Michael J. Fox reflects on River Phoenix’s ‘act of kindness’ from 1991

Michael J. Fox talked about how the late River Phoenix gave him an unexpected taste of Southern hospitality. The incident happened when Fox was filming Doc Hollywood in 1991 in a small town in Florida.

Fox remembers that River Phoenix would pick them up and take them to his place to treat them to a barbecue. It's amusing because that act of generosity was founded upon another act of kindness.

River Phoenix, a teen at that time, was having difficulty figuring out a particular scene when Fox gave him a pep talk, the retired actor recalled.


When Michael J. Fox approached River Phoenix to enquire about the issue he was facing, River told him that he felt goofy and miserable. Fox assured him it was customary to feel that way in this business, which was the highest level of achievement River could hope for. It was ridiculous to make a living doing it.

Michael J. Fox explained that the actors play the part of other people for a living. They do silly things like use things they don't use, eat something they don't eat, and stand in a spot because it has better lighting. But if you persist, you'll eventually find a way to tell a tale that other folks can't.

FAQs

What inspired River Phoenix to be kind to Michael J. Fox?
Michael J. Fox thinks that his kindness toward River Phoenix on the set of Family Ties, where River did a cameo, served as the inspiration for the kind deed.

When did River Phoenix die?
River Phoenix passed away at 23 in 1993 from drug intoxication.