Happy Birthday Joaquin Phoenix: Did you know the 'Joker' star also acted in 'Gladiator'?

On Joaquin Phoenix's 45th birthday, we take a look at the Hollywood actor's lesser-known films and acting performances.

Gladiator (2000): The Roman epic drama sheds light on General Maximus played by Russel Crow. But not many know that Commodus, who was made co-emperor by his father Marcus, was portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix. ( Photo | IMDB ) 

Her (2013): Pheonix plays Theodore Twombly, a silent, introverted writer, whose life changes after he falls in love with his computer's voice. The movie showed the hard hitting reality of human life in the age of Artificial Intelligence. ( Photo | IMDB )

The Village (2004): In the thriller drama directed by M. Night Shyamalan, Phoenix can be seen playing the mysterious character Lucius Hunt. (Photo | IMDB)

Inherent Vice (2014): Set in the backdrop of 1970, in the American neo-noir film, Phoenix investigates the disappearance of a former girlfriend. (Photo | IMDB)

The Irrational Man (2015): Seen alongside Emma Stone, Phoenix plays a philosophy professor who is tormented by an existential crisis. (Photo | IMDB)

I'm Still Here (2010): After a brief break from Hollywood, Joaquin Phoenix became a rapper. He documented this transition in his career in the comedy drama film I'm Still Here. (Photo | IMDB)

Joker (2019): The performance that brought him back under the spotlight was the role of the villain of Gotham. Phoenix's role was so powerful that not only did he receive an eight-minute-long standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival premiere, but also protesters of inequality across the world were seen dressed up like the Joker, a testimony to his brilliant acting. (Photo | IMDB)