25 years...25 years it has been since we lost River. My favorite actor of all time, a kindred soul, a spark that lit the screen with his long perfect, blustery hair that served as a character of its own and a smile that could charm the devil himself, River was a beauty on and off the screen. His kindness and perseverance to be compassionate and understanding which sadly feels so hopelessly forgotten lately was admirable and awe inspiring. This is simply an ode to a man who has inspired me since I ever watched him on film. By each film, by each interview, by each story I heard about him, I became more and more obsessed and bewildered and angry and saddened that someone I never met would become a motivating figure in my life and would have his life cut short

He had a soul that graced our cinema screens providing each of characters with heart and humanity no matter how flawed they were. Whether it be Chris Chamber's tough coolness that serves as a front for his soft spoken vulnerability and caring good side or his defining and incredible portrayal of a young man lost and ravaged by narcolepsy, River allowed the character to feel honest and authentic through the pain and fear that was displayed. And so forth, he gave us sexist boys with a heart in Dogfight, young men fighting to confront their complex relationships with their parents in The Mosquito Coast and Running on Empty or characters full of strength and charisma in The Last Crusade and unique quirkiness in Sneakers. His performances were a gateway to the story that unfolded on screen, his voice echoed and his heart fluttered, he was magnetic and entrancing to behold at times.

Then the unthinkable happened, his soul would be taken apart by a dungeon full of vipers and leave his close friends and family in mourning.
I may not have known River Phoenix. I may act like I do at times which is a dangerous choice to have in this world and I understand that. But on the eve of his death 25 years later, I choose to share how alluring his talent and grace that he shared with us on screen can be and simply put into words, how his beauty and elegance are unmatched. Let us remember the human he was, as well as the musician and actor and the remarkable level of talent he had in those fields.

It sounds troubling and strange for a 19 year old male to say that I miss him when I have and never will meet him but I think that showcases the power River had within, he was a phoenix that rose from the ashes to spread empathy for the weak, to care and give and to remind each and every one of us that in remembrance for his life, we must look out for one another. Thank you for the memories Mr Phoenix, the art you shared and the legacy through philanthropy and graciousness which will continue to inspire