River Phoenix was ‘chewed up’ by Hollywood, says Ethan Hawke

Stand by Me actor died of a drug overdose in 1993 at the age of 23

Ethan Hawke has said that his former co-star River Phoenix, who died in 1993, was “chewed up” by Hollywood.

Phoenix was just 23 and one of the film industry’s brightest stars when he died of a drug overdose outside a Los Angeles nightclub. He and Hawke remained friends after working together on the adventure film Explorers, which was made when they were both 14.

Hawke has revealed that Phoenix’s death inspired him to stick to independent films, and avoid the spotlight and giant movies that could have propelled him to superstardom.

“Why [don’t I] make easier movies? Well, my first screen partner overdosed on Sunset Boulevard,” Hawke told The Guardian. “He was the brightest light and this industry chewed him up, and that was a big lesson to me.”

He continued: “If I had to put a single reason on why I never moved to LA, it would be I think it’s too dangerous for an actor like me to be in that kind of climate.”

Hawke added that he understands why so many actors sink into depression or addiction.

“Drugs and alcohol and depression are formidable opponents all over the world,” he said. “People think getting what you want will make you happy, but a sense of self, purpose and love don’t come from the outside. You can’t get distracted by this culture that celebrates things that sometimes aren’t what they seem.”

A young River Phoenix and Ethan Hawke in Explorers (1985) (Paramount Pictures)

Phoenix, the older brother of actor Joaquin, was an Oscar nominee for his work in the 1988 drama Running on Empty. He also starred in films including My Own Private Idaho, Stand by Me and Sneakers and played a young Indiana Jones in 1989’s Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Joaquin Phoenix revealed in September that he had named his newborn son, with actor Rooney Mara, after his late brother.