The Real Story Of John Lee Bottom: Father Of Joaquin & River Phoenix
John Lee Bottom, also known as John Phoenix, is best known for being the father of Joaquin Phoenix, an actor who won an Academy Award for his work, and River Phoenix, an actor and singer who passed away.
Morgan Barrons
Mar 24, 2025
John Lee Bottomwas more than just the father of Hollywood stars River and Joaquin Phoenix-his life journey was one of struggle, faith, reinvention, and tragedy.
From his early days as a carpenter to his involvement in the controversial "Children of God" cult, and later, his family’s rise to fame, John’s story is deeply intertwined with both the triumphs and heartaches of the Phoenix family.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | John Lee Bottom |
| Date of Birth | April 5, 1947 |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Carpenter, Missionary |
| Spouse | Arlyn Phoenix (m. 1969–div. 1997) |
| Children | River Phoenix, Joaquin Phoenix, Rain Phoenix, Summer Phoenix, Liberty Phoenix, Jodean Bottom (from a previous relationship) |
| Cause of Death | Cancer |
| Year of Death | 2015 |
Early Life And Background
Born on April 5, 1947, in Stanley, Kentucky, John Lee Bottom came from a humble background. His parents, Robert Merrill Bottom and Beulah Ingram, raised him in a working-class environment. John later moved to California, where he met the woman who would change the course of his life-Arlyn Phoenix.
Marriage To Arlyn Phoenix And Family Life
John and Arlyn married on September 13, 1969, after meeting in California. Their love story, however, took a dramatic turn when they decided to join the Children of Godreligious group, a controversial movement known for its missionary work but later exposed for disturbing practices.
Their Life In The “Children Of God” Cult
During their time in the cult, John and Arlyn took on biblical names-Amram and Jochebed-and traveled extensively, spreading the group’s teachings across Mexico, South America, and the U.S. They had five children:
- River Phoenix (b. 1970)
- Rain Phoenix (b. 1972)
- Joaquin Phoenix (b. 1974)
- Liberty Phoenix (b. 1976)
- Summer Phoenix (b. 1978)
However, their time in the movement became troubling when they discovered its promotion of inappropriate relationships between adults and minors. River Phoenix later revealed that he had suffered sexual abuse as a child within the cult. This shocking revelation pushed John and Arlyn to cut ties and flee the movement in the late 1970s.
A New Life: The Phoenix Name After The Cult
The Bottom family returned to the U.S., settling in Winter Park, Florida, before legally changing their surname to Phoenix-symbolizing their rebirth from their past struggles.
John worked as a gardener and carpenter to support his family, while his children pursued entertainment careers. River, the eldest, quickly rose to fame as a child actor, and Joaquin followed in his footsteps. Despite their newfound success, financial struggles and emotional scars from their past remained.
John Lee Bottom’s Relationship With His Other Daughter, Jodean
Before meeting Arlyn, John had a daughter, Jodean Bottom, from a previous relationship. For years, Jodean remained unknown to the Phoenix family. It wasn’t until a family friend revealed her existence that River Phoenix took the initiative to find her.
River not only welcomed Jodean into the family but also supported her and her daughter, ensuring they became part of the Phoenix legacy.
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The Tragic Loss Of River Phoenix
One of the most heartbreaking moments in John Lee Bottom’s life was the death of his eldest son, River Phoenix, on October 31, 1993.
River collapsed outside The Viper Room, a nightclub co-owned by Johnny Depp, due to a lethal overdose of heroin and cocaine. He was only 23 years old. Joaquin Phoenix, who was with him that night, made the tragic 911 call, which was later broadcasted publicly, further intensifying the family’s grief.
This devastating loss shook the entire Phoenix family. River’s death left a profound impact on John, who became increasingly reclusive and heartbroken over the years.
Divorce And Later Years
Despite being together for nearly three decades, John and Arlyn divorced in 1997. Arlyn later married Jeffrey Weisberg in 2001, while John lived a quieter life away from the public eye.
John’s Battle With Cancer And Death
In his later years, John struggled with cancer, a battle that lasted several years. He passed away in 2015, surrounded by his family. His children spoke about their love and respect for him, despite the complex and turbulent life they had shared.
Net Worth And Legacy
John Lee Bottom never amassed wealth, as he worked blue-collar jobs throughout his life. However, his children achieved great financial success:
- Joaquin Phoenix- Estimated $50 millionnet worth, with major roles like "Joker" (2019) earning him an Oscar.
- Summer Phoenix- Net worth of $4 millionfrom acting and modeling.
- River Phoenix- Had an estimated $5 millionnet worth at the time of his passing.
While John never lived in luxury, he played a crucial role in shaping the lives of some of Hollywood’s most talented individuals.
The Psychological Impact On The Phoenix Siblings
The turbulent childhood of the Phoenix siblings-marked by cult life, poverty, and their father’s struggles-deeply influenced their worldviews. Joaquin Phoenix has spoken about the complex emotions he feels toward his parents, acknowledging their mistakes but also their love and good intentions.
River’s tragic passing became a painful lesson, pushing Joaquin to distance himself from Hollywood for several years before making his grand return.
Despite their hardships, the Phoenix family remains close, supporting each other through the challenges that fame and life bring.
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FAQs About John Lee Bottom
Who Was John Lee Bottom?
John Lee Bottom was the father of actors River and Joaquin Phoenix. He worked as a carpenter and gardener and was once involved in the Children of God cult before leaving to rebuild his family’s life.
Why Did The Phoenix Family Leave The "Children Of God" Cult?
They left after discovering the cult’s disturbing practices, including the promotion of inappropriate relationships between adults and minors. This decision changed the course of their lives, leading them to start anew in the U.S.
How Did John Lee Bottom’s Past Affect His Children?
His decisions, particularly joining the cult and struggling with finances, deeply impacted his children. River and Joaquin have spoken about the emotional scars left by their early years, but they have also credited their parents for instilling a strong sense of resilience.
What Was The Cause Of John Lee Bottom’s Death?
John Lee Bottom passed away in 2015 after a battle with cancer.
What Is The Legacy Of John Lee Bottom?
While John’s life was filled with struggles, his children have carried forward a legacy of artistic excellence. Joaquin Phoenix, in particular, has become one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors, winning an Academy Award for his role in "Joker" (2019).
Final Words
John Lee Bottom’s life was a story of resilience, transformation, and tragedy. While he made decisions that led to hardship, he also fathered a family that rose from those struggles to achieve greatness and influence.
His journey reminds us that behind Hollywood’s brightest stars often lies a past filled with complexity, sacrifice, and pain. Though John is no longer here, his legacy lives on through his children, who continue to leave an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
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