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Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara have always maintained a private and low-key relationship, but recent comments from Phoenix have sparked excitement and speculation about their marital status. In a rare podcast appearance, the Academy Award-winning actor referred to Mara as his “wife” while recalling the inspiration behind his 2020 Oscars acceptance speech. This casual yet significant revelation has led many to wonder whether the couple, who got engaged in 2019, have quietly tied the knot, as their representatives have remained silent on the matter.
The couple, who met on the set of Her in 2012, have been together since 2016 and share a son named River, born in 2020. Despite their Hollywood fame, Phoenix and Mara have always kept their relationship private, only sharing select glimpses into their life together. With a second child on the way, their latest public interactions have added fuel to the ongoing speculation about their personal life, leaving fans eagerly awaiting confirmation.
Joaquin Phoenix’s Viral Statement: Did He Confirm Marriage?
During apodcast interviewonTalk Easy with Sam Fragosoon July 26, 2025, Joaquin Phoenix, 49, casually referred to Rooney Mara, 39, as his “wife.” While reflecting on his 2020 Oscars acceptance speech, Phoenix mentioned that the inspiration for his words came while speaking with his“mom and my wife.” This seemingly offhand comment was the first public hint that the couple may be married.
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Phoenix further mentioned Mara by name, recounting how she encouraged him to use the speech he delivered at the Academy Awards. He did not clarify whether they are legally married, and representatives for the couple have yet to comment on the speculation.
Fans have eagerly awaited confirmation, as Phoenix and Mara’s relationship has captivated audiences since they began dating in 2016. The actors got engaged in 2019 and have shared several major life milestones, including the birth of their son.
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara’s Relationship: From Co-Stars to Life Partners
Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara’s love story began in 2012 when they met while filming the sci-fi dramaHer. Interestingly, Phoenix initially believed that Mara didn’t like him, later learning that she was simply shy. The two developed a friendship and reconnected in 2016 while working onMary Magdalene. Their bond deepened, and by May 2017, they were publicly a couple, making their red carpet debut at the Cannes Film Festival.
In 2019, they got engaged and welcomed their first child, a son named River, in 2020. The name honors Phoenix’s late brother, actor River Phoenix, who tragically passed away in 1993. Though private, the couple has shared heartfelt glimpses of their life as new parents.
Raising Son River: A Creative Household
Rooney MaraandJoaquin Phoenixare raising their son River in what they describe as a “creative household,” according toPeople. Born in 2020, River Phoenix-Mara has already become the center of their world, as the couple navigates parenthood while continuing their illustrious acting careers. Both Mara and Phoenix have shared how becoming parents has shaped their perspectives on life, with Mara revealing in a Mother’s Day letter that motherhood has “opened her heart” to a new sense of hope and determination.
The couple has taken a unique approach to parenting, allowing River to grow up in a supportive and creative environment. In a 2021 interview, Phoenix expressed his desire for River to adopt a vegan lifestyle, though he emphasized he wouldn’t force it upon him, opting instead to educate him about the food system.
Their Second Child on the Way
Excitement continues to grow for Phoenix and Mara, as the couple is expecting their second child. Rooney Mara revealed her pregnancy earlier this year at the Berlin Film Festival. The prospect of adding another member to their family has thrilled fans, who have been following their journey closely.
Despite their fame, the couple has remained notoriously private about their personal lives, only sharing select moments with the public. Their decision to maintain this level of discretion has not only allowed them to focus on their family but also deepened the mystique surrounding their relationship.
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While Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara have not officially confirmed their marriage, Phoenix’s casual reference to Mara as his “wife” during the podcast has fueled speculation. The couple’s dedication to each other and their growing family suggests they may have chosen to keep this significant life event private, much like other aspects of their relationship.
With the pair expecting their second child and continuing to balance their careers with parenthood, their love story remains one of Hollywood’s most intriguing. Whether they are officially married or not, it’s clear that their bond is stronger than ever.
Rishabh Bhatnagar
Editor/Reviewer
Articles Published :315
Rishabh Bhatnagar is an Entertainment and pop culture journalist/editor with Fandom Wire. He has more than 6 years of experience working for multiple major platforms and is himself an avid consumer of worthwhile content. A natural storyteller, Rishabh has a unique way with words and is always looking to improve, as a storyteller, writer, and a journalist.
