Joaquin Phoenix has set off a wave of speculation about his marital status after referring to his long-time partner, Rooney Mara, as his “wife” during a recent podcast appearance. The couple, who got engaged in 2019, have generally kept their relationship private, making this public acknowledgment all the more intriguing. Phoenix, known for his roles in films like Joker and Gladiator, made the statement during an interview on the “Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso” podcast.
During the discussion, Phoenix mentioned Mara while reflecting on his 2020 Oscar acceptance speech, where he had briefly referenced both his “mom” and his “wife.”
Until this interview, it was unclear who he was referring to, and Phoenix had not previously clarified whether he and Mara had secretly married. When asked about this reference during the podcast, Phoenix confirmed he meant Mara, stating, “Rooney was like, ‘That’s what you should say!’” This casual reference to her as his wife has ignited speculation that the couple might have tied the knot in a private ceremony, something they haven’t officially confirmed.
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The Oscar-winning actor’s decision to use the term “wife” is particularly notable because the couple has been known to avoid public discussions about their relationship. Phoenix and Mara met in 2012 while filming Her, directed by Spike Jonze.
However, they didn’t start dating until much later. The two reconnected during the filming of Mary Magdalene, where Mara played the titular role and Phoenix portrayed Jesus. They made their relationship public in 2017 and got engaged two years later.
Despite their celebrity status, both Phoenix and Mara are known for being fiercely private about their personal lives. They rarely make public appearances together and have shared very few details about their family. Their first child, River, named after Phoenix’s late brother, was born in 2020, and earlier this year, the couple announced they were expecting their second child.
Phoenix’s casual mention of Mara as his wife, without further elaboration, is in line with how the couple has handled their relationship—understated yet significant. Fans and media alike have been left guessing whether the two have actually tied the knot or if Phoenix simply used the term endearingly. What’s clear, however, is the deep bond and connection between the two, something that has only grown stronger over the years.
In a 2019 interview, Phoenix admitted, “She’s the only girl I ever looked up on the internet,” emphasizing how unique their relationship is to him. His words have often hinted at a profound admiration and love for Mara, making his recent statement a natural progression in how he publicly acknowledges their relationship.
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