Keanu Reeves
The bond between Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix in Gus Van Sant's "My Own Private Idaho" (1991) is the stuff of legend. Their on-screen chemistry as street hustlers Scott and Mike was raw and unforgettable, rooted in a real-life friendship. After Phoenix's
death, Reeves' career skyrocketed, cementing his status as a versatile action hero and a beloved Hollywood figure. He became a global superstar with 1999's "The Matrix," a film that redefined the action genre. More recently, he experienced a massive career renaissance with the "John Wick" franchise, which began in 2014 and showcased his dedication to intricate stunt work and his ability to carry a blockbuster series. Whether he’s playing a cyber-savior or a vengeful assassin, Reeves brings a unique commitment and soulful quality to his roles.
Martha Plimpton
Martha Plimpton shared the screen with Phoenix twice, in "The Mosquito Coast" (1986) and most notably in "Running on Empty" (1988), where their performances as lovers from starkly different backgrounds were achingly tender and deeply felt. Plimpton's career has since been a masterclass in versatility and longevity. She became a darling of the stage, earning three Tony Award nominations for her work in plays like "The Coast of Utopia" and "Top Girls." On television, she won a Primetime Emmy Award for her guest role on "The Good Wife" and starred as the hilarious and heartwarming matriarch Virginia Chance in the sitcom "Raising Hope." Most recently, she delivered a critically acclaimed performance in the powerful 2021 drama "Mass." Plimpton consistently chooses complex, interesting roles that showcase her immense talent.
Sidney Poitier
River Phoenix had the distinct honor of working with the legendary Sidney Poitier not once, but twice. They first appeared together in the Cold War thriller "Little Nikita" (1988) before reuniting for the star-studded caper "Sneakers" (1992). By the time they worked together, Poitier was already a monumental figure in film history, having broken racial barriers and won an Oscar for Best Actor. After "Sneakers," Poitier's on-screen acting roles became more selective. He notably played Nelson Mandela in the 1997 TV movie "Mandela and de Klerk" and gave a memorable performance opposite Bruce Willis and Richard Gere in "The Jackal" (1997). While he passed away in 2022, his entire filmography remains essential viewing, representing a titan of the industry who shared his final decade of acting with a new generation of stars like Phoenix.
Lili Taylor
In the poignant 1991 film "Dogfight," Lili Taylor starred opposite Phoenix as Rose, an awkward young woman who becomes the subject of a cruel bet. Taylor's performance was so powerful that many critics felt she deserved an Oscar nomination. A queen of '90s independent cinema, Taylor built a career playing unconventional, deeply human characters. She received an Independent Spirit Award for "Household Saints" (1993) and critical acclaim for "I Shot Andy Warhol" (1996). Her work extends to memorable roles in mainstream hits like "The Conjuring" (2013) and a plethora of acclaimed television shows, including "Six Feet Under" and "American Crime," both of which earned her Emmy nominations. Taylor remains a fearless and compelling presence in any project she joins.
Robert Redford
In the 1992 tech-thriller "Sneakers," Phoenix played a geeky hacker who gets tangled up with a team of security experts led by Robert Redford's character. Sharing the screen with Redford, a Hollywood icon and founder of the Sundance Film Festival, was a significant milestone. Following "Sneakers," Redford continued his illustrious career both in front of and behind the camera. As a director, he helmed the critically lauded films "Quiz Show" (1994) and "The Horse Whisperer" (1998). As an actor, he surprised audiences by joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Alexander Pierce in "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" (2014) and gave a nearly silent, tour-de-force performance in "All Is Lost" (2013). He announced his retirement from acting after the charming 2018 film "The Old Man & the Gun."
Wil Wheaton
As Gordie Lachance in "Stand by Me" (1986), Wil Wheaton was the sensitive, storytelling center of the film, with Phoenix playing his fiercely loyal best friend, Chris Chambers. The dynamic between the four young leads is one of cinema's most cherished portrayals of friendship. After his iconic roles as a child actor, including Wesley Crusher on "Star Trek: The Next Generation," Wheaton carved a unique second act. He became a prominent writer, blogger, and a celebrated figure in "geek culture." He famously played a fictionalized, recurring version of himself on "The Big Bang Theory" and has a prolific career as a voice actor and audiobook narrator, earning praise for his work on bestsellers like "Ready Player One."
Samantha Mathis
Samantha Mathis was Phoenix's co-star in his final completed film, "The Thing Called Love" (1993), a charming story about aspiring country singers in Nashville. They began a relationship during filming, and she was with him the night he died. Despite the unimaginable tragedy, Mathis continued to build a quiet, steady, and impressive career. She appeared in notable '90s films like "Little Women" (1994) and "American Psycho" (2000). Over the years, she has worked consistently in film and television, with recurring roles in series like "Billions" and "The Strain." She also served as a vice president for the SAG-AFTRA trade union, demonstrating a commitment to her fellow actors.
