River Phoenix photographed in Los Angeles in 1988.Photo: George Rose/Getty
River Phoenix’s mother and sister are honoring him 30 years after his death.
Arlyn “Heart” Phoenix shared aphotoof her late son, who died of a drug overdose on Oct. 31, 1993, on Instagram on Tuesday, along with a heartfelt message about his caring nature.
“Today marks 30 years that have come and gone since River passed away at the age of 23,” Heart, 78, wrote. “From the first song he ever wrote at five years old seeing a kid being bullied … He was a voice for the voiceless and had the courage to use his celebrity to make a difference."
Heart also shared the lyrics to 5-year-old River’s song: “Why do people fight, Why do people cheat, Why do people destroy the love in our world? I want to give my life for them, I know it won’t be easy my friend. If I could show them God’s, they will receive joy and peace from above”
Outdoor headshot portrait of River Phoenix, 1991.Nancy R. Schiff/Getty
Nancy R. Schiff/Getty
“Whether it was for human rights, animal rights, women’s rights, racial justice, environmentalism or any wrong that needed to be righted, he was there,” she continued before going on to quote her daughter. “Rain said it so eloquently… ’River was not about telling people how to live their lives, he was about doing his part and encouraging others through his example, through his art. It’s just who he was as a person, his generosity, his spirit, his compassion.’ ”
River’s sister,Rain Phoenix, also honored her brother’s caring nature with avideo tributeand message on Instagram.
“Hi, this is Rain, and I wanted to honor and celebrate the life of my brother River Phoenix who passed away 30 years ago today,” Rain, 50, said in the clip. “He cared so deeply about the planet, the animals and all people.”
“He really believed that one person can make a difference,” she added, before ending the video with a quote from the late actor: “It’s the smaller things that make the bigger things seem so much more rewarding. We’re all in this together. We can all do our part.”
“30 years 🕊️🙏🏼Celebrating River’s life today 🙏🏼🕊️,” she wrote in the caption.
Rain, who formed and performed in a band called Aleka’s Attic with River, also honored her late brother through art.
In her video tribute, she highlighted fan-made drawings and paintings of theMy Own Private Idahoactor, and shared more details about them in the caption.
“Sincerest gratitude to River’s fans! #givers4river,” she wrote. “And to the amazing artists who created these images of River, thank you.”
Like River’s mom, Raina also ended her tribute with a broader message about peace.
“LOVE is more powerful than hate. We can all do our part,” she wrote. “More love. Less hate. Peace. Peace. PEACE. xxx Rain.”
Summer Phoenix (left), Arlyn Phoenix, Rain Phoenix, Joaquin Phoenix, John Lee Phoenix, Liberty Phoenix and River Phoenix photographed in Los Angeles, 1983.Dianna Whitley/Getty
Dianna Whitley/Getty
River and Rain have three more siblings, Liberty,Summerand actorJoaquin Phoenix.
Joaquin, 49, namedhis first child, sonRiver, after his late brother, who also made his mark on the world largely through acting, starring in beloved films likeStand By Me,Running on EmptyandMy Own Private Idaho.
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“I’ve been a scoundrel all my life. I’ve been selfish. I’ve been cruel at times, hard to work with, and I’m grateful that so many of you in this room have given me a second chance,” Joaquin told the audience. “And I think that’s when we’re at our best, when we support each other. Not when we cancel each other out for past mistakes, but when we help each other grow, when we educate each other, when we guide each other towards redemption. That is the best of humanity.”
“When he was 17, my brother wrote this lyric,” Joaquin finished. “He said, ‘Run to the rescue with love and peace will follow.’ ”
source: people.com
