Last updated on: December 10, 2025
Jodean Bottom is popularly recognized as the older paternal half-sister of actor Joaquin Phoenix. While the name Phoenix is highly known globally, Jodean has chosen to live life in privacy. Her story is quiet, private, and very different from her half-siblings who grew up in Hollywood.
Quick Facts About Jodean Bottom
| Full Name | Jodean Bottom |
| Birthdate | February 1964 |
| Age | 61 years and 10 months old |
| Birthplace | Amadora, Portugal (commonly reported) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | N/A |
| Husband/Wife | Not known |
| Height | 1.7 m |
| Father | John Lee Bottom (Landscaper) |
| Mother | Trinity (reported) |
| Stepmother | Arlyn Dunetz Phoenix |
| Siblings | River Phoenix, Rain Phoenix, Joaquin Phoenix, Liberty Phoenix, Summer Phoenix |
| Net worth | <$1 million |
| Children | one daughter (name not known) |
Who is Jodean Bottom?
Jodean Bottom was born in 1964. Most sources indicate that she was born in Amadora, Portugal, where her parents, both American citizens, had temporarily relocated as Christian missionaries. While some records cite her birthday as February 19, others cite the leap day: February 29. Due to this birth month, she is often described as a Pisces.
She is the eldest child of John Lee Bottom, who later became the father of the well-known Phoenix siblings.
Parents and Early Life
Jodean’s father, John Lee Bottom, had a relationship with a woman usually identified as Trinity, Jodean’s biological mother. That relationship ended early. John later married Arlyn Dunetz, and together they have five children: River, Rain, Joaquin, Liberty, and Summer.
Jodean did not grow up with the Phoenix family. It is reported that her father was largely absent during the early years of her childhood. As a result, she grew up outside of the household that would eventually gain fame.
Her early life is often described as unstable and tough, though the exact details remain somewhat vague. This is mainly because Jodean has never spoken publicly about her personal experiences.
Relationship with Joaquin Phoenix and His Siblings
For a long time, the Phoenix siblings did not know Jodean existed. By highly repeated reports, River Phoenix learned about her through a family friend. He then hunted her down and contacted her.
When Jodean was located, she was welcomed by the Phoenix family. River, specifically, was instrumental in drawing her into their family circle. Joaquin Phoenix and his siblings later came to know her privately, away from the public eye.
The siblings’ bond was not about fame, but about the common thread that united them under their shared family connection.
Why She Kept the Name “Bottom”
Unlike her younger half-siblings, who bear the last name Phoenix, Jodean uses the surname Bottom.
John and Arlyn changed their children’s last name from Bottom to Phoenix when they left the religious group Children of God, a new surname that symbolized rebirth.
Since she was not living with them at the time, Jodean never took the surname Phoenix. This may be why film biographies often list her separately as Jodean Bottom.
Life Away from the Spotlight
Jodean Bottom has never been involved with acting or in the entertainment circle. She doesn’t attend events, give interviews, or keep up public appearances. All these have been kept private over the years.
Reports mention that she has at least one daughter, but no verified details about her child have been made public. Information about Jodean’s job, marriage, or daily life remains completely unknown, and no good sources speculate about such things.
The Phoenix family and responsible media outlets alike respect her privacy.
READ ALSO: Joaquin Phoenix Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Why People Are Curious About Jodean Bottom
Interest in Jodean Bottom predominantly flows from curiosity about Joaquin Phoenix’s family and, of course, the late River Phoenix. Often, fans want to complete the puzzle of the family’s history, especially when it has such a unique and sometimes difficult past. But what puts Jodean’s at the forefront is not prominence but rather how she remained grounded and invisible in a family shaped by public success and tragedy.
