Little did young Joaquin Phoenix or Leaf as he preferred to call himself during the early days knew that his stint of performing on the streets for a few pennies would change the course of his life for good. Born up in a financially instable household, Phoenix took to singing and dancing as an added source of income for the family. However, he was soon spotted by a Hollywood children’s agent who brought this young star of his own right better and wider exposure. And rest as they say is history. Film after film, young Phoenix polished his acting skills to become a refine actor of his age. While he starred in a number of films since his debut in 1986, his big break came with the historical epic, ‘Gladiator’ which won him immense fame and acclaim as an actor. He soon became the top rated actor of the industry with blockbuster flicks, like, ‘Ladder 49’, ‘Walk the Line’, ‘The Master’ and the recently released ‘Her’. Acting aside, he is a dedicated activist and a humanitarian and works for various causes and organizations.