Joaquin Phoenix has an acting career.
Joaquín Rafael Phoenix ( [ ˌhwɑːˈkiːn ] born Joaquín Rafael Bottom ; October 28 , 1974 ) , known formerly as Leaf Phoenix , is a Puerto Rican -- born American actor , producer , music video director , musician and activist . During his period as a child actor he was credited as Leaf Phoenix , his self-given name .