If you are a fan of Hollywood movies, then you might as well know the brotherly duo River Phoenix and Joaquin Phoenix. Yes, I’m talking about the star actors who have played in massive hits such as the 2019 “Joker” (starring Joaquin Phoenix) and “My Own Private Idaho” (starring River Phoenix).
However, there is a name associated with these siblings, Jodean Bottom. She is the half sister of late River Phoenix and Joaquin Phoenix, but there is more to her story. This article talks just about that, including every aspect of her life. With that being said, let’s begin.
Table of Contents
An Introduction To The Phoenix Sibling
As mentioned before, Jodean is the step sister of River and Joaquin Phoenix. But she has got a rather interesting story, which makes her story deserving to be known. We shall now talk about her story in detail, stay tuned!
Additional Information On Jodean Bottom: A Chart
| Full Name | Jodean Bottom |
| Date Of Birth | 29th February, 1964 |
| Place Of Birth | Amadora, Portugal |
| Gender | Female |
| Age | 61 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
Parents | John Lee Bottom (Biological father) |
| Trinity (Biological mother) | |
| Arlyn Phoenix (Stepmother) | |
Siblings | (Late) River Phoenix (half brother) |
| Joaquin Phoenix (half brother) | |
| Rain Phoenix (half sister) | |
| Liberty Phoenix (half sister) | |
| Summer Phoenix (half sister) | |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Children (If Any) | 1 daughter |
| Zodiac | Pisces |
| Net Worth | Unknown |
Jodean’s Life Before She Was Found
Jodean Bottom was born on 29th February, 1964. She was born in Amadora (Portugal) to parents John Lee Bottom (father) and his then girlfriend Trinity (mother). She was born to an unmarried couple, and this led to harsh consequences for her as days went by.
However, not much information about her early life is known. Her educational endeavours as well as marriage are also not publicly available. Why so? Well, let’s have a look.
Why Is Information About Her So Scarce?
You see, much of Jodean’s life is not known due to her absence from the Phoenix family. It is because her father, John Phoenix, abandoned her in her childhood. John, his father, fled from Portugal fearing forced conscription in the army.
As a result, she had to grow up without having a father figure in her life. It wasn’t until she was found by her half brother, River, who sought to unite her back with her family. Ever since then, she has led a rather private life.
Why A Different Surname?
You might wonder, even though Jodean Bottom is a part of the Phoenix family, why does she have a different surname? Well, this has got a rather bizarre story behind it. Let’s see.
You might not believe it, but Jodean’s family was a part of a cult before. Yes, you read it right, now let that sink in. John (her father) was the archbishop of the “Children of God” cult. They even moved to Crocket (Texas), where the cult’s commune was located.
However, as fate would have had it, John soon decided to flee from the cult. They somehow escaped, hiding inside a trolley-filled freight train. They finally settled in Englewood (Florida) and thus changed their surnames to Phoenix for a fresh start.
Jodean’s Marital Life
Sadly, not much information about the marital life of Jodean is available. She, along with her family, chooses to keep a discreet attitude towards her personal life. It is rumoured that she is the mother to a daughter though. Apart from that, nothing else is known.
A Life Amidst Celebs
Do you know that not just River and Joaquin Phoenix, but every sibling of Jodean is a big name in the film industry? Not only that, her stepmother, Arlyn Phoenix, is also a renowned social media activist as well as a mom of stars. Let’s have a look over the siblings of Jodean.
Rain Phoenix
Jodean’s half-sister, Rain was born on 21st November, 1972, in Texas. She is an established actress as well as a musician. Her musical career began at a young age. At the age of 15, she formed the band Aleka’s Attic with River.
Liberty Phoenix
Liberty was born on 5th July 1976. She also has a career revolving around the entertainment and music industry. At present, Liberty is appointed as the manager of her mother’s charity organization “River Phoenix Centre For Peacebuilding.”
Summer Phoenix
The youngest in the Phoenix family. Summer was born on 10th December, 1978. She is also an emerging actress, having worked for many successful projects. Her most famous work was in the movie “The Believer” (2001).
Final Thoughts
Although much information about the life of Jodean Bottom is not available, it is evident that her childhood has been a tumultuous one. From being abandoned by her father to reuniting with her long lost family, she has come a long way.
Jodean is forever grateful to her late brother River Phoenix, because it was due to him that she could be with her family. Yet, she is a strong personality who didn’t crumble under the pangs of separation. Her privacy is her choice, and we should respect that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is The Father Of Jodean Bottom?
John Lee Bottom is the biological father of Jodean. He is also the father to other Phoenix siblings.
Who Is The Mother Of Jodean Bottom?
Trinity, John Lee’s ex girlfriend, is the biological mother of Jodean. Her stepmother is Arlyn Phoenix.
What Is Jodean Bottom’s Net Worth?
Unfortunately, no information regarding Jodean’s net worth is available widely.
Where Does Jodean Bottom Live Now?
As of now, Jodean resides in the US of A. Specific details about her residence are not available, although it is known that she stays with the Phoenix family.
What Is Jodean Bottom’s Age?
As of 2025, Jodean is 61 years old.
