Joaquin Phoenix and his longtime partner have always kept their relationship private. However, after the Oscar-winning actor recently referred to her as his wife, many are curious to know more about the woman by his side and their life together as parents.
Despite his fame, Joaquin Phoenix has consistently shielded his personal life from the spotlight. His relationship with his partner has been no exception, maintained quietly despite years of speculation and fan curiosity.
However, in a rare interview, Phoenix referred to his partner as his wife, adding a new chapter to their relationship story. From their quiet romance to shared values and their growing family, meet the other half of this Hollywood couple.
Inside Joaquin Phoenix’s Relationship
Phoenix met his partner on the set of Spike Jonze’s 2013 film “Her,” where they shared the screen but not yet a romance. The pair were also co-stars in Garth Davis’ “Mary Magdalene,” in which Phoenix played Jesus Christ and his partner landed the leading role of Mary Magdalene.
“I was looking for something meaningful. I was looking for an experience. I was friends with Rooney,” Phoenix said about what led him to his role in “Mary Magdalene.”
However, while filming “Here,” Phoenix admitted that he thought she didn’t like him. This was not the case, as the actor later learned she was just shy and liked him too.
On August 31, 2019, Joaquin Phoenix attended the 76th Venice Film Festival, captivating audiences with his intense presence while promoting “Joker,” a performance that would later earn him an Oscar. | Source: Getty Images
On October 2, 2019, Joaquin Phoenix attended the 57th New York Film Festival, embodying his intense, brooding style in a dark suit and open collar as he discussed his work in “Joker.” | Source: Getty Images
At the 2020 EE British Academy Film Awards, Joaquin Phoenix showcased his intense focus. Fresh off the acclaim for “Joker,” he continued to capture attention for his powerful, transformative work. | Source: Getty Images
Joaquin Phoenix took the stage at the 78th Annual Golden Globe Awards on February 28, 2021, using his platform to address issues close to his heart in his typically thoughtful and understated manner. | Source: Getty Images
At the 92nd Academy Awards on February 9, 2020, Joaquin Phoenix delivered a memorable speech, advocating for social change with his characteristic depth and sincerity. | Source: Getty Images
A friendship ensued and Phoenix shared, “She’s the only girl I ever looked up on the internet. We were just friends, email friends. I’d never done that. Never looked up a girl online.”
However, a romance blossomed over time, leading to their official debut as a couple at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, where Phoenix received a Best Actor award for his role in “You Were Never Really Here.”
The two shared warm, candid moments on the red carpet, exchanging hugs and congratulations that spoke volumes. By 2019, the pair sparked engagement rumors as the Oscar-winner’s long-time partner was spotted rocking a large diamond while running errands.
In 2020, their relationship reached another milestone with the birth of their son, River, named in memory of Phoenix’s late brother, who died in 1993.
The family kept this joyful addition largely out of the public eye until Russian filmmaker Victor Kossakovsky indirectly confirmed the baby’s name at the Zurich Film Festival. As he introduced Phoenix’s latest work, Kossakovsky remarked, “He just got a baby, by the way — a beautiful son called River.”
Four years later, fans noticed another surprise — Phoenix’s partner appeared at the Berlin Film Festival in 2024 for the premiere of “La Cocina” with a visible baby bump, sparking rumors of the couple’s growing family.
At the 2023 premiere of “Napoleon,” Joaquin Phoenix captivated fans with his powerful portrayal of the French emperor, marking another intense role in his celebrated acting career. | Source: Getty Images
At the London premiere of “Napoleon” in 2023, Joaquin Phoenix made a striking appearance, embracing his role with intensity as fans eagerly awaited his latest historical portrayal. | Source: Getty Images
On October 19, 2024, Joaquin Phoenix attended the 4th Annual Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, bringing his signature understated style to the star-studded event. | Source: Getty Images
Not long after, the “Joker” star appeared on the “Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso” podcast and referred to his partner as his wife, seemingly confirming the couple officially tied the knot.
However, in typical fashion, the couple kept the details to themselves at the time of writing, letting the world wonder and celebrate alongside them.
Joaquin Phoenix’s Partner
The woman who has been by Phoenix’s side for years is none other than Rooney Mara, a celebrated actress known for her roles in “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and “Carol.”
Beyond her on-screen achievements, Mara hails from a family intertwined with football history. Her father’s family, the Maras, founded the New York Giants, while her mother’s family, the Rooneys, established the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Growing up with these iconic sports legacies, Mara described her family’s prominence as formative, saying, “I feel like I’ve been guarded since I was about three years old. I don’t know why. I come from such a huge family, so maybe it’s that.”
