Joaquin Phoenix announced Monday night that he is quitting the acting business to focus on his music career.  Award-winning actor announced at the late Paul Newman’s fundraiser on Monday that he was giving his last performance as an actor.

Phoenix told Extra that:

“I’m not doing films anymore.  I’m working on my music. I’m done. I’ve been through that.”

Phoenix is not new to doing music; his musical performances as the late Johnny Cash in “Walk the Line” landed him a Grammy.

Phoenix’s representative confirmed that Joaquin had said that he is leaving, saying, “That’s what he told me.”  Casey Affleck, who is married to Joaquin’s sister Summer Phoenix, also confirmed that he believes the retirement is real.

Phoenix first film was released in 1984; he was nominated for the Young Artist Award along with his brother River; since then, his work has only grown.  Phoenix has played parts in multiple movies that has culminated with an impressive 24-year silver screen résumé.  

Phoenix is now recording an album with Tim Burgess, lead singer of the British band The Charlatans.  Phoenix is said to have wrote the songs on the album.

Movies past and music future