Video: Joaquin Phoenix to Become a Music Man – Hear it from His Own Lips

Joaquin Phoenix announced to TV’s Extra on Monday that he is retiring from acting to pursue music. After learning to sing and play guitar for his Oscar-nominated role as Johnny Cash in 2005′s Walk the Line, it appears that he is super-serious about this turn in his career.

“Phoenix, who was curiously being followed by his own camera crews, reiterated, “Yeah. I’m working on my music. I’m done. I’ve been through that.”"

It is said that he has already collaborated to some extent with UK band The Charlatans, but it has not yet been confirmed if that is where the majority of his efforts will be directed. Fans of Phoenix might think with an inkling of hope that he’s not serious – that perhaps it’s a flight of fancy, a blip on the radar of consideration. But at this point and time, it doesn’t sound like the actor is joking or throwing around dismissive phrase for publicity.

We’re not sure about this. As an actor, one has the ability to make the masses swoon/weep/feel joy, if not make a load of money (which we’re positive isn’t a motivating factor). However, the benefit of music is that a good enough talent can inspire the same emotions in their respective audience, if not more. Whatever the reasons, anyone can tell you that at the age of 34, there is still plenty of wiggle room to change one’s mind as far as retirement goes – but we look forward to what Phoenix lays on the table, in one way or the other.

Check out the video of his announcement…

Photo via MSNBCmedia.com