John Lee Bottom is well-known by being father of ‘Joker’ fam Actor Joaquin Phoenix. He and his spouse belonged to the Christian missionary group “The Children of God” for a considerable amount of time. John passed away in 2015 after a brave battle with cancer, leaving the Bottom family grieving deeply. In this blog, we’re going to discuss about John Personal Life, Professional Life, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Height and Death.
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John Lee Bottom Early Life
He was born in Stanislaus County, California in 1947 to Robert Merrill Bottom and Beulah Ernstine Ingram. John, a former high school dropout who became a gardener, set off on a voyage because he was craving for more in his twenties.
His future wife Arlyn Dunetz and he met in 1968 while she was living in California, thanks to a stroke of luck. Less than a year after their first meeting, on September 13, 1969, they were married as their relationship grew stronger. They traveled the West Coast together, working by hand to make ends meet—picking fruits and vegetables, among other things.
A new chapter in their lives began in 1970 with the birth of their first child, River Jude. In 1972, their daughter Rain was welcomed into the family, and Joaquin and Liberty (Libertad) were born when they were serving as Christian missionaries with the organization “The Children of God.” They briefly took on the biblical names Jochebed and Amram during this time.
But they left the religious group in 1977, disillusioned with its increasingly twisted regulations, especially the contentious “flirty fishing” practice. Summer, their youngest child, was born in Winter Park, Florida, after they relocated to the US on an ocean freighter.
Taking on the surname “Phoenix” represented their will to start over. They also adopted veganism as a way of life at the same time. In order to provide for his family, John started his own landscape gardening company in 1978. However, a chronic back ailment he sustained as a child made him unable to work, underscoring the difficulties he faced throughout his story.
John Lee Bottom Career
At the tender age of 8, John Lee Bottom took his first steps on stage, marking the beginning of his career into the entertainment industry. He never pursued acting as a job, but he lived a modest and secluded life, keeping his professional activities hidden. Although some documents indicate that he had a carpentry background, details about his work history are still unknown.
However, his two sons, River and Joaquin, entered the public eye at a young age. Their adventure began with their appearance on “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” in 1982. Their remarkable abilities were most notably highlighted in the dyslexia-focused 1984 ABC Afterschool Special, which launched them into the public consciousness.
John and his family traveled to California with the hope that their kids would succeed in the entertainment business. The young Phoenix siblings captivated spectators with their street performances, showcasing their talents in West Los Angeles. John’s spouse obtained employment at NBC concurrently and subsequently, she recruited agent Iris Burton. All of their children had several acting opportunities as a result of this crucial choice, which paved the way for their eventual success in the entertainment sector.
John Lee Bottom Children
John Lee Bottom is the happy father of six children, each of whom has special interests and abilities. Born in Texas on November 21, 1972, Rain Phoenix has established herself as a highly skilled actor and vocalist. Among her noteworthy film credits are “Violet,” “Amazing Stories,” “Low Down,” and “Forever.”
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on October 28, 1974, Joaquin Phoenix is a well-known actor and producer who has starred in movies including “Joker” and “Gladiator.” When Joaquin was three years old, his family left a religious group, and at the age of eight, he began his acting career. He has been friends with actress Rooney Mara for a long time.
Born in Caracas, Venezuela, on July 5, 1976, Liberty Phoenix made her acting debut in shows like “Kate’s Secret” and “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” before refocusing on other pursuits.
Born in Winter Park, Florida on December 10, 1978, Summer Phoenix works in the fields of acting, modeling, and design. Since she was two years old, she has been on screen in plays such as “Dinner Rush,” “The Believer,” and “Suzie Gold.”
On February 29, 1964, Jodean Bottom was born in Amadora, Portugal. Her parents, John Lee Bottom and Trinity, were missionaries, and she came from a Christian home. Famous Hollywood actors Joaquin and River Phoenix, who were raised in Portugal, are related to Jodean. Jodean is not very visible to the public, yet she is very important to her siblings’ lives and occupations.
