Last updated on: December 13, 2025
Meyer Dunetz is the grandfather of the actor Joaquin Phoenix on his mother’s side. This figure is not a celebrity, but his life had a significant impact on his relatives. This is part of a generation that grew in a way influenced by the factors of immigration, hard work, and tradition. This is what makes the life of Meyer a source to understand the beginnings of the Phoenix family.
Quick Facts About Meyer Dunetz
| Full Name | Meyer Dunetz |
| Birthdate | 1910 |
| Occupation | N/A |
| Husband/Wife | Margaret “Margie” Lefkowitz |
| Died | 1996 |
| Age | Passed away (approx. 86 years old) |
| Parents | Samuel (Sam) Dunetz and Libbe (Libby “Sallie”) Grodenzik |
| Siblings | At least one brother (name not known) |
| Children
Grandchildren |
Arlyn Phoenix, Rhoda Dunetz, Merle “Sun” Dunetz
Joaquin Phoenix, Summer Phoenix, River Phoenix, Rain Phoenix, Liberty Phoenix |
| Net Worth | <$1 million |
Early Life and Background
Meyer Dunetz was born in 1910 in New York City. Both parents were Russian Jewish immigrants, who came to the United States to find refuge and better opportunities.
In his line is his father, Samuel (Sam) Dunetz, who came from Moses (Moshe Idel) Dunetz, his
The other parent, mother, known as Libbe, Libby, or Sallie, came from Simon Gordon and Menucha.
This upbringing grounded Meyer in his Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. Much like other children from immigrant families, he came from a lower-middle-class background, where he learned values of responsibility and familial devotion from a young age.
The Jewish Roots and Cultural Values
The family of Meyer had a rich cultural background with respect to Judaism. They were proud of this identity. But, they never went to synagogues on a regular basis. They identified themselves with Judaism, but on a cultural level, not a religious one.
Food, family gatherings, and shared practices mattered. It is within these quiet traditions that a sense of belonging is fostered. Later, these experiences would affect his daughter Arlyn, who passed them on to the Phoenix kids.
Marriage and Family
Meyer married Margaret “Margie” Lefkowitz, who was born in 1916. Her parents were Hungarian Jewish immigrants. They started life together in New York City.
The couple had at least three daughters:
Arlyn Dunetz (born 1944), later known as Arlyn Phoenix
Rhoda Dunetz
The leader of the group is Merle Dunetz, who later changed his name to Sun
The life that the couple led with Julia’s family was simple and earthy. Julia’s parents, Meyer and Margaret, worked on instilling moral fiber in their offspring.
New York
The census records indicate that Meyer Dunetz had lived most of his life in New York.
The 1920 U.S. Census shows him as a child living with his family.
The 1940 census reports a brother of the Dunetz family who is listed as a great uncle, reflecting a strong relationship with extended relatives.
humidity
There is very limited publicly available information on what his job entailed. The implication here is that he led a life in private, working for the purpose of supporting his family.
Later Years & Death
Meyer Dunetz led a quiet life. Even when his grandchildren went on to serve in high-profile positions, he chose to keep a low profile.
Meyer Dunetz passed on in 1996.
In 1998, his wife, Margaret, passed on.
Neither of them lived to see the success of Joaquin’s career. But their legacy has lived on through their daughter and her offspring.
READ ALSO: Joaquin Phoenix Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More
Relationship with Joaquin Phoenix
Arlyn Dunetz, Meyer’s daughter, worked as a secretary for NBC before she met John Lee Bottom, Joaquin Phoenix’s father. Arlyn later changed her name to Phoenix, which is a sign of renewal.
Arlyn instilled the best values within her children. She brought them up to be kind, creative, and compassionate. Such qualities are evident in most of Joaquin Phoenix’s endeavours. Although Meyer Dunetz kept a low profile, his presence still influenced the life of the family.
Lasting Legacy
Meyer Dunetz was an ordinary man with an extraordinary legacy. The life he led is that of typical families of immigrants who came to America. Family, culture, and determination were what he held dear. Although his name is not very well known, his impact still exists. The grandfather of one of the most thoughtful actors in Hollywood has a life that has enabled him to accomplish all that he has.
