OlderJoaquin Phoenix’s Letterman Appearance — HUH?!
Joaquin Phoenix dropped by The Late Show With David Letterman on Thursday to promote his latest movie, Two Lovers.
The 34-year-old actor keeps his head down during most of the interview and doesn’t get very chatty. He even forgets his costar’s name — Gwyneth Paltrow!
In between the many awkward silences, Dave pokes fun at Joaquin’s new look, asking, “What can you tell us about your days with the Unabomber?”
Joaquin does confirm he quit acting to pursue music. However, the audience does burst into laughter when he says he’s recording “more hip-hop music.”
Dave indirectly tells Joaquin it’s rude to chew gum during an interview. Joaquin then takes the gum out of his mouth and sticks it underneath Dave’s desk!!! Dave ends the interview, saying, “Joaquin, I’m sorry you couldn’t be here tonight.”
Watch the must-see interview below. Two Lovers opens in theaters TOMORROW!
Joaquin Phoenix’s Letterman Appearance
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Totally fake.
He is the best comedian. I love that he doesnt give in although everyone says its fake. I wonder how long he will be able to keep it going. and a backstage report of letterman would be great…
He’s a FREAKSHOW!!!!!
Fake fake fake. Dave can’t act to save his life.
Dave is a wonderful host! He is so good about taking anything the guests throw at him and making the audience laugh.
Crikey that was painful to watch. Joaquin clearly doesn’t want to be there but was probably pushed to do some press by the film studio. Please be kind to him as I really think the guy is fighting with some inner demons. Let’s just hope he doesn’t end up like his brother Phoenix.
I definitely feel like Dave must have been on to this or maybe he had been warned, because he handled Joaquin very well. And to be honest, if Joaquin was this fucked up, would his handlers really let him appear on the show? Afterall, he never did press for the movie up to this point.
The audience is SO stupid.
His appearance def had and Andy Kaufman vibe….and yet, very disturbing, ’cause what if the dude is in need of an intervention and we’re all just laughing away at his schick. Very uncomfortable position he’s put us in…….wtf??????
Screw him..Im not watching his lame ass movie if he cant have the decency to act sane during an interview to promote it. I dont care if its fake or an act..it is still LAME-O!
Whatever it is has backfired. I think he’s totally alienated his fans and his movie will tank.
What is Joaquin on? And where can I get some? :P
it’s real.
I’m sorry but I don’t find him at all very cute going on a show and being all fu*#ed up or whatever you call it. I see another Amy W. in the making, someone better straighten him out. And no I don’t think he was putting on a show, I find it very sad.
HILARIOUS, folks!!
Looking like GRIZZLY ADAMS goes better every day.
I think Joaquin is having some kind of breakdown. I also think that in the past, he has used controlled substances illegally, and he used to drink…a lot. Don’t know if he still does or if he is zoned out on pills. But he is not well, this is not a joke or a fake out. He needs to be put in some kind of hospital. If this was a total joke David Letterman would not have been as kind and gentle as he was. I almost cried when Letterman said it would be ashame if he quit acting. Dave was really trying to work with him last night. By heart breaks for Joaquin. I read something that he was right there hold his brother River, when River died on the sidewalk long time ago. He was also a very close good friend of Heath Ledger. People say Heath dying triggered some setback and Jaoquin has been unraveling a little at a time ever since.Right now, Heath is getting major attention because of all the awards. I think Joaquin is reminded of terrible memories from his brother and from Heath.
I don’t get anyone thinking that was hilarious. That was pathetic. In my mind I’d say Jaoquin needs some prayers. Something is terribly wrong.
What the hell has happened to him?!
didn’t that entire family start by living on the streets in hollywood and making kids perform for money?
anyway if it is a hoax on jaoquin’s side, he needs to find a more useful way to get attention. acting like a drug addict on letterman isn’t productive.
I don’t think Joaquin was joking. I thing he is very bad.
hahaha omg i was watching this yesterday
my guess is that he’s on drugs
i watched the interview last night. i didn’t think he took the laughing at him part too well. seemed he couldn’t wait to get out. it was awkward to say the least.
This is making me more uncomfortable by the minute.
I think Joaquin is definitely acting here ! He’s a good talented complexe guy, and I bet he’s on to something, like a kind of performance, and that’s huge ! Wondering where this is going….but I trust the man !!
He’s either acting like he’s mentally ill, or he is mentally ill. Neither is funny, and it’s a shame because he’s such a gifted actor.
