14 River Phoenix Quotes And Images In Honor Of His Birthday

The late actor would have turned 45 on August 23.

River Phoenix was born River Jude Bottom on August 23, 1970. The Academy Award nominated actor (known for his roles in Stand By Me, Running on Empty, and My Own Private Idaho amongst others) died in 1993 at the age of 23. In honor of what would have been his 45th birthday, here are some images and quotes to celebrate the late film star and activist.

1.

Columbia / Via buzzfeed.com

"When I was in first grade, everyone made fun of my name, of course. I think it's kind of a big name to hold up when you're nine years old. It seemed goofy. I used to tell people I wanted to change the world, and they used to think, This kid's really weird." - River Phoenix

2.

Lance Staedler/Corbis Online / Via brainyquote.com

"Music is a whole oasis in my head. The creation process is so personal and fulfilling." -River Phoenix

3.

Fine Line Features / Via tribecafilm.com

"It still strikes me as strange that anyone could have any moral objection to someone else's sexuality. It's like telling someone else how to clean their house." -River Phoenix

4.

Via xfamily.org

"If I have some celebrity, I hope I can use it to make a difference. The true social reward is that I can speak my mind and share my thoughts about the enviroment and civilisation itself. There's so much shit happening with people who are exploiting their positions and creating a lot of negativity." -River Phoenix

5.

Via lendingahand.tumblr.com

"Animals are not our playthings. We are on this earth to protect them. It's our duty." -River Phoenix

6.

Paramount Pictures / Via tribecafilm.com

"When I was younger, I was worried about how others viewed me and if I was good enough. I realize now that you can't mold an image or try to be something that you are not. As far as being an actor is concerned, your work really speaks for itself." -River Phoenix

7.

20th Century Fox / Via giphy.com

"I'd like to play every type of character, but only once. I like to experience things." -River Phoenix

8.

Paramount / Via en.wikipedia.org

"Rich kids gave us their old clothes. They were the best clothes we ever had. We were these very pure, naive, poor children. The rich kids called us a lot of names but it never bothered us because we didn't know what the words meant." --River Phoenix

9.

Warner Bros / Via lendingahand.tumblr.com

"In simplicity there is truth." -River Phoenix

10.

Fine Line Features / Via lendingahand.tumblr.com

"It might take a few of these movies before there's a natural stride with the whole issue. Then one day, it wont even be an issue - which is what I'm hoping." [On 1991's My Own Private Idaho] -River Phoenix

11.

Columbia / Via popademic.blogspot.com

"It's a great feeling to think that I can be a friend to so many people through my movies." -River Phoenix

12.

Warner Bros / Via planet-phoenix.tumblr.com

"When I was old enough to realize all meat was killed, I saw it as an irrational way of using our power, to take a weaker thing and mutilate it. It was like the way bullies would take control of younger kids in the schoolyard." -River Phoenix

13.

Allan Light / Via wikipedia.com

"It's not about career. It's about believing in something, it's about prosperity and it's about caring and emphasizing and wanting to create the best, the most true to life, the most real." -River Phoenix

14.

Fine Line Features / Via lendingahand.tumblr.com

"I would rather quit while I was ahead. There's no need in overstaying your welcome." -River Phoenix

Fine Line Features / Via lendingahand.tumblr.com

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