Joaquin Phoenix's 'Awkward' Late Show Apology: One of the Worst Nights of His Life

Joaquin Phoenix's Infamous Late Night Debacle: The Actor Reveals Regrets and Apologies

Get ready for a blast from the past! Joaquin Phoenix, the enigmatic actor known for his iconic roles in films like "Her" and "Joker," has just spilled the beans on one of the most cringe-worthy moments in television history. In an astonishing confession, he's revealed that his infamous 2009 appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman was not only a publicity stunt but also a deeply uncomfortable experience for everyone involved.

For those who may have missed it, Joaquin's guest spot on the show was nothing short of bizarre. He showed up on set looking disheveled, sporting a frazzled hairdo and an unkempt beard, while donning sunglasses. The usually quick-witted David Letterman seemed taken aback by Joaquin's antics, which left both the host and the audience scratching their heads.

But what made this appearance so memorable was that Joaquin was completely in character - as himself! He answered questions with a straight face, often responding with "I don't know" or simply shrugging his shoulders. It was like watching someone having a meltdown live on national television. Even David's musical director, Paul Shaffer, got in on the action, prompting Joaquin to snap at him mid-interview.

In the years that followed, rumors swirled about whether this bizarre appearance was part of some larger art project or simply a publicity stunt gone wrong. But now, more than 15 years later, Joaquin has finally opened up about his experience on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Appearing on the same stage where his infamous interview took place, Joaquin confessed that he had initially intended to use his character to explore the relationship between celebrities, the media, and the public. By keeping his true identity hidden from David and the audience, he aimed to provoke a specific reaction - one that would allow him to gauge how people would respond to his "real" self.

"I just always wanted to get this reaction and see how I would respond to that," Joaquin explained to Stephen. "So it was beneficial for no one to know, except when needed."

While Joaquin's plan may have succeeded in generating a buzz around the show, he now regrets his actions. In fact, he's even apologized for the discomfort he caused during that fateful night.

"It was horrible. It was so uncomfortable. I regret it, I'll never do it again. I'm so sorry," Joaquin confessed to Stephen.

And if you've seen the clip, you know exactly what he's talking about. The awkwardness is palpable as David tries to keep up with Joaquin's antics, all while attempting to maintain his signature wit and charm.

In hindsight, it's no wonder that the public perceived Joaquin's appearance as a sign of a public breakdown. After all, who wouldn't be concerned when someone appears on live television looking like they just rolled out of bed?

Joaquin even joked with Stephen about the ordeal, saying that the studio probably needed an exorcism after his visit.

As we look back on this infamous moment in TV history, it's clear that Joaquin Phoenix has had a long and winding road when it comes to exploring the boundaries of his craft. Love him or hate him, you have to admire his willingness to take risks and push the limits of what's acceptable.

So, the next time you find yourself cringing at one of his more unconventional performances, just remember: even the most iconic actors can have off days - or in this case, entire interviews!