How Did River Phoenix Die?
River Phoenix died of Acute multiple drug intoxication on October 31, 1993, at age 23.
What was River Phoenix's cause of death?
River Phoenix collapsed on the sidewalk outside The Viper Room nightclub in West Hollywood on October 31, 1993. His brother Joaquin called 911. River was pronounced dead at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The cause of death was acute multiple drug intoxication — a combination of cocaine and heroin. He was 23 years old.
How old was River Phoenix when they died?
River Phoenix was 23 years old at the time of death.
When did River Phoenix die?
River Phoenix died on October 31, 1993.
River Phoenix Biography
River Jude Phoenix was born on August 23, 1970, in Madras, Oregon. He was the eldest of five siblings including Joaquin Phoenix. He received an Oscar nomination at age 18 for Running on Empty and was considered one of the most talented actors of his generation.
Personal Life
Who are River Phoenix's parents?
John Lee Bottom, Arlyn Sharon Dunetz
Did River Phoenix have siblings?
Yes — Rain Phoenix, Joaquin Phoenix, Liberty Phoenix, Summer Phoenix.
Was River Phoenix married?
River Phoenix was never married.
Did River Phoenix have children?
River Phoenix had no children.
What religion was River Phoenix?
River Phoenix was None (raised in The Children of God cult).
What was River Phoenix's ethnicity?
River Phoenix was of English, German, Jewish heritage.
Career Highlights
Movies
- Explorers (1985)
- Stand by Me (1986)
- Running on Empty (1988)
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
- My Own Private Idaho (1991)
- Sneakers (1992)
- The Thing Called Love (1993)
Awards
- Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor (Running on Empty)
- Independent Spirit Award
Facts About River Phoenix
- His brother Joaquin Phoenix was with him when he died outside The Viper Room
- He was nominated for an Oscar at age 18 for Running on Empty
- He was a committed vegan and animal rights activist
- He collapsed on the sidewalk outside Johnny Depp's nightclub The Viper Room
River Phoenix Quotes
"I'd rather be in the mountains thinking about God than in any church thinking about the mountains."
Legacy
River Phoenix was widely considered one of the most gifted actors of his generation. His death at 23 cut short a career of extraordinary promise. His brother Joaquin Phoenix went on to win an Academy Award. River's death remains one of the most shocking in Hollywood history.
Sources
Last verified: 2026-05-19