In the past few months, we've seen Joaquin Phoenix say "Bye! Good" to acting, rap with Diddy, hang with beauty pageant contestants and tumble off a Las Vegas stage. All the while, the world has wondered whether his new “crazy old man” persona is the product of an elaborate (and totally awesome) hoax or if the two-time Oscar nominee has just gone coo-coo for Cocoa Puffs.
Last night on The Late Show with David Letterman, it seemed we might get some answers when Phoenix made a rare appearance (his first stint on the show in three years) to promote his new flick, Two Lovers.
Yes, Joaquin Phoenix showed up on national television. But it's not like he actually “did” anything during the entire 10-minute conversation -- not that we'd have it any other way.
Phoenix sat, sipped water, chomped some gum, sort of dozed off into his beard – all the while only managing to mumble a few semi-coherent "thank yous" and "I don't knows."
After giving Letterman's beard-related banter the silent treatment, it was clear that Phoenix had no intention of talking about his new movie -- not that it would have mattered. Letterman was in top form, hurling zingers in response to Phoenix's silent treatment and even shaming him into spitting out his gum.
“What can you tell us about your days with the Unabomber?” Letterman quipped after one of the many uncomfortable pauses.
And while we're hopeful that Phoenix was very much in character last night, Letterman let the star know that he hopes Phoenix makes a more official return to acting.
"Here's my hope, that after some time off -- and I think you're taking a little time off tonight -- I'm hopeful that you will reconsider and come back to acting," said Letterman.
Phoenix's response? "Never say never. I don't know. I don't know what will happen."
As previously reported, Phoenix has been promoting a new hip-hop project, and said that he's devoting his time to writing and recording songs.
"I'd love to come on the show and perform some," offered a momentarily lucid Phoenix.
"You know, that seems unlikely," replied a laughing Letterman, not missing a beat. "We'll certainly keep you in our rolodex."
Watch it:
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