Last updated on: December 12, 2025
Arlyn Bottom, better known as Arlyn Phoenix, is known across the world as the mother of actor Joaquin Phoenix and the late River Phoenix. Her life story is one not of fame or red carpets but of courage, faith, hard choices, and deep love for her children. Arlyn’s journey helped shape one of Hollywood’s most thoughtful families.
Quick Facts About Arlyn Bottom
| Full Name | Arlyn Sharon Dunetz |
| Known As | Arlyn Bottom, Arlyn Phoenix |
| Birthdate | December 31, 1944 |
| Age | 80 years and 11 months old |
| Birthplace | Bronx, New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Former Secretary at NBC |
| Grandchildren | Indiana Affleck, Atticus Affleck, Jonas Winter Phoenix, Rio Everest Phoenix-Asch, Indigo Orion Phoenix-Asch, Scarlette Jasmine Phoenix-Asch |
| Husband/Wife | John Lee Bottom (married 1969; died in 2015) |
| Parents | Margaret Dunetz (mother, from Hungary), Mayer Dunetz (father, from Russia) |
| Siblings | Rhoda Dunetz, Merle Dunetz |
| Children | Jodean Bottom, River Phoenix, Rain Phoenix, Joaquin Phoenix, Liberty Phoenix, Summer Phoenix |
| Net worth | <$1 million |
Early Life in New York
Arlyn Phoenix was born Arlyn Sharon Dunetz on December 31, 1944, in the Bronx, New York. She was raised in a Jewish family. Her mother, Margaret, is originally from Hungary, while her father Mayer is of Russian origin. They were Jewish immigrants who believed in hard work and strong values.
Arlyn had two sisters, Rhoda and Merle. When she was young, she became fascinated with novelty and liberty. In the late 1960s, her counterculture contributed to the cross-country travel of her. This bold decision brought a complete change in her life forever.
Marriage to John Lee Bottom
During her trip to California, Arlyn encountered John Lee Bottom, a songwriter and landscaper. They became fast friends and married in 1969. Eventually, they began having children.
The next year, they joined a doomsday religious group called Children of God that had promised peace and purpose, but a little later in life within that group would become distressing.
How to Raise a Traveling Family
Altogether, Arlyn and John had five children:
River Phoenix (born 1970)
Rain Phoenix (born 1972)
Joaquin Phoenix (born 1974)
Liberty Phoenix (born 1976)
Summer Phoenix (born 1978)
The other children were born in Chile, Texas, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Florida. The family traveled a lot, lived modestly, and during that time sang on the streets to earn money.
In 1977, Arlyn heard of abusive practices within the group and, along with John, courageously decided to leave the group. The family then changed its last name to Phoenix, a sign of rebirth and second chance.
A New Life in Los Angeles
The family settled in Los Angeles after he had left the group. Life was not easy. Money was very limited, and Arlyn had to work her way to feed her growing family. She was able to hold on by working as a secretary at NBC.
Arlyn recognized her children’s artistic affinities, and she got them an agent and took them to various auditions. Her opening of doors led her children to begin acting since their early years, especially in the cases of River and Joaquin.
READ ALSO: Joaquin Phoenix Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
River’s Loss & Quiet Strength
In 1993, River Phoenix died at the age of 23, which was a great tragedy for the family. Arlyn and her children then went through a moment very painful in their lives. She had been a strength to her child and comfort through the loss.
Years later, in 2012, Arlyn helped co-found the River Phoenix Center for Peacebuilding. The center honors the values that River had concerning kindness, justice, and compassion.
Later Years and Beliefs
Arlyn once changed her name to Heart, reflecting her spiritual side. She believes in love over material success. Even amidst Hollywood fame and all it could bring, she values a simple life.
Her children are known for being thoughtful, private, and grounded. Much of that comes from Arlyn’s influence as a mother.
A Legacy That Lasts
Arlyn Bottom is more than just the mother of Joaquin Phoenix; she is a strong woman who made tough decisions in order to keep her family safe. She protected her children with care, even in the most uncertain times. Her story is the proof that the strength of one parent can take generations to form. Unsung, brave, and deeply caring, Arlyn Phoenix remains the heart of the Phoenix family.
