Joaquin Phoenix quits acting to focus on music

The upcoming ‘Two Lovers’ will be his last performance on film

Kevin Winter / Getty Images	Joaquin Phoenix told an “Extra” reporter that he is quitting acting to focus on music.

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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.”

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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.