Joaquin Phoenix quits acting to focus on music

updated 5:17 p.m. ET Oct. 31, 2008

NEW YORK - Joaquin Phoenix is quitting movies to focus on music.

Phoenix’s publicist, Susan Patricola, has confirmed his earlier comments to TV’s “Extra”: The upcoming “Two Lovers” will be his last performance on film.

Says Patricola: “He has said that ‘Two Lovers’ is his last. But this is not strange. Joaquin has been directing music videos and been involved in music for the last number of years.”

Phoenix first talked about his decision to “Extra” this week while attending a fundraiser in San Francisco, abruptly ending the interview after the reporter wondered whether he was joking.

The 34-year-old star received Oscar nominations for his roles in “Gladiator” and “Walk the Line,” for which he learned to play guitar to channel country legend Johnny Cash.

Phoenix co-stars with Gwyneth Paltrow in the romantic drama “Two Lovers,” slated for release Feb. 13.

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