Phoenix Might Be Losing His Mind: Shrink

increasingly bizarre behavior churns rumor mills

(NEWSER) - The case of Joaquin Phoenix gets curiouser and curiouser following the actor' shambolic appearance on the David Letterman show. The odd tics and nodding-off behavior that drew Letterman's scathing wrath are typical of a heroin user, Gawker points out. But many speculate that it's all a Borat-like hoax act by the thespian who insists he has sworn off acting for a laughable rap career. Complicating the issue is Casey Aflleck's documentary (mockumentary?) on the actor's career "transition." More»

Ex-actor awkward, embarrassing on show

(NEWSER) - A nearly comatose Joaquin Phoenix appeared on The Late Show last night, and his vacant stares and one-word answers forced David Letterman to resort to openly mocking him, Gawker reports. Phoenix—who may or may not be engaging in an elaborate publicity stunt—at one point stuck his gum underneath Letterman’s table. The host ended the interview with, “Joaquin, I’m sorry you couldn’t be here tonight.” More»

Actor-turned-rapper says he has made his last film

(NEWSER) - Actor Joaquin Phoenix insists he really has quit Hollywood for hip-hop, AP reports. He’s made his last movie and is busy recording rap tracks in his home studio, said the star. Rumors that the career change was actually an elaborate practical joke swirled after video emerged of Phoenix rapping almost inaudibly and falling off a stage in a Vegas club. More»

(NEWSER) - Joaquin Phoenix really is a struggling rap artist, a rep tells MTV. “The transition from one career to another is never seamless,” the actor’s publicist says. “He intends on exploring his musical interests despite speculative, negative, or positive reactions.” The statement is in direct contrast to rumors that Phoenix and brother-in-law Casey Affleck are staging the meltdown as an elaborate media hoax. More»

Phoenix' rap career might just be a show

(NEWSER) - Joaquin Phoenix's transformation from Oscar-nominated actor to bumbling rapper may be a prank meant to satirize media coverage of pompous actors, Entertainment Weekly reports. “He said, ‘It's a put-on. I'm going to pretend to have a meltdown and change careers, and Casey [Affleck] is going to film it,’” a source close to the actor said. More»