River Phoenix facts

• River Phoenix was an American actor, the oldest brother of Joaquin Phoenix.
• Name at birth: River Jude Bottom.
• He received his middle name from The Beatles' song "Hey Jude".
• River was of Spanish and Russian-Hungarian heritage.
• River was born on August 23, 1970, in Madras, Oregon.
• River began acting at age 10 in TV commercials.
• Parents: Arlyn and John Lee Bottom.
• On October 31, 1993, River Phoenix died of a drug overdose.
• River was listed by John Willis as one of 12 "promising new actors of 1986".
• Often drank warm soda, such as Coke or Dr. Pepper, before going on camera. 
• River Phoenix was the face for many P.E.T.A adverts
• River had a very close bond with actor Harrison Ford.
• Best friend was Keanu Reeves.
• River Phoenix was fluent in Spanish.