Hilarious, very obvious this was just an act. And Letterman is simply the best, love him. I wish Joaquin would do more movies, he is an amazing actor.
LOL HE’S CRAZY AS SH * IT!!
I read somewhere that this is all part of a “movie” he is doing with Casey Affleck and that he is just playing a character which by coincidence goes through some sort of breakdown
That was hilarious, I LOVE DAVID LETTERMAN!
zzzzzz—what person have you ever met who makes a living off acting is “normal”? in hollywood there are only many states of abnormal and drug use is considered “normal”. so if anything is impeding his “talent” its himself imo.
if this is for real, this guy is digging his own grave, what a stupid **** to let go something the whole world wants… he has talent too, acting talent, what a waste of it!!! sad all around
great clip! :)
I am extremely irritated on the audience. Laughing all the time, though they don’t know if this is fake or not. Do they think mental illness is fun?? Disturbing!
“Tell us about your days with the uni-bomber.”
LOL!!! I love Letterman.
I’m hoping that his appearance and personality is all for a movie role…like he’s staying in character or researching or something.
I think he’s very interesting and David was pretty rude
#36: I agree with you, that was really very petty and trivial of Dave to use his audience against the guy just because he has a beard and is reticent. Some people, often the best actors, are like that. It was like Dave didn’t know whether to insult or compliment………..and the audience was irritatingly stupid.
Whatever it was, I felt embarrassed for him! If he doesn’t want to be a sex symbol, fine, then don’t go into public where the photogs will be. No one will take him seriously looking like bum.
elanenergy. Definitely. Remember when Andy Kaufman was on and they just kept looking at each other and not talking much? This is it…
Or, as Anon said.
It could be that he’s sick of Hollywood, maybe on drugs or something. If that’s the case then he needs to go to detox PRONTO.
We’ll never know, hopefully, not too late…
This is a comedy show, Phoenix should have gone on Charlie Rose. Talking to a clown gets you a pie in the face and a laugh track. Letterman needs to get out of the celebrity bubble and wake up to reality.
His interviews are always uncomfortable to watch. I think this one is fake, though I am surprised he managed to get through it considering how nervous he usually is during them. I was a big fan, but he is an a$$hole. He is ******** over everyone associated with Two Lovers for his stupid vanity project. I don’t think I will ever have respect for him again.
It’s painful to watch that interview….I have compassion for him but instead of throwing away his acting talent and entering into hip-hop or rap music he and those who have followed his career would have been better served had he gone into a permanent addiction healing program. Although he’s a great actor, this is not an act but under the influence of something. So sad, Joaquin, love your extraordinary acting….please get help.
The Academy unfairly gave the Oscar to another when he deserved it for his portrayal of Johnny Cash in “Walk the Line”. He should have received the best male actor award when Reese won the best actress award that year. Johnny Depp finally discovered a way to balance his own eccentricity with acting and playing the game in Hollywood (as necessary to be acknowledged for his work) however Joaquin Phoenix never learned to do so and, unfortunately, threw-in the towel and it would appear is on the road towards self-sabotage.
“Please Joaquin, I know you said you are getting out but people who have invested a lot of money will tell you that you are contractually obligated to promote the film!”
“You want some promotion? I’ll give you some promotion! “
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: I can’t wait to see his hip hop act.
Its totally a stunt. He’s playing a character. No matter what situation you’re in (in his case, the film industry), the absurdity of it all makes some people need to shake things up a bit. Its probably more amusing for him than for us to watch. And I’m sure the fact that we (the world) watches makes it all the more interesting and worthwhile for him. Maybe in the end we’ll get a nice (although trite) art house documentary from Joaquin and Casey Affleck on the spectacle of celebrity. And if they do, then, Joaquin nothing is more interesting than the real thing. You’re a part of it, we’re a part of it. So you do you and we’ll keep watching.
Stunt or no stunt. It wasn’t funny in the least bit. Sad all the way around. If he doesn’t like the business fine then get the h*ll out. There are hundreds more willing to take his place.
Documentary my *ss! Does he think anybody gives a rat’s *ss if he pretends to do a unab*mber stunt? Doesn’t he have anything more productive up his sleeve?
I think Casey Affleck is disgusting for enabling this guy’s bizarre antics when he clearly needs some help. Sooo not funny.
Yanking your chain and laughing inside. There are NO more good movies to make.
#24 I agree with you, yes he’s had a history of drug abuse in the past but I think he’s a brilliant actor and that is exactly what he’s doing here. I think it was hillarious and awkward which is what he intended, he and Casey Affleck are messing with the public.
