Joaquin Phoenix’s Story Of How He Went Vegan Might Just Change Your Mind Too

Published on June 4, 2018

While veganism isn’t always given a fair analysis, those committed to this lifestyle are passionate about animal rights and caring for the environment. These factors usually take a developed, mature mind to consider and act on— but Joaquin Phoenix’s veganism story blows this notion out of the water.

Joaquin Phoenix: Figure In Film

Joaquin Phoenix is arguably one of the most important figures in film. Starring in movies like Her and Walk The Line (and working as a producer on dozens more), Phoenix has earned himself a Grammy and a Golden Globe. Still, acting is not what he values most. One element of his lifestyle may surprise you.

Phoenix’s Veganism: Adamant Animal Rights Activist

Phoenix is an adamant vegan. He has been extremely active in philanthropy involving animal rights and he takes his lifestyle very seriously. He is even set to star in an upcoming documentary about veganism with Rooney Mara called, Dominion. And while some have hopped on the veganism train as if it were a fad diet, Phoenix has some noble reasoning behind his decision.

Phoenix’s Wisdom: Focusing Kindness Towards Creatures

More than anything else, Phoenix values the lives of all creatures and thinks that to overpower a living creature in any way is wrong. He holds the belief that “it takes nothing away from a human to be kind to an animal.” However wise this may sound, Phoenix’s story of becoming vegan dates so far back into his past that his level of awareness is shocking.

Shifting To Veganism: An Incredibly Young Age

While most who choose veganism are between the ages of 16 and 34, Phoenix knew since the mere age of three and he carried the practices with his siblings throughout his childhood. He can recall the exact moment that he realized he wanted to stop eating meat and shift to a vegan lifestyle— and the scenario is as heartbreaking as it was life-changing.

Life-Altering Experience: The Moment That Phoenix Went Vegan

Phoenix was fishing with his parents as a toddler when they dragged a fish onboard and killed it in front of him, which struck a chord with him. “The animal went from a living, vibrant creature… to a violent death,” he recalled thinking. That moment led him to begin transitioning into a vegan lifestyle and he hasn’t looked back since.