Joaquin Phoenix Rooney Mara have captured the hearts of fans worldwide, not only through their outstanding performances on screen but also with their enduring relationship off-screen. The couple first met in 2012 while working together on the film Her, where their friendship eventually blossomed into a romantic partnership. Over the years, Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara have shared both personal and professional milestones, from starring together in Mary Magdalene to attending major film festivals side by side.
Their commitment to each other is evident in their quiet yet meaningful moments, such as their engagement and the birth of their son, River. Known for their shared advocacy, they both actively support causes close to their hearts, particularly animal rights. Throughout their journey, Joaquin and Rooney have maintained a strong bond, managing to balance their careers with their role as loving parents. Today, they continue to embrace their growing family while keeping their private lives out of the spotlight, further solidifying their status as one of Hollywood’s most grounded and private couples.
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara: A Comparative Profile
| Category | Joaquin Phoenix | Rooney Mara |
| Full Name | Joaquin Rafael Bottom | Patricia Rooney Mara |
| Date of Birth | October 28, 1974 (age 50) | April 17, 1985 (age 39) |
| Place of Birth | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Bedford, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American | American |
| Other Names | Leaf Phoenix | Tricia Mara |
| Education | – | New York University (BA) |
| Occupation | Actor | Actress |
| Years Active | 1982–present | 2005–present |
| Spouse | Rooney Mara (married 2016–present) | Joaquin Phoenix (married 2016–present) |
| Marriage Date | Officially tied the knot in 2016. | Married Joaquin Phoenix in 2016. |
| First Meetup | Met on the set of Her (2013), where they first collaborated and developed a connection. | Met Joaquin Phoenix during the filming of Her (2013). |
| Children | 2 (including a son named River) | 2 (including a son named River) |
| Mother | Arlyn Phoenix | Kathleen McNulty Mara |
| Father | John Lee Bottom | Timothy Christopher Mara |
| Siblings | River, Rain, Liberty, Summer Phoenix | Kate Mara, Daniel Mara, Conor Mara |
| Family | Phoenix (notable acting family) | Rooney, Mara (family known for ties to the NFL and Hollywood) |
| Love | Known for his strong relationship with Rooney Mara; they grew closer after collaborating in films. | Shares a deep bond with Joaquin Phoenix, often described as private and supportive of each other. |
| Career | Acclaimed for transformative performances, including his Academy Award-winning role in Joker. Also advocates for animal rights and environmental causes. | Celebrated for nuanced performances, including her Cannes Best Actress win for Carol. Known for working on critically acclaimed, indie, and mainstream films. |
| Awards | Academy Award, Grammy Award, BAFTA Award, Golden Globe | Cannes Best Actress, multiple Oscar nominations |
| Family Life | Joaquin cherishes his role as a father and frequently discusses how fatherhood has transformed him. | Rooney is described as a devoted mother and maintains a low-profile family life to protect her children. |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm) | 5 ft 3 in (160 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 180 lbs (82 kg) | Approximately 115 lbs (52 kg) |
| Eye Color | Green | Green |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown | Dark Brown |
How Joaquin and Rooney Met
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara first crossed paths in 2012 when they were cast in the film Her, directed by Spike Jonze. They were both relatively new to each other at the time, and while they initially formed a professional connection, their friendship grew organically as they spent more time together on set.
Despite sharing limited screen time in the film, their bond deepened as they got to know one another off-camera. This initial friendship laid the foundation for a relationship that would later evolve into one of Hollywood’s most private and enduring partnerships.
From Friends to Partners
After meeting on the set of Her, Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara began as friends, bonding over shared values and similar lifestyles. It wasn’t until 2016, after reconnecting on the set of Mary Magdalene, that they began dating.
Joaquin, in interviews, shared that he was looking for something more meaningful in his life, and that’s when he realized how much he cared for Rooney. Their relationship quickly deepened, and they became inseparable, often appearing together at events and enjoying quiet moments in each other’s company. Their friendship laid the groundwork for a solid and loving partnership that has since grown stronger with time.
‘Her’ and Their First Connection
Her marked a turning point in both Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara’s lives, though not immediately in terms of romance. While Mara played Phoenix’s ex-wife in the film, their connection off-screen was more about mutual respect.
Both actors were drawn to the project for its emotional depth and unique storyline, but it was their time together on set that sparked a deeper friendship. Despite their brief on-screen interaction, Her proved to be the beginning of their personal relationship, paving the way for future collaborations and a close bond that would turn into love a few years later.
Reuniting in ‘Mary Magdalene’
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara’s professional relationship took another significant step when they were reunited in the 2018 film Mary Magdalene. Phoenix played the role of Jesus, while Mara portrayed the titular character. Although the film was initially shot in 2016, its release was delayed, and by that time, Joaquin and Rooney were already a couple.
Their shared experience on set allowed their bond to deepen, and it was during this time that their relationship truly blossomed from friendship to romance. The film’s themes of spirituality and emotional connection mirrored the strength of their own evolving relationship.
First Red Carpet as a Couple
In May 2017, Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara made their first public appearance as a couple at the Cannes Film Festival. The two attended the festival for the screening of You Were Never Really Here, in which Phoenix starred. Their natural chemistry was evident as they walked the red carpet together, with Phoenix holding Mara’s hand in a relaxed and genuine way.
Observers at the event noted the ease and comfort between them, as they engaged in light conversation and smiled together. This marked the beginning of their public life as a couple, though they continued to keep their personal lives mostly private.
