Joaquin Phoenix is revisiting one of the most talked-about moments of his career. During a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Joaquin Phoenix opened up about his infamous 2009 interview with David Letterman. He reflected on the experience, explained why he stayed in character, and offered a public apology for the discomfort it caused.
Here’s what Phoenix revealed about that night, why he regrets it, and how it ties back to his role in I’m Still Here.
Joaquin Phoenix talks about 2009 Letterman interview
Joaquin Phoenix addressed his controversial 2009 appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman during a recent interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Reflecting on the moment, Phoenix said, “It was strange, because in some ways it was a success and it was also just one of the worst nights of my life.”
At the time, Phoenix was promoting I’m Still Here, a mockumentary directed by Casey Affleck. For the film, Phoenix had adopted a disheveled persona and claimed to have retired from acting to become a rapper. He stayed in character during public appearances, including his uncomfortable sit-down with Letterman. “As part of the promotion for a film that I had made, I was coming on the show, and so I was stuck. I had to keep it going,” he said.
Phoenix admitted he had tried to warn the show ahead of time. “I originally did the pre-interview in character, and I realized that it was just a little silly. So I called them back and I said, ‘Listen, this is what I’m doing. I’m coming out here and I’m doing this whole thing. I just want Dave to like lacerate me, I just want it to be really dangerous,’” he told Colbert.
Despite those intentions, the experience left a lasting mark. “It was horrible, it was so uncomfortable, I regret it. I’ll never do it again. I’m so sorry,” Phoenix said. When Colbert mentioned Letterman might not be watching, Phoenix replied, “He might be, and I just need to say I’m sorry.”
Phoenix stars in Eddington, his latest film, which hits theaters on July 18 alongside co-stars Pedro Pascal, Austin Butler, and Emma Stone.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on ComingSoon.net.
