Joaquin Phoenix recently reflected on his infamous 2009 interview with David Letterman during a return visit to The Late Show, admitting it was “horrible” and one of the worst nights of his life. Phoenix originally intended to portray an edgy persona to provoke Letterman, but instead, the performance came off as uncomfortable and raised concerns about the actor's mental health. In a sincere apology, he expressed regret for the experience and vowed never to repeat it. The interview, which was part of a joke to support his mockumentary film I’m Still Here, received mixed reactions and is still a topic of conversation over a decade later.

What did Joaquin Phoenix say about his 2009 interview with Letterman?

Joaquin Phoenix described his 2009 interview as “horrible," regretting his attempt to perform in character and stating it was one of the worst nights of his life. He apologized for the discomfort caused during the interview, acknowledging the personal and public ramifications of that choice.

Joaquin Phoenix's mockumentary, I'm Still Here, aimed to satirize celebrity culture through a staged narrative about his supposed retirement from acting to pursue a rap career. The film's unconventional promotional strategy included this awkward interview, which ultimately blurred the lines between performance art and reality, leading to speculation regarding Phoenix's stability at the time. Despite its success as a conversation starter, both the film and its promotion sparked significant controversy in the entertainment industry.