Joaquin Phoenix is arguably one of the most important figures in film. Starring in movies like Her and Walk The Line (and working as a producer on dozens more), Phoenix has earned himself a Grammy and a Golden Globe. Still, acting is not what he values most. One element of his lifestyle may surprise you.
Phoenix is an adamant vegan. He has been extremely active in philanthropy involving animal rights and he takes his lifestyle very seriously. He is even set to star in an upcoming documentary about veganism with Rooney Mara called, Dominion. And while some have hopped on the veganism train as if it were a fad diet, Phoenix has some noble reasoning behind his decision.
Starting Young
While most who choose veganism are between the ages of 16 and 34, Phoenix knew since the mere age of three and he carried the practices with his siblings throughout his childhood. He can recall the exact moment that he realized he wanted to stop eating meat and shift to a vegan lifestyle— and the scenario is as heartbreaking as it was life-changing.
Vegan Campaign
Joaquin Phoenix has promoted an 'uncompromising vegan message' by supporting the launch of a major new campaign.
Animal justice organization BeFairBeVegan created the new campaign which will be broadcast for eight weeks throughout Toronto and includes a broad range of media, including a Flexity streetcar wrap, 20 bus murals, and 10 transit shelter posters.
Phoenix appeared at St George Transit Station, a key transit hub that sees high foot traffic, just hours before receiving the Tribute Actor Award at the city's film festival yesterday.
Vegan Joker
To the joy of DC fans around the world, it was announced that there will be a movie surrounding the Joker with Joaquin Phoenix as the lead- who he really is and how he came to be which appears to be very similar to the Venom movie featuring Tom Hardy which came out last year.
The vegan star’s new role was honored by street art and clothing brand, The Vegan Club, which created a print of Phoenix in his joker makeup earlier this month.
Specism
Joaquin Phoenix features on a new giant billboard campaign in Times Square, New York which promotes veganism and condemns speciesism.
The vegan actor is pictured in a striking image from PETA beside a chicken, with the ad declaring “We Are All Animals”.
The billboard urges passers-by to “live vegan” and help “end speciesism”, which PETA defines as ‘the damaging belief that – despite their extraordinary talents, abilities, and intelligence – all other animal species are inferior to humans’.
“When we look at the world through another animal’s eyes, we have to realize that, inside, we’re all the same – and so we all deserve to live free from suffering,” says Phoenix in a statement sent to Totally Vegan Buzz.