Few young actors captured the spirit of the late 1980s quite like River Phoenix. A gifted performer and musician, he broke through with 'Stand By Me' (1986) at just 16, instantly becoming a household name. His career quickly expanded with acclaimed roles in 'Running on Empty' (1988), earning him an Academy Award nomination, and a role in the blockbuster 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade' (1989) alongside Harrison Ford.
To audiences, Phoenix seemed destined for greatness as a rising star with limitless potential. But behind the fame, he struggled privately with drugs, a battle that ended tragically in October 1993 outside Hollywood’s infamous Viper Room.
River Phoenix’s story is both fascinating and heartbreaking. Click through to uncover his meteoric rise, hidden struggles, and the tragic night that ended a promising young life.