If this man was having a serious mental breakdown or a serious drug problem do you think Casey would be following him around with a camera?? Casey is a good guy and would never jeopardize his own career, plus I highly doubt he would be treating his wife’s brother this way given the tragedy of River’s death. So take it easy people because this may all be a joke rather than a public meltdown lol..
I’m starting to think he’s making fun of Justin Bobby off The Hills.
I doubt he’s mental (at least any more mental than most people). He’s probably bored and fed up. I never watched the video of him rapping (big eyeroll). This is the first time I’ve ssen him in this character. Like I said, probably more fun and interesting for him. And if that’s the case, like Lollipop said, he should get out. No sense in staying in Hollywood if your over it. But maybe its too tempting to resist no matter how much he doesn’t like it or mocks it.
I can’t understand how Joaquin got like this….all homeless looking. And I’m sorry, but him doing hip hop music must be a joke. How can he go from an award nominating actor to this??? Clearly he must have been on drugs when he had a “wake up call.”
Joaquin just was NOT going to take dave’s ****
That was hilarious. He’s totally smiling behind the beard. He’s such a weird guy but a very intense actor. He should definitely try the comedy films when he gets poor. I can’t wait to see Casey Affleck’s documentery.
definitely a joke !! he almost laughed a few times. Imagine kissing that fur ball, Hope he’s single at the mo !! Shave Joaquin don’t hide that lovely face !!
If this guy is doing an act, it will backfire.
Losers, he’s filming a documentary. It was revealed a few weeks ago. Inside sources confirmed that he was going to quit acting, do hip-hop, and act all crazy in public. THAT is what they are filming for his doc. It’s a fcuking HOAX. It’s all an act. How can anyone believe this when people in the biz said this would happen and a couple months later IT HAPPENS? Gimme a break ppl, don’t be fooled. I think it’s cool and very intersting and funny, I just don’t want ppl actually thinking this is REAL.
Joquin has some serious personality and mental problems. I doubt he was acting. He’s a nut and acts like he’s never spoken to anyone on a social level before. Weirdo.
He looks horrible!!
Loved the interview! The only think I don’t like is Joaquin’s appearance! Seriously, why is it so impossible to make himself look nice? I mean come on, is it so hard for him to get a hair cut and shave. Especially the shaving part. I’m all for having a beard. I actually like to have the 3-4 day scruff on my face, but the way he has his beard is just terrible. Seriously man, shave once in awhile!
I really don’t think this is a joke either, it’s terribly sad. Joaquins a pretty weird dude and it’s obvious that he’s got issues.
The clip is funny though. Kinda like watching huge car wrecks or kids just eating pavement on a skateboard, you know you shouldn’t laugh at it but it’s the only natural response.
I’m worried about him. He’s always brought out my maternal instincts and never more so than now. He needs compassion and protection and LOTS of therapy. Seems like he’s heading for a breakdown. Maybe the memories of his brother’s death are haunting him.
OMG!! it is scary, i don’t know if Joaquin is acting but it seems like he makes a depression!
I saw this last night. It was probably the funniest thing I have ever seen on letterman. The best part is Paul Schaffer’s laugh when Letterman asks Pheonix to tell the audience about the video clip of his movie.
Come on?This can´t be for real!!! It MUST be fake,because Joaquin ***** on Hollywood .You no what´s really fake,the **** Letterman is saying about all the stupid actresses: “Ohh,*** is awesome”.There all awesome even if they have no brain!!!****!!
.Joaquin is FUN!!!!!!!
pretty sad really, maybe he’s just had enough of the pretensious hollywood bs? It seems he does have problems, I felt quite sorry for him really, especially the way everyone was laughing at him the guy needs help it seems
Wow! Dave Letterman was fantastic in handling the zone-out Joaquim Phoenix.
Phoenix seems to be on some medication? I don’t know what it is? He is definitely on another planet.
What I dislike is that these actors have made it, and then feel all sorry for themselves…pure self-indugent, ‘me me me’ nonsense.
I will not be surprised if he goes the way of hia brother…look at the man for god’s sakes!!!!!!!!
stoned.
