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River Phoenix's Ex Martha Plimpton Recalls His Struggles Before Death at 23

Martha Plimpton recalls being River Phoenix’s 'first love' and his struggles with fame before his death at age 23, sharing candid memories

Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty ImagesDuring their relationship, Plimpton saw Phoenix’s career take off including being his plus 1 at the 1989 Academy Awards where he was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his part in Running on Empty. While Phoenix’s life was cut short after he suffered a drug overdose outside of Los Angeles’ famed Viper Room, Plimpton is confident if the actor had time he would’ve overcome his addiction issues — and become an example of what not to do. At the time of his death, River was survived by his parents, John and Arlyn “Heart” Phoenix, and his four siblings: Joaquin, Rain, Liberty and SummerPhoenix, all of whom pursued acting at a young age.

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