"Joker" Was Based On This True Story of an Unhinged Man

Children of God

Joaquin had always led a pretty unusual life, even from the very beginning of his life. He was destined to be an unusual character. Originally born in the Puerto Rican city of San Juan, his name was originally Joaquin Rafael Bottom. Though he would one day become a huge movie star, in his youth, he and his family were members of the Children of God cult. 

Life Abroad

Joaquin lived a life abroad and on the seas. Traveling with parents John Lee and Arlyn, as well as his four other siblings, Joaquin Phoenix grew up visiting everywhere within South America with the aforementioned Children of God. Eventually, in 1978, his parents became bored with the religion and returned to America on a cargo ship.

Advertisement

Next Page →

The More You Know

  • Tic Tacs got their name from the sound they make.
  • The longest place name on the planet is 85 letters long.
  • The youngest parents in the world were aged 8 and 9.
  • The word "kimono" means "a thing to wear."
Next Page →

Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.