Last updated on: December 12, 2025
John Lee Bottom, a father of Joaquin and late River Phoenix, lived a private life and distanced himself from fame. Yet he made some decisions that led to creating an unusual family in Hollywood. John’s biography is very short, but it should be told.
Quick Facts About John Lee Bottom
| Full Name | John Lee Bottom |
| Birthdate
Height |
5 April 1947
1.68 m |
| Birthplace | California, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Landscaper, landscape gardener, songwriter |
| Husband/Wife | Wife: Arlyn Dunetz (also known as Arlyn Phoenix) |
| Marriage Date | September 13, 1969 |
| Education | 2015 |
| Age | Died aged approximately 68 |
| Parents | Robert Merrill Bottom (father), Beulah Ingram (mother) |
| Grandchildren | Indiana Affleck, Atticus Affleck, Jonas Winter Phoenix, Rio Everest Phoenix-Asch, Indigo Orion Phoenix-Asch, Scarlette Jasmine Phoenix-Asch |
| Children | Jodean Bottom, River Phoenix, Rain Phoenix, Joaquin Phoenix, Liberty Phoenix, Summer Phoenix |
| Net worth | <$1 million |
Early Years and Family Antecedents
John Lee Bottom was born in 1947. California was the birth state. His parents were Robert Merrill Bottom and Beulah Ingram. John Bottom started life in Fontana, California. His family background was humble. His ancestry roots were from the British Isles. His ancestry included English, German, and French.
As a child, John had some inclination towards music and acting. In fact, he acted at a very young age. Yet he didn’t choose acting as a career. Rather, he opted for a quieter life with stable employment.
Career and Working Life
John Lee Bottom had various occupations throughout his life. First, he attempted songwriting. Later, he settled down and engaged in running a business for landscape gardening. Moreover, he worked as a landscaper and a laborer.
he worked very hard and lived a simple life. Finances were sometimes tight, but he preferred freedom and independence to comfort and status.
Marriage with Arlyn Dunetz
John met Arlyn Dunetz, a young woman from New York, in 1968. John met Arlyn while she was hitchhiking in California. The couple fell in love immediately and married on September 13, 1969.
Arlyn soon adopted the stage names Arlyn Phoenix and Heart Phoenix. Arlyn worked as an NBC secretary and played an active role in her kids’ early careers.
The Children of God Cult: A Brief Introduction
John and Arlyn soon joined a sect known as Children of God shortly after they married. The couple became missionaries and traveled. During that time, they were able to visit various places like Venezuela, Trinidad, Puerto Rico, and Florida.
During this period:
River Phoenix was born in 1970
Rain Phoenix born 1972
Joaquin Phoenix born 1974, originally from Puerto Rico
Liberty Phoenix in 1976 (born in Venezuela)
Summer Phoenix in 1978
The group would eventually be known for damaging and abusive behavior. John and Arlyn made the life-changing decision to leave the cult in 1977.
A New Beginning: Becoming the Phoenix Family
After they left the group, they changed their family name from Bottom to Phoenix. Their new family name represented a symbol of rebirth. Eventually, they relocated to the United States and struggled to rebuild.
John and Arlyn eventually separated. Arlyn took charge in raising the kids. She relocated them to California in 1978 so that they could find work as actors and musicians.
Interaction with Hollywood
John Lee Bottom began developing reservations about the world of entertainment. He realized that fame might ruin the values of his offspring. Because of that, he distanced himself from Hollywood and led a life that kept him low-key.
Nevertheless, his early decisions made for a childhood that promoted creativity. The Phoenix kids were taught music, busking, and acting as they were growing up.
Children and Family Legacy
John Lee Bottom had six children, with one older daughter from a previous relationship:
Jodean Bottom (born 1964, paternal half-daughter)
River Phoenix (1970–1993)
Rain Phoenix (born 1972)
Joaquin Phoenix (born 1974)
Liberty Phoenix (born 1976)
Summer Phoenix (born 1978)
His offspring become artists, actors, and musicians who were associated with emotive expressions and strong values.
READ ALSO: Joaquin Phoenix Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Demise and Lasting Effects
John Lee Bottom died in 2015. John Lee Bottom never wanted any publicity. But his legacy continues with his offspring, particularly Joaquin Phoenix. There’s a lesson here. A parent doesn’t have to be famous to build greatness. It would appear that sometimes it’s the unsung actions that have the greatest impact.
