30 most shocking moments in late night history
By Jeremy Dick
5. Joaquin Phoenix has a “meltdown” on Letterman
Joaquin Phoenix was a well-known, critically-acclaimed actor when he showed up for an appearance on Late Night with David Letterman in 2008 to promote his new movie Two Lovers. But the actor shocked Letterman and everyone watching his show when he said that the film would be his last, as he was pursuing an entirely new career… as a rapper?!
This claim was outrageous enough, but during the course of the interview, Phoenix just seemed out of it. He was unable to answer many of the questions Letterman asked, such as who was co-starring in Two Lovers with him. It had really appeared that the guy was beginning to lose his mind, and nobody was quite sure what to make of it.
Those questions would be answered in the mockumentary I’m Still Here, which proved that the odd guest spot was deliberately done for the sake of the movie. Directed by Casey Affleck, the film follows Phoenix from his “retirement” from acting and his new career as a hip hop artist. During filming, Phoenix always remained in character, and the fact that he was pretending was never disclosed until after the movie’s release.
Next: 4. Happy birthday, Dave!