Wednesday, 11 February 2009

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Joaquin Phoenix grew beard to avoid being a sex symbol

Actor is experimenting with his appearance

Joaquin Phoenix was nominated for an Oscar for Walk The Line

Joaquin Phoenix says he’s grown a bushy beard to escape his pin-up status.

The actor, 34, who is attempting to launch a rap career, finds it uncomfortable being eye candy.  

‘People have called me a sex symbol in the past, but it's very much an effort,’ he tells The Sun.

‘People know me as this kind of thing and in some ways I don't know that this is my look.

‘It's been important for me to just do something that's extreme - that really separates me from that public Joaquin Phoenix persona, whatever the f*** that is. Or maybe I'm just lazy.’

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