River Jude Phoenix (August 23, 1970 October 31, 1993) was an American film actor and musician. He was listed on John Willis' Screen World, Vol. 38 as one of twelve "promising new actors of 1986", and was hailed as highly talented by such critics as Roger Ebert and Gene Siskel. At the age of 18, he was nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe in the category of Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1988 film, Running On Empty. Also well known for his animal rights activism, he was a spokesperson for PETA and a strict vegan.