Activism
Much like many of his colleagues in the business, Phoenix is known for his social activism and charity endeavors. He supports a number of non-profit organizations and charitable foundations, using his fame and fortune to promote their causes, including human rights, world peace and equality. Perhaps his most known cause, though, is his work for animal rights. Phoenix is a vegan since childhood – his family adopted a vegan lifestyle when he was three yeas old – and so this cause is particularly close to his heart.
The actor has been active in this field for years, voicing his opinion on animal cruelty, attending charity events as well as protests for animal rights and participating in campaigns to promote this cause. Recently, he expressed his thoughts on veganism and animal cruelty in his Academy Award acceptance speech, saying, “I think we’ve become very disconnected from the natural world. Many of us are guilty of an egocentric world view, and we believe that we’re the center of the universe. We go into the natural world and we plunder it for its resources.” His powerful words make for one of the most memorable speeches yet.