In particular, River Phoenix made a concerted effort to get back in touch with his step-sister, highlighting the value of familial ties that go beyond the glamour of Hollywood. Despite remaining out of the spotlight, Jodean Bottom has been instrumental in her well-known siblings’ lives and accomplishments.
With the birth of River Phoenix on August 23, 1970 in Madras, Oregon, the family’s tale takes a touching turn. John Lee Bottom voiced doubts about River’s entry into show business, even with his success, as he worried about the possible harm to his kids. River disclosed in an emotional interview that his father was worried about materialism and the erosion of fundamental values. John Lee Bottom pushed for a return to family roots and tried to influence River and his other kids to open a vegan restaurant.
At the age of 23, River Phoenix tragically lost his life to a heroin addiction that led to self-destruction on Halloween night in 1993 outside The Viper Room in Los Angeles. The events leading up to his demise painted a complicated image of an apparently discreet, well-mannered person caught up in the throes of heroin addiction. Even though River’s family publicly denied using drugs, his sudden death left unanswered questions and had a significant effect on his loved ones. The family ranch in Micanopy, Florida served as the last resting site for River’s cremated remains, symbolizing the unsolved mystery and ongoing grief surrounding his passing.
John Lee Bottom Divorce
John Lee Bottom and Arlyn made the decision to separate after almost thirty years of blissful married life, and they divorced in 1997. After making this big decision in his life, John decided to leave the spotlight and pursue a profession as a carpenter, putting in years of devoted work.
John’s ex-wife Arlyn, on the other hand, welcomed the chance to start a new chapter in her life. After falling in love once more, she is now blissfully wed to Jeffrey Weisberg, her third husband, since 2001. Arlyn continued living her life, but John had his own struggles. He bravely fought cancer, exhibiting remarkable fortitude over the course of his battle. After their divorce, their lives took a different direction; John found comfort in his work as a carpenter, while Arlyn found love and happiness again in her next marriage.
Net Worth and Height
John Lee Bottom refrained from disclosing his income and wealth to the the media, keeping his financial affairs under wraps. On the other hand, Joaquin Phoenix, his son, is said to be worth approximately $50 million. John Lee Bottom has always preferred secrecy when it comes to matters of wealth, as seen by the vast differences in their approaches to financial transparency.
In terms of his physical characteristics, John Lee Bottom was approximately 50 kg (110 lbs) in weight and stood at a height of 5 feet 6 inches.
Death and Cause of Death
John Lee Bottom passed away in 2015 after a brave battle with cancer, leaving the Bottom family grieving deeply. His children and other loved ones expressed their deep sorrow over his passing, sharing heartfelt tales and priceless memories of the adored father of five. John’s obituary spoke eloquently about his extraordinary fatherhood and unwavering dedication to his kids.
All of these stories together convey the essence of John Lee Bottom—a loving father whose legacy lives on in the undying love and unforgettable memories he gave to those he loved.
In summary, the life of John Lee Bottom is characterized by its modest origins and close familial ties and it tells the story of his tenacity and commitment. John leaves a loving legacy thanks to his dedication to his family and his impact on his children’s success in Hollywood. His humble upbringing as a gardener and then as a carpenter, together with his unwavering support, show a story full with both joys and tragedies. His valiant fight with cancer concluded in 2015, marking the conclusion of a chapter that would always influence his family’s story.
FAQs
Who is John Lee Bottom?
John Lee Bottom was the father of renowned actor Joaquin Phoenix. He lived a relatively private life and was known for his roles as a loving father and husband.
How many Children did John Lee Bottom have?
John Lee Bottom had six children:Rain, Joaquin, Liberty, Summer, Jodean Bottom and the late River Phoenix. Each child pursued diverse interests, including acting, singing, and modeling.
Who was John Lee Bottom’s wife?
John Lee Bottom’s wife was Arlyn Dunetz. They were married on September 13, 1969
What was John Lee Bottom’s Net Worth?
John Lee Bottom kept his earnings and net worth private, in contrast to his son Joaquin Phoenix, who is reported to have an estimated net worth of around $50 million.
When did John Lee Bottom pass away?
John Lee Bottom passed away in 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer.