How bizzaro, he looks like a recluse, a shut-in! Honestly Joaquin wtf? I laughed the whole time! Dave and even his little sidekick with the glasses turned it into a funny interview (if you could even call it that). If I am not mistaken, did Joaquin burp? Shtick or not it was the funniest interview, hands down. I heard him say in past interviews that he likes to play jokes on the press and mess with them because he gets so bored. I think because he is now out of the acting game he thinks it’s appropriate to act like he doesn’t care about the film. It will be interesting to see him do other press interviews. He was such eye candy up until now. I hope he gets rid of that Wolf Man Jack look soon!
I think Joaquin is trying to make a point with this character. Maybe he is joking with the Medias, and of those who makes easily assumptions and make great headlines about those same assumptions.
He is a smart intelligent man. He can’t just have changed like that from day to night.
And, I think David wouldn’t laugh so easily of Joaquin words and attitude if, they were sign or consequence of a distressing real life situation.
One day, we’ll find out what is the true side of this story.
I dont think that this was fake in any way - I do however think that Jaoquin needs to get some help before he does a complete downward spiral. He is one hell of an actor, and a lot of actors have been known to have some kind of break down - I think this is his and I hope someone helps him before its too late.
Real or fake, I don’t know. I don’t know the guy.
If it is real, why does everyone want to say he’s on drugs? He never really seemed all that comfortable doing the press part of things, so maybe now that he’s removed himself from the film business he’s even more nervous than usual.
What I didn’t get was why he didn’t just get up and walk off?? Dave and the audience basically spent the entire time laughing at him. I felt bad for him and kept waiting for him to just get up and go.
not sure if this is real or not. yes, i laughed but now i feel uncomfortable. he may be in pain. i dunno. it’s weird. and tragic because he is soooo talented.
I love him - he’s a great actor. I hope he’s okay.
Letterman is an idiot, i’d take Phoenix anytime than Letterman.
I agree with lola. Was this a hoax? It seemed ridiculously cruel for DL to sit there and make blatant fun of JP while the audience laughed. JP seems like such a gentle, shy person, the kind who wouldn’t hurt a fly. If he was high on something, why would they let him go on the set?
If he is having emotional problems, why would DL pick on him that way? Is laughing at the mentally ill the new American sport?
It was not funny to me AT ALL…it made me very uncomfortable.
Love and best wishes to Joaquin Phoenix…he’s a sweetheart.
Letterman was hilarious!!
Why would any actor in his right mind act like this while trying to promote his career? He’s obviously not in his right mind and is mentally ill. I really pray he gets help.
I thought I noticed him pulling his dark glasses down for a second when he shook hands with Dave at the end. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gave Dave a wink before he left. I think this is a stunt.
If this is a stunt, it’s not funny because he’s making a lot of people feel genuine concern and worry for him!
I agree with 70/74 and felt bad for him as well. It was just sad and Dave wouldn’t stop.
Even if it is a joke, it’s not funny. Mental illness is a very serious thing and affects our society in a profound way, and making a joke out of it like this is disgusting.
I used to like Joaquin (I loved his performance in Walk The Line, it’s what got me into Johnny Cash), but I have lost all respect for him now.
ahhhhhhh nooooo seriously this guy needs help he has gone off the dangerous deep end(like other nameless members of his family previously have…and not with desired results) but honestly someone get this guy counseling or check him into a rehab center or something, anything. geezz this interview scares me. He is a tremendously talented actor, please do not get me wrong, Walk the Line is one of the best movies in HISTORY, ever made, and he sooooo soooo sooooo deserved not only his Oscar nomination in 2006 for that movie, but he most definitely also deserved to win for his AMAZING portrayal of Johnny Cash, unfortunately it was not his year, let’s put it that way, because Philip Seymour Hoffman had to take that away from him, really ashame because although Philip is a great actor also, he always wins and takes it away from others to the point where it gets annoying and tiresome after awhile. Reese picked up all her awards for Walk the Line, so why shouldn’t Joaquin have also? His performance was utterly outstanding.(and so was Reese Witherspoon’s of course, the entire movie ROCKSSS, see it if you havent already, and i apologize for going on this pro-Walk the Line tangent which is way off topic from where i started this post at!!) back to what i was originally saying: Everyone, please do not (whatever you do) diss Joaquin in any way whatsoever, he is awesome, talented, and an amazing person. Though, i admit he can be very odd, bizzare, and freaky,insane, and intense/extreme(he really gets “into” his roles, which only makes him a better actor, but also makes him that much more intense sometimes, since he usually plays “intense” roles in movies) he seems like he needs help right now, this is a serious issue, i am not joking around here. This is not a normal interview, this is one of the most awkward and pointless interviews I have seen in a while/long time, or even ever. I don’t have anything else to say, he needs help and assistance with his issues not criticism and this is soo ridiculous. He can sing and he is a good musician, but come on, really, a career in hip-hop/rap music at this time in his life has got to be a complete joke, but i know its not a joke which totally confuses me. why is he doing this? he is only ruining his life, he is such a great actor!!! (Watch Parenthood (1980’s movie with Steve Martin, one of Joaquin’s first movie appearances, he was a young teen and is INCREDIBLE in it, and it is a fantastic movie)he seems sooo drunk/high in this interview. why does he like not talk at all and avoid fully answering almost every question posed to him by Letterman? and why is he unable to laugh at any of David’s jokes? something is up with this man. great man, but an odd one lets simply leave it at that for now. lol damn this is endless haha
All I have to say is very bizare
Wow everyone needs to take a chill pill. While Joaquin is no Andy Kauffman, he sitll doing an excellent job of highlighting the absurdity of celebrity adoration, and the public and celebrity news sites are eating it up with a spoon. It’s been well established that he and Casey Affleck are making a documentary to show they can get the media to believe anything they want. They purposely kept Letterman out of the loop to keep the interview as genuine as possible. The audience was laughing because they actually have a sense of humour unlike most people here it seems.
