Joaquin Phoenix Opens Up About Infamous Letterman Interview

Joaquin Phoenix, the Oscar-winning actor, recently graced the stage of "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert," and he didn’t hold back in addressing his controversial 2009 interview with David Letterman. This appearance marked Phoenix's first on Colbert since that infamous night that left many viewers stunned.

A Memorable but Awkward Performance

During his Letterman interview, Phoenix arrived in full character from his mockumentary "I’m Still Here," sporting shaggy hair and an unkempt beard. His portrayal of a supposedly troubled actor led audiences to speculate about a genuine mental breakdown.

Hoping for a Reaction

Sitting with Colbert, Phoenix explained that his intention was to provoke a strong reaction—not only from Letterman but from the public as well. He recalled reaching out to the show's producers before the interview, admitting, "I just want Dave to like, lacerate me. I just want it to be really dangerous." Despite his intentions, he acknowledged that the experience was distressing.

Regret and Apologies

Reflecting on the encounter, Phoenix expressed regret, calling it "horrible" and "uncomfortable." He stated, "I’ll never do it again. I’m so sorry." After sharing a laugh with Colbert, he took a moment to send a heartfelt apology to Letterman, saying, "He might be [watching], and I just need to say, I’m sorry."

Looking Back: Success or Failure?

Phoenix had previously apologized to Letterman in 2010, stating, "I hope I didn’t offend you in any way... I assumed you would know the difference between a character and a real person, but I apologize." Reflecting on that night, he confessed, "In some ways, it was a success, and it was also just one of the worst nights of my life."