Joaquin Phoenix Calls 2009 Letterman Show “One of My Worst Nights Ever”!

Over 15 years ago, Joaquin Phoenix created one of the earliest viral moments on the internet during his appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman while staying in character.

The acclaimed actor looked back on his “terrible” visit to the talk show on February 11, 2009, which was part of his act for the Casey Affleck-directed mockumentary I’m Still Here (2010). In the film, Phoenix is depicted as leaving his acting career to become a hip-hop artist.

“I realized it was somewhat absurd, so I called them and said, ‘Look, this is my plan. I’m going to come over and do this whole act,’” he shared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

“‘And I want Dave just to tear into me. I want it to be really edgy,’” Phoenix continued. “That was my intention… I always wanted to see how I would react to such a situation. So it was crucial that nobody knew, except when absolutely necessary.”

While he remembered the interview as “terrible,” Phoenix noted, “It was odd because in some ways, it was a success, yet it was also one of the worst experiences of my life.”

The Eddington actor described the appearance as “extremely uncomfortable,” adding: “I regret it. I would never do it again. I am truly sorry.”

I’m Still Here earned $626,396 globally and has a 53% Tomatometer rating on Rotten Tomatoes, criticized as “disturbing” and “difficult to watch.”

Following the release of the film, Affleck settled lawsuits from producer Amanda White and director of photography Magdalena Gorka, who claimed sexual harassment, infliction of emotional distress, and breach of verbal contract.