he was coked off his ass, no secret he digs the white powder
yea i agree with someone who said they think he is having some sort of breakdown, i feel sorry for him, i reckon he’s making a big cry out to people, he’s gotten really weird and he seems to really need to be with down to earth people….i herd he has a crazy paving background and sounds like he needs a rest not just from acting but the whole scene…….even though he kept going he must have felt really embarrased… david L made a joke i think he went too far…and it was pretty uncomfortable watching…. ps he should cut his hair, whats the point of hiding his face its pretty attractive when its fuzz free……
cringeworthy!!!
I think that this may be an act. Notice how he almost breaks into a smile when Dave is messing with him and at the end how he shakes his hand and takes off his glasses quickly to acknowledge him at the end of the interview when he wore them during the entire time. His body language during the interview is so reserved and annoyed, but right after it is finished it is like he clicks out of character to be real with Dave.
Not sure that its real folks.
just please dont say thats hilarious. what david and the audience did was really not cool. they should have left this guy alone, he doesnt look like he wants to be in a public eye. especially totally laughed at. it must have hurt when the whole audience was laughing at his dreams or whatever hes doing and enjoying. people really should shut up sometimes. so should letterman.
it s sad the way they make fun of him, he must feel so misunderstood . He is just different, uncomfortable with success and with all this fakeness. You go Joachin, be yourself man, high or not, talkative or mute, you stand out there. Bless you Bro.
I agree with you lavagirl #6.
That was painful to watch.
I love you Joaquin. What’s going on with you man?
That’s not funny.
looks to me like his just trying to be like bob dylan, check out some of his interviews
he is not misunderstood or something-!
this is totaly fake,, a project with casey^^
and i’m sure he said this to letterman at the end
you people need to lighten up a bit…look at his career as an actor, this is nothing out of the ordinary for him. he is an extremely talented and eccentric person and i’m sure there is some purpose behind it, even if he is just trying to be funny by his own measure. whoever was talking about alienating his fans needs to pull the stick out.
This was a joke. Several times you could see JP hold back from laughing. And at the end of the clip, when they shake hands they whisper something to each other. Dave was definitely in on it. It was very funny! JP was very funny. He couldn’t remember Gweneth Paltrow’s name–but the moment Dave forgot to mention the other actress, JP said it–he wasn’t out of it at all.
THIS IS HILARIOUS! JAJAJAJA DAVID LETTERMAN YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!
His fans won’t be alienated — I’m not.
And Dave was quite insulting if the guy is having a breakdown. Notice the difference in Dave before the commercial and afterward. He might have known something was up but was gentle before and laughing at it much more afterward. Dave handled it great.
Joaquin hates doing press and being famous, so I think this is a whole schtick on that and what it does to people. But then again, he could be having a breakdown as Walk the Line brought up a lot of family emotions for him and he does have the family disease of substance abuse.
Either way, Andy Kaufman made people uncomfortable and question what was funny and what wasn’t, and was more a performance artist. I think that’s what Joaquin is trying to do here. If you are disturbed or put off, that’s what he’s wanting you to feel and question about yourself — why do you feel that way, and what role have you played in celebrities’ fame?
Love you Joaquin <3 you are my teddybear !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
he was dumb on the show.
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