Joaquin Phoenix Reveals German Filmmaker Werner Herzog Saved Him From Setting Himself on Fire, 15 Years Ago

Oscar-winning actor Joaquin Phoenix checked into a rehabilitation centre after director Werner Herzog highlighted his reckless ways following a near-death car crash. Phoenix said he was drinking heavily and partying, post the success of the biopic "Walk The Line" 15 years ago, reports aceshowbiz.com. When Joaquin Phoenix Threw Up Backstage During an Interview Due to Anxiety Issues.

"I wasn't engaging with the world or myself in the way I wanted to. I was being an idiot, running around, drinking, trying to screw people, going to stupid clubs," the "Joker" star told GQ magazine.

Then, one night, after he crashed his car, he was about to light a cigarette. That was when German filmmaker Herzog intervened.

"A German voice said, 'Just relax'," Phoenix said, recalling how the director pointed out the car was leaking petrol and he was seconds away from potentially lighting himself on fire. Joaquin Phoenix Rescues a Cow and her Calf from a Slaughterhouse, Just Two Days after his Oscar 2020 Win.

Phoenix entered a treatment facility days later. Today, the actor says, he has no urge or desire to drink like he used to.

"There are too many things I enjoy doing and I don't want to wake up feeling hungover. It's not a thing I fight against, it's just the way I live my life."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 10, 2020 11:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).