Joaquin checks into rehab


Joaquin Phoenix saw the signs and has decided to get some help for his alcohol problem, reports E!Online.

The Oscar-nominated actor has announced that he voluntarily checked himself into an undisclosed rehab facility two weeks ago to kick his booze habit.

Phoenix was ''uncomfortable with the way that he was living his life and found the courage to deal with his disease,'' said his publicist, Susan Patricola, in a brief statement. No further details were disclosed.

The 29-year-old star knows first-hand the tragedy of substance abuse. His older brother, River, died of a drug overdose in 1993 after a night of partying in Hollywood.

Despite starring in blockbusters including last summer's The Village, 2002's Signs and 2000's Gladiator, which earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination, Phoenix has managed to maintain a lower profile than his Hollywood peers.

But Phoenix is earning early Oscar buzz for his role as late music legend Johnny Cash opposite Reese Witherspoon in the anticipated biopic Walk the Line. Phoenix learned to play guitar and does his own singing in the film, which is due to be released in November.

Meanwhile, Piano Man Billy Joel has finished a 30-day stay at the Betty Ford Center in California for treatment of alcoholism, his second stint in rehab since '02, reports The New York Daily News.


I didn't realize he was River Phoenix' brother. Why do people not tell me those important details?????

I feel bad for him because I think addiction is a genetic thing and I don't think there is a cure -- it's something he has to live with for the rest of his life.