Joaquin Phoenix, who initially went by the name Leaf Phoenix, had no idea that performing on the streets for a few pennies would eventually lead to a successful Hollywood career. Raised in a financially unstable household, Phoenix and his siblings took to singing and dancing to help support their family. However, his talent was soon noticed by a Hollywood children's agent, which opened doors for him in the entertainment industry. The rest, as they say, is history. Phoenix gradually honed his acting skills through various roles after making his debut in 1986. His breakthrough came with the historical epic Gladiator (2000), where his portrayal of the ruthless Emperor Commodus earned him widespread acclaim. He solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s top actors with critically acclaimed performances in films such as Ladder 49, Walk the Line, The Master, Her, and later Joker, which won him an Academy Award for Best Actor in 2020. Beyond acting, Phoenix is a dedicated activist and humanitarian, actively supporting various social and environmental causes.