John Lee Bottom - Updated Oct 2024

Updated On June 3, 2024
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John Lee Bottom

John Lee Bottom was a celebrity father. John Lee Bottom was most known as the father of popular actor, Joaquin Phoenix and late singer and actor, River Phoenix.

Early Life

John was born in Stanislaus Country, California, USA on 5 April 1947 to Robert Merril Bottom and Beulah Ernestine Ingram. His zodiac sign was Aries and held American nationality. However, information regarding his educational background is unavailable.

Death

Unfortunately,  John Lee Bottom died at the age of 68 in 2015 due to cancer.

Career and Professional Life

Talking about his career, John was best recognized as the father of famous actor, Joaquin Phoenix and late singer and actor, River Phoenix. However, details about his profession are not available on the Internet.

His son’s career

In 1982, Joaquin Phoenix made his acting debut as a guest star in River’s ground-breaking television series “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” He went under the name “Leaf Phoenix” during this period.
After that, he appeared in a few TV shows like “Backwards: The Riddle of Dyslexia,” “The Fall Guy,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Murder, She Wrote,” and others. His big break came in 1986 when he was hired in a supporting part as Max, an aspirant astronaut, in the family adventure film “SpaceCamp.”

Later, he was cast in the primetime drama “Morning/Evening Star” and in an episode of Alfred Hitchcock’s “A Very Happy Ending.” He was cast in the 1987 movie “Russkies.”
His breakout performance appeared in the 1989 film “Parenthood,” which was directed by Ron Howard. His outstanding acting as the disobedient son of Dianne West was the movie’s high point.

John Lee Bottom

Caption: John with his family Source: Pinterest

After the movie was a hit, he chose to put his career on hold and travel throughout Latin America rather than grabbing the chance. His brother River, one of the top actors of his era, rose to fame while he was on a self-declared vacation. Therefore, he has embarked on an unforgettable contribution to the entertainment field.

John Lee Bottom – Net Worth 2024

John Lee Bottom had never mentioned his earnings and net worth. So, the media was unaware of his net worth. However, on the other hand, his son Joaquin Phoenix has a net worth of approximately $50 million.

Relationship Status

Coming to his relationship status, John Lee Bottom was a married man. John had tied the knot with Arlyn Phoenix after falling in love on 13 September 1969. Unfortunately, in 1997, the couple decided to separate and divorce. The reason for divorce is still unclear. John was a straight-gender person.

However, he had a love -affair with a girl before marrying Arlyn. His girlfriend’s name is still unknown. However, according to sources, they had one daughter named Jodean Bottom. He was a father of six offspring.

John Lee Bottom

Caption: John posing for a picture with his six kids Source: Pinterest

More about his relationship

His first son was River Phoenix who was born on 23rd August 1970. He was a singer and an actor. River featured in movies such as “My Own Private Idaho”, “Stand by Me” and “Indiana Jones”. Unfortunately, River died on October 31, 1993, at the age of 23 due to an overdose of drugs.

John Lee Borttom

Caption: John’s son River Passed away
Source: Instagram

Similarly, their first daughter was Rain Phoenix born in 1972. Likewise, the third child was Joaquin Phoenix born on 28 October 1974 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Following the footsteps of his brother, River, he became an actor and also got fame in the Hollywood industry. He received an Oscar for his role in “Joker” in 2020.

Moreover, Liberty was their second daughter born in 1976. Two years later, their third daughter, Summer, was born who is also an American actress, model, and fashion designer. She featured in films like “The Believer”, “Arresting Gena” “Esther Kahn” and “SLC Punk!”.

Scandal

As John Lee Bottom was a member of the religious group “The Children of God”. Later, they knew that the groups promoted sex between adults and minors, as well as group sex. Their son, River, was also a victim of sexual abuse at a very early age. The whole matter was a controversy at that time. After that, they quit the religious cult and shifted to the US along with their children.

John Lee Bottom – Body Measurements

Coming to his physical appearance, John Lee Bottom stands 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs approximately 50 kg. He has charming brown eyes with black-colored hair. John was a bearded man. He had body measurements of 36-28-34.

John Lee Bottom – Social Media

John Lee Bottom was never a social media person. He liked to keep his personal life out of the media and the public. So, he hadn’t any social media accounts.

Nevertheless, his son Joaquin Phoenix has 232k followers on his Instagram account under @joaquinlphoenix.