At the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, Rooney Mara attended the premiere of “A Ghost Story.” Known for her thoughtful roles in indie films, Mara brought her signature elegance to the celebrated event. | Source: Getty Images
At the 2017 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Rooney Mara celebrated her acclaimed career in independent cinema, known for taking on complex, challenging roles that showcase her depth as an actress. | Source: Getty Images
Rooney Mara attended the Humane Society’s Annual To The Rescue! Los Angeles Benefit in 2017, reflecting her dedication to animal rights and ethical causes that align with her personal values. | Source: Getty Images
On January 2, 2018, Rooney Mara was spotted in Los Angeles. As a member of both the Rooney and Mara families, who founded the Steelers and Giants, she has paved her own path in the entertainment world. | Source: Getty Images
Rooney Mara was photographed in Los Angeles on March 27, 2018, reflecting her selective approach to public appearances. | Source: Getty Images
Rooney Mara attended the 92nd Annual Academy Awards on February 9, 2020, in Hollywood, California, joining fellow nominees and industry peers for an evening celebrating cinematic achievements. | Source: Getty Images
Rooney Mara attended the “Women Talking” premiere during the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, supporting the film’s powerful message and her role in the thought-provoking ensemble cast. | Source: Getty Images
Rooney Mara attended the 95th Annual Academy Awards on March 12, 2023, in Hollywood, California, joining the industry’s biggest night to celebrate the year’s achievements in film. | Source: Getty Images
Rooney Mara attended the “La Cocina” premiere during the 74th Berlinale International Film Festival in 2024, cradling her baby bump as she supported a film that aligns with her dedication to meaningful storytelling. | Source: Getty Images
Rooney Mara attended the 74th Berlinale International Film Festival in 2024 in Berlin, Germany, where she proudly displayed her baby bump, bringing elegance and anticipation to the international event. | Source: Getty Images
“Maybe it comes from going to Christmas and having 30 people all in your face at once. I’ve always been a bit like, ‘Aaargh!'” the actress added.
The Steelers’ legacy has always centered on family, with Art “Chief” Rooney’s son, Dan, carrying forward his father’s values. This family-first philosophy connects the Rooneys and the Maras through the marriage of Chris Mara, an executive with the Giants, and Kathleen Rooney, Art’s granddaughter, and Dan’s niece.
This storied background, however, did not draw the actress into the limelight on her family’s terms. Instead, she carved her own path in Hollywood, joining Phoenix in their shared quest for meaningful storytelling.
However, recently, social media buzzed with comparisons between Mara and Phoenix’s past partner, Liv Taylor, particularly in terms of their appearances.
“Liv Tyler she’s always been gorgeous [sic],” one person commented. Another shared, “Liv Tyler is the prettiest.” A third social media user added, “Liv Tyler wins by a mile!” Nonetheless, Phoenix and Mara have made a beautiful couple for years.
Their connection is deepened over shared values, including a commitment to veganism. Both Mara and Phoenix are dedicated advocates, opting for vegan lifestyles and supporting animal welfare causes together.
Mara, who has credited her lifestyle with contributing to her health and well-being, said, “I don’t have much of a beauty ritual. But I always wear sunscreen. And I use mostly natural products and oils, and I only use vegan products.”
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara attended the 8th International Rome Film Festival in 2013, marking one of their earliest public appearances together and hinting at the quiet, enduring bond that would grow between them. | Source: Getty Images
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara attended the “Joker” premiere in 2019, a special year for the couple as Mara was seen wearing an engagement ring, quietly marking their deepening commitment. | Source: Getty Images
Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix attended the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards in 2020, sharing a rare red-carpet moment together as they celebrated Phoenix’s recognition for his work in film. | Source: Getty Images
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara attended the 92nd Oscars in Hollywood, California, on February 9, 2020, standing together in support as Phoenix received acclaim during a major milestone in his career. | Source: Getty Images
Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix attended the 92nd Annual Academy Awards in 2020, sharing a quiet moment on the red carpet as they supported each other on one of Hollywood’s biggest nights. | Source: Getty Images
Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix attended the 2024 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles, California, on October 19, 2024, appearing as a united and low-key couple who continue to support each other’s journeys in both life and career. | Source: Getty Images
Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix attended the 2024 Academy Museum Gala in Los Angeles on October 19, 2024, exemplifying their quiet, enduring bond as they stepped out together for the star-studded evening. | Source: Getty Images
The actress continued, “I am 100% certain my vegan lifestyle has impacted my skin for the better. But I try to be a really healthy eater too and eat whole foods as much as I can. You can be a vegan and still eat junk food.”
Mara, the face of Givenchy L’Interdit Absolu Eau de Parfum Intense, also had her focus on wellness at the core of her beauty regime.
“I find that when I’m eating really well and I’m drinking lots of water and sleeping, the rest is really pretty simple. Your emotional wellbeing is as much a part of your beauty as what you’re doing on the outside, of course,” she revealed.
Phoenix echoed similar sentiments about veganism, sharing that he hoped to educate River about veganism without imposing his beliefs.
“Well, certainly I would hope that [he is vegan], but I’m not going to impose my belief on my child. I don’t think that’s right. I’m going to educate him about the reality,” the actor explained.
He added, “[…] And I’m not going to tell him that it’s OK to read books about all the wonderful little farm animals, and they say ‘oink oink oink’ and ‘moo moo moo’’ and not tell him that that’s what a hamburger is.”
In 2021, the couple extended their advocacy through Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt a Turkey Project, highlighting the need for humane treatment of animals and speaking out against industrial farming.
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara attended a special screening of “The Smell Of Money” in Los Angeles on October 14, 2023, sharing smiles and a relaxed moment together, highlighting the warmth and ease of their relationship. | Source: Getty Images
Their dedication to a vegan lifestyle also extends to their pets, illustrating the couple’s alignment in personal ethics and lifestyle choices. Together, Joaquin Phoenix and his partner embody a blend of quiet celebrity, shared values, and an enduring bond that has captivated fans even amid their choice of privacy.