Are Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara secretly married?
Fans are buzzing with speculation after Joaquin Phoenix referred to Rooney Mara as his “wife” during an interview. While appearing on the Talk Easy with Sam Fragoso podcast on September 29, the 49-year-old actor casually dropped the word while reflecting on his 2020 Oscars acceptance speech.
In the interview, Joaquin shared that he found inspiration for his speech after winning Best Actor for his role in Joker. “I was talking with my mom and wife,” he mentioned, which immediately raised eyebrows. Was this a subtle confirmation that the two are married?
Joaquin didn’t offer any further clarification during the conversation, and while he went on to refer to Rooney by name when discussing the speech, he left fans wondering about their marital status. “Rooney was like, ‘That’s what you should say!’” he added, recalling how she helped him craft the perfect words.
Though Joaquin and Rooney have kept much of their relationship private, the two have been together for quite some time. They first met in 2012 while filming Her, but it wasn’t until 2017 that they began dating publicly. In 2019, the couple got engaged, and they welcomed their first child, a son named River, in 2020. Their son’s name is a touching tribute to Joaquin’s late brother, River Phoenix.
As for whether or not they are officially married, the couple has yet to confirm or deny the rumors. Joaquin’s recent use of “wife” has certainly sparked speculation, but the notoriously private pair are known for keeping their personal life out of the spotlight.
Earlier this year, it was also confirmed that the couple is expecting their second child, which adds another exciting chapter to their growing family. Rooney has been spotted supporting Joaquin at several high-profile events, including the L.A. premiere of Joker: Folie à Deux, which hits theaters on October 4.
Whether they’ve tied the knot in secret or are simply enjoying life as a close-knit family, Joaquin and Rooney remain one of Hollywood’s most low-key yet beloved couples. For now, fans will have to wait and see if they officially confirm their marital status—or continue to let the mystery unfold.