Life Together in Hollywood
Joaquin Phoenix Rooney Mara life together in Hollywood has been one of low-key privacy and shared values. They have made a conscious effort to live a life away from the typical Hollywood spotlight, opting to stay in a home in the Hollywood Hills. Although they are both successful in their careers, they prioritize a quiet, meaningful life away from the public eye.
Their shared passion for environmental and social causes, particularly animal rights, further strengthens their bond. Despite their fame, they focus on nurturing their relationship, enjoying simple pleasures, and supporting each other in their personal and professional endeavors.
Their Engagement Story
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara’s engagement has been as low-key and private as their relationship. The couple was first spotted wearing engagement rings in May 2019, though they never publicly confirmed when the proposal took place. Phoenix and Mara’s bond had already been growing for several years by this point, and their engagement was a natural progression of their deep connection.
The couple’s decision to keep their engagement private reflected their overall approach to life together—one that is centered around love and mutual respect, away from the media’s prying eyes.
Joaquin’s Awards and Rooney’s Support
Throughout Joaquin Phoenix’s career, his partner, Rooney Mara, has been a constant source of support. In 2020, when Phoenix won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Joker, Mara was by his side, celebrating his monumental achievement. Her support goes beyond public appearances; she is known to be his quiet pillar, providing encouragement and emotional backing throughout his career.
Rooney has often been described as his most significant supporter, attending award shows, ceremonies, and premieres with him, always there to celebrate his successes while keeping their relationship out of the media’s spotlight.
Welcoming Baby River
In September 2020, Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara welcomed their first child, a son named River, in honor of Joaquin’s late brother, River Phoenix, who tragically passed away in 1993. The couple, known for their private nature, kept details of the birth largely under wraps, avoiding media attention.
Both parents have expressed how their new role as parents has brought them immense joy and deepened their commitment to creating a kinder, more sustainable world. The arrival of River has brought a new sense of fulfillment to their lives, and they cherish the quiet, family-oriented moments that come with raising him.
Rooney’s Advocacy for Animals
Rooney Mara has long been a passionate advocate for animal rights, and her commitment to this cause has only grown since becoming a mother. Alongside Joaquin, she supports several organizations, including Farm Sanctuary, which advocates for the welfare of farm animals. Mara uses her platform to raise awareness about animal cruelty, often sharing personal stories and reflections on how motherhood has deepened her resolve to protect animals.
In 2021, she wrote an open letter for Mother’s Day, celebrating both human and animal mothers and calling for a more compassionate world for all creatures. Her advocacy has been an essential part of her life, influencing both her professional choices and personal values.
‘The Island’ Reunion
Joaquin Phoenix Rooney Mara professional reunion came in 2022 with the announcement of their roles in The Island, a film directed by Pawel Pawlikowski. The couple, who had already worked together on Mary Magdalene, once again teamed up for a project that would showcase their acting chemistry.
The film is set in a beautiful, isolated location, and both Phoenix and Mara were excited to return to the screen together, despite the challenges of the film industry. Their collaboration on The Island is another chapter in their shared career, further cementing their status as both professional and personal partners.
Creative Household Life
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara’s home life is deeply rooted in creativity, with both actors constantly engaged in artistic pursuits. Although both have busy careers, they share a love for discussing ideas, collaborating on projects, and nurturing each other’s creative energies.
In interviews, Mara has shared that their home feels more like a space for creative thinking than a traditional household, often filled with discussions about various artistic endeavors. Their bond goes beyond romantic love, as they share a common passion for film, storytelling, and activism, allowing them to continually inspire each other in both their personal and professional lives.
Protecting Family Privacy
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara have consistently prioritized their family’s privacy, carefully guarding their personal lives from public scrutiny. Despite their fame, the couple has made a conscious decision to raise their children away from the spotlight, focusing on creating a normal, private environment for their family.
They rarely share images or information about their children, and their approach to parenting has been to shield them from the intense media attention that often surrounds celebrity families. Their commitment to privacy underscores their intention to create a stable and loving home, shielded from the pressures of public life.
Expanding Their Family
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara have made it clear that they are devoted to expanding their family. After welcoming their son, River, in 2020, it was evident that both parents were thrilled with their new roles. In February 2024, Mara revealed she was expecting their second child, showing that their love for each other and their growing family was as strong as ever.
The couple has expressed how much they enjoy being parents, and a source close to them shared that they are overjoyed to expand their family further. Though they keep many details private, it’s clear that raising children together is one of the greatest joys of their lives.
Final Thoughts
Joaquin Phoenix Rooney Mara relationship exemplifies a balance of love, respect, and mutual support both in their personal lives and careers. Their journey from co-stars to life partners highlights their deep connection and shared values, particularly their commitment to privacy, family, and activism.
Whether it’s their advocacy for animal rights, their quiet yet meaningful presence at major events, or their devotion to raising their children out of the public eye, the couple remains grounded despite their fame. As they continue to expand their family and collaborate on creative projects, Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara’s relationship stands as a testament to the strength of partnership and the power of love in navigating both professional and personal milestones.
FAQs
How did Joaquin Phoenix Rooney Mara meet?
They crossed paths in 2012 while collaborating on the film Her. Their friendship grew over time, and they started dating in 2016.
When did Joaquin Phoenix propose to Rooney Mara?
Although they never publicly confirmed a date, they were first seen with engagement rings in May 2019.
What is the name of Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara’s first child?
Their son’s name is River, named after Joaquin’s late brother, River Phoenix.
What are Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara known for supporting?
They are both passionate animal rights activists, advocating for causes like Farm Sanctuary.
Are Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara public about their family?
No, they are very private about their family life, often keeping details about their children out of the media spotlight.
Should you wish to read more, head to our blog page.
