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January 28th 2009

As Suspected, Joaquin Phoenix’s New Rap Career Is Probably A Hoax

Filed under: film-tv, movies — Michael Andre d'Estries @ 11:30 am

We dig Joaquin Phoenix here on the razz for his environmental and charity projects — as well as his vegan lifestyle and animal activism. However, when we heard that he was ditching acting, focusing on a rap career, and documenting the process with help from his brother-in-law Casey Affleck, our immediate gut reaction was “Is this a joke?”

Turns out, according to some sources, it is indeed.

Perhaps taking some cues from Sacha Baron Cohen or Andy Kaufman, Phoenix’s transition into a shaggy-bearded, rapping homeless man is a giant hoax. From EW,

“He said, ‘It’s a put-on. I’m going to pretend to have a meltdown and change careers, and Casey is going to film it,’” says one source who recently worked with Phoenix. Whatever his motivation or ultimate endgame, don’t expect him to break character anytime soon. “It’s an art project for him,” says a source. “He’s going full out. He probably has told his reps that he’s quit acting. Joaquin is very smart. This is very conscious. He has a huge degree of control.”

The only question is: How long will Phoenix continue to play the ruse? And will fans appreciate the joke?

Photo credit: PR Photos

January 19th 2009

Vegans Casey Affleck And Joaquin Phoenix Team Up For Documentary

Filed under: green and famous — Michael Parrish DuDell @ 12:20 pm

As Ecorazzi previously reported, vegan actor Joaquin Phoenix announced in October that he was leaving the acting biz to pursue a music career. Now reports have surfaced that fellow vegan actor Casey Affleck will be directing a documentary feature on Phoenix’s attempt to become a rapper.

Joaquin’s album is apparently set to be produced by Diddy and he made his first public performance Friday at Las Vegas club Lavo. Check out the video below and tell us what you think! Is Phoenix gonna be the next big rap star?

October 30th 2008

Vegan Actor Joaquin Phoenix Retires From The Movie Business

Filed under: green and famous — Michael Parrish DuDell @ 11:37 am

There are about a million reasons to love Joaquin Phoenix . He’s a talented actor, a soulful musician and a dedicated activist! Joaquin has been a vegan longer than I’ve been alive and works hard to spread awareness about the joys of a vegetarian lifestyle. Earlier this month, we mentioned that Phoenix had narrated my new favorite documentary, Earthlings, that friend of Ecorazzi, Persia White, helped produce! But was that one of Phoenix’s last films?

Phoenix recently told Extra, “I want to take this opportunity…to give you the exclusive … that this will be my last performance as an actor… I’m not doing films anymore.” Phoniex continued, “Yeah. I’m working on my music. I’m done. I’ve been through that.”

Extra’s Jerry Penacoli, asked fellow-vegan Casey Affleck who was standing next to Phoenix, “I take it that he’s kidding?” Affleck responded, “I don’t think he’s kidding. He’s got music and stuff.”

Joaquin was being followed by his own camera crew when he broke the news, so peeps are a bit skeptical, but it sounds to me like he’s pretty serious. What do you think Ecorazzi readers? Will Phoenix ditch his film career for the music scene? Chime in and share your thoughts!

October 13th 2008

Former Miss USA Shanna Moakler Shows PETA Some Veggie Pride

Filed under: campaigns, transport, web — Michael Parrish DuDell @ 2:09 pm

In case you’ve haven’t noticed, being vegetarian is maybe like the coolest thing ever! It used to be that if you didn’t have dreadlocks or wear patchouli you were out of the club, but over the past ten years the vegetarian movement has gone through an America’s-Next-Top-Model-sized makeover.

Proving that veggies can be just as stylish and sexy as they are brainy and determined, former Miss USA, Shanna Moakler, joins stars Forest Whitaker, Alicia Silverstone, Casey Affleck by appearing in a brand new PETA Veggie Testimonial.

Shanna believes it’s her responsibility as a mother to serve as a compassionate role model and tells PETA that her children understand compassion for all animals, including those who often wind up on people’s dinner tables.

Check out the video below to hear more from Shanna Moakler!

October 10th 2008

The Green Quotes: Celebrity Thoughts On The Vegetarian Lifestyle

Filed under: animals, green and famous — Michael Parrish DuDell @ 1:06 pm

To continue our Vegetarian Awareness Month celebration, today’s “Green Quote” is comprised of not one thought, but many. Here’s what some of Hollywood’s favorites have to say about being veg. Enjoy!

“I did it for political, moral reasons, thinking that I was making this great sacrifice, but it was absolutely necessary; I was not going to contribute to the violence in the world anymore.
- Alicia Silverstone

“I take vitamins daily, but just the bare essentials not what you’d call supplements. I try to stick to a vegan diet heavy on fruit, vegetables, tofu, and other soy products.”
- Clint Eastwood

“Compassion is the foundation of everything positive, everything good. If you carry the power of compassion to the marketplace and the dinner table, you can make your life really count.”
- Rue McClanahan

“Chickens, cows, and pigs in factory farms spend their whole lives in filthy, cramped conditions—only to die a prolonged and painful death. Their bodies are then turned into food products proven to contribute to heart disease and cancer. To eat that is to eat poison.”
- Casey Affleck

“If any kid ever realized what was involved in factory farming they would never touch meat again.I was so moved by the intelligence,sense of fun and personalities of the animals I worked with on Babe that by the end of the film I was a vegetarian.”
- James Cromwell

To see more famous veggie quotes, visit FamousVeggie.com!

September 5th 2008

Celebrity Supporters Party Down At The Animal Acres 2008 Gala

Filed under: animals, events, events: la, green and famous — Michael Parrish DuDell @ 11:52 am

What do you get when you put a few Hollywood celebs on a farm with a bunch of rescued animals? No, this isn’t the beginning to some sort of corny joke Uncle Steve might tell at Christmas dinner, it’s the introduction to my piece about the Animal Acres Gala!

Animal Acres is one of the leading farm sanctuaries in the country and will host a gala this Saturday on their sprawling property just 40 minutes from Hollywood. The event boasts delicious vegan food, great speakers, an award ceremony and of course plenty of famous faces.  In fact, Animal Acres has a slew of celebrity supporters, including such well known names as Daryl Hannah, Casey Affleck, Thora Birch, Ellen DeGeneres, James Cromwell, Bill Maher and Alicia Silverstone.

All proceeds from the Gala will benefit the Animal Acres Emergency Rescue Fund to raise funding to build a 14-stall Rescue Center barn to significantly increase the sanctuary’s rescue and rehabilitation efforts for suffering farmed animals.

While the Gala appears sold-out, there are plenty of other exciting farm events that happen all year round! For more information on why I have a sanctuary crush on Animal Acres, visit animalacres.org!

April 9th 2008

The Green Quote: Casey Affleck Is No Gas-Guzzler

Filed under: green and famous — Michael Andre d'Estries @ 10:01 am

“I drove that car everywhere and really enjoyed it. I must have made at least four trips across America, driving around 150,000 miles. That was at about 12 miles a gallon, though.” He feigns a look of self-disgust.

“Nowadays I think it is just a matter of trying to think more responsibly if you can,” he says, adding that, like his brother who recently confessed to feeling guilty about owning a Bentley, he prefers something a little more eco-friendly. “I have bought a Toyota Prius. I think a hybrid car is far better to have than a gas-guzzler.”

– Casey Affleck in a recent interview with the UK Times Online