Joaquin Phoenix: Quitting acting or just acting like he's quitting?

Since there's never been any doubt that Joaquin Phoenix was one of Hollywood's great modern-day eccentrics, it's hard to entirely take seriously the news that he has suddenly vowed to quit acting. After all, the oddball actor is always saying strange things. Working the press line at a fancy premiere for "Walk the Line," Phoenix asked a reporter, "Do I have a large frog in my hair?" When the reporter said no, Joaquin asked a new question: "Is there something crawling out of my scalp?" And how about this red-carpet story: Phoenix wrecked his car and was rescued by none other than ... Werner Herzog!

So I'm guessing the odds are pretty slim that Phoenix will stick to this pledge. Whatever has sidetracked him--playing in a cool band, learning how to cook, figuring out how to spot the moons of Jupiter without a telescope--will soon lose its appeal and he'll be back in action. But his pledge did spark the following idea: Who would make my list of the Top Ten actors we would like to see quit acting? (WARNING -- I'M JUST HAVING FUN HERE):

Click through to read my list, but please do feel free to offer your own suggestions:

10) Keanu Reeves

9) Dane Cook

8) Kate Bosworth

7) Josh Hartnett

6) Robin Williams

5) Renee Zellweger

4) Vin Diesel

3) Thandie Newton

2) Nicolas Cage

1) All of the stars of "Wild Hogs."

Photo of Joaquin Phoenix by Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Josh]

Great list, but Dane Cook is way too low. To paraphrase Ty Webb's comment to Judge Smails: "Don't underestimate Dane, he's a tremendous slouch."

[john]

Anyone who has watched the classics of the 30's thru the 60's know what real acting is.None of the present actors are even close to those actors likeTracy,Lancaster,Peck and so many others.

[Big Shaker]

I totally agree with your list, Mr. Goldstein, and would like to add a handful more: Tom Hanks, Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts, Matthew McConaghey, Tom Cruise, Sarah Jessica Parker, Eva Longoria (what the heck - let's just say everyone on Desperate Housewives), Shia LaBoeuf, did I mention Tom Cruise? In fact, ALL current stars should stop acting, and all movies henceforth should star Chuck Norris.

[mark]

that's an impressive list but I would change Anne Hathaway for Keanu Reeves based on the strength of her performance in The Devil...Prada and his in The Gift. He was convincing. You could see her "acting" in the entire film.

[shifty]

Best of luck, Joaquin. I wouldn't want those Hollywood vultures following me around forever asking stupid questions, and I wouldn't trade my anonymity for it at any point. Thanks for the good stuff you gave us. Good luck with your future dreams.

Shifty

[starlet]

i love joaquins movies- he is one of the best actors of his generation. walk the line was brilliant-he was also amazing in to die for with nicole kidman. i ll see any movie that hes in so i hate to see him wanting to leave the biz, but maybe he feels he has been there done that, he accomplished his goal in acting- hes won a golden globe and had oscar noms, probably has financial security, probably sick of hollywood and tabloids and wants to write and play music- he has no pressure since hes so successful- he got a killer voice and stage presence and plays guitar- he should go for it! jared leto has a great band!

[ballrmom]

that is some funny #$^%$. it's true, half of the actors on screen today are terrible! they must be related to someone, how else can you explain it?

[Gerald]

good list however I would keep one actor from wild hogs Kevin Durand an up and comer and friend of mine from canada.