Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara stand as a unique pair amidst the glamorous and often tumultuous world of Hollywood relationships. Known for their exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to their art, Phoenix and Mara have forged a connection that thrives outside the glare of the spotlight. Their enigmatic allure and fiercely guarded privacy lend an air of mystery to their romance. Yet, the glimpses we are afforded reveal a couple bound by shared values, a profound respect for each other’s work, and love that has grown stronger with time.
Both are individual powerhouses on screen in their own right. While Phoenix is known for his intense on-screen presence and captivating performances in films like Walk the Line (2005), Joker (2019) and Napoleon (2023), Mara has essayed more delicate and nuanced roles in movies such as The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) and Carol (2015). However, their off-screen chemistry is a subtle but potent force.
From Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara’s meet-cute on the set of the movie Her in 2012 to expecting their second baby in 2024, here’s a look back at their love story.
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara’s relationship: A Hollywood love story
2012: Offscreen connection while filming Her
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara in Her. (Image: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)
Phoenix and Mara first met while filming Spike Jonze’s science fiction romance Her in 2012. Ironically, their characters navigated a dissolving marriage on screen. In real life, they struck up a friendship that blossomed into something more over time. Things weren’t romantic right away — in fact, Phoenix revealed to Vanity Fair in 2019 that he initially thought Mara disliked him, but it turned out she was just shy.
“She’s the only girl I ever looked up on the internet,” he admitted, adding, “We were just friends, email friends. I’d never done that. Never looked up a girl online.”
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara together in ‘her’ by Merrick Morton pic.twitter.com/68nk0oUYg3
— Joaquin Phoenix Updates (@jphoenixupdates) August 9, 2021
2016: Reunion in Mary Magdalene
After Her, Phoenix and Mara worked together in 2016 on the biblical drama Mary Magdalene (which was released in 2018), solidifying their professional connection.
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara in Mary Magdalene. (Image: Courtesy of IMDb)
Rumours of a burgeoning romance circulated during filming. At the time, Phoenix’s representatives downplayed the speculation, telling Page Six in 2017 that they were “just good friends.”
2017: Public debut at Cannes Film Festival
They made their first appearance as a couple at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, with a sweet display of affection on the red carpet. Phoenix went on to win the award for Best Actor at the Festival that year for his performance in You Were Never Really Here.
2019: Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara get engaged
In May 2019, news of their engagement emerged after Mara was seen wearing a large diamond ring. While there was no official statement, their representatives declined to comment.
2019: Committed to the same cause
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara led a procession for National Animal Rights Day in Los Angeles in 2019. (Image: Courtesy of BG69/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images)
The couple, both fiercely committed to animal rights and veganism, were frequently seen attending protests and demonstrations together. On 2 June 2019, for instance, they were spotted attending a protest on National Animal Rights Day.
2020: The couple have their first baby
They welcomed their first baby, a son named River, in September 2020, paying tribute to Phoenix’s late brother who was also an actor. In March of the same year, Mara joined Phoenix on the Oscars red carpet, where he won the Best Actor award for his performance in Joker. This was his first Oscar.
2021: The couple continue to advocate veganism
In November, the couple spoke against the tradition of eating turkeys on Thanksgiving, instead suggesting to adopt the bird. “In this season of giving, please join us in adopting a turkey and leaving them off your plates,” a joint statement read.
2024: Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara expecting their second child
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara attend the 92nd Oscars. (Image: Courtesy of Valerie Macon/AFP)
With the news of Phoenix and Mara expecting their second child, the couple will embark on a new chapter in their lives together. Mara was spotted sporting a baby bump at the ongoing Berlin International Film Festival.
(Hero and Featured image credits: Courtesy of Valerie Macon/AFP)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-How did Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara meet?
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara met while filming the 2013 movie, Her.
-When did Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara start dating?
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara started dating while filming Mary Magdalene in 2016. However, it was not until the 2017 Cannes Film Festival that they were publicly seen together.
Kshitij Rawat
