenix, Joaquin Phoenix, Rain Phoenix, and Summer Phoenix

John Lee Bottom, also known as John Phoenix, came into the limelight of the media as a celebrity father.

He was the father of renowned actors River Phoenix,  Joaquin Phoenix, Rain Phoenix, and Summer Phoenix.

Although John Phoenix is no longer alive among us many are curious to know more about him who fathered such talented and exceptional artists.

John Lee Bottom didn’t come from an acting background

John Lee Bottom was a normal family man who however managed to raise his children, going through hardships.

He was reportedly a carpenter. John was born and raised in a poor neighborhood in Fontana, California, United States. Talking about his academic qualifications, he dropped out after completing his high school education.

While growing up, he faced financial struggles as he was born into a middle-class family.

John Lee Bottom was the father of well-known actors River Phoenix, Joaquin Phoenix, Rain Phoenix
John Lee Bottom was the father of well-known actors River Phoenix, Joaquin Phoenix, Rain Phoenix, and Summer Phoenix (Source: Ranker)

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Besides, he was involved in various social and political causes as he worked as an advocate for civil rights, environmentalism, and peace activism.

Throughout his life, he participated in numerous protests and rallies including the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. In 1963, he even witnessed Martin Luther King Jr.‘s famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

John Lee Bottom was a follower of ‘The Children of God’

John was devoted to a religious group called The Children of God. In 1973, he and his wife Jochebeb joined the religion.

They worked as a missionary of the group traveling over the country throughout Mexico, South America, and more.

Further, John held the position of Archbishop. He and his wife also changed their name to Amram and Arlyn. The couple was also a former fruit gatherer who connected with the group.

Later on, the family quit the religion in the year 1977 and eventually officially changed their surname to Phoenix.

John Lee Bottom was devoted to a religious group called The Children of God
John Lee Bottom was devoted to a religious group called The Children of God (Source: marthaclarke.com)

Who was John Lee Bottom’s children’s mother?

John was married to a social activist Arlyn Sharon Phoenix. The two first met in California after Arlyn left New York in 1968. Shortly after they started dating and tied the knot on September 13, 1969.

The former couple had five children together River Phoenix, Rain Phoenix, Joaquin Phoenix, Liberty Phoenix, and Summer Phoenix.

As we all know River, Joaquin, and Summer are popular American actors. They all have starred in big Hollywood movies.

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River is their first child. He passed away in 1993 due to a drug overdose. All the other children of John are still alive.

In 1997, John and Arlyn got divorced. However, the cause of their divorce hasn’t yet been disclosed.

Prior to Arlyn, John had an affair with another girl, whose identity is still under the wrap. The two had a child named Jodean Bottom.

John Lee Bottom died in 2015 at the age of 68 following a long battle with cancer
John Lee Bottom died in 2015 at the age of 68 following a long battle with cancer (Source: Grazia Daily)

At which age did John Lee Bottom and how?

On April 5, 1947, John was born to Robert Merril Bottom and Beulah Ernestine Ingram. He hailed from Stanislaus County, California, in the United States.

Talking about his nationality, he was of American citizenship. John passed away at an early age following a long battle with cancer. He died in the year 2015 at the age of 68.

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