Martha Plimpton Reflects on River Phoenix's Fame Struggles Before Death

Martha Plimpton has reflected on her relationship with River Phoenix, whom she described as her "first love" and a significant influence on her formative years. The two met as teenagers while filming 1986's The Mosquito Coast and dated for nearly four years, remaining close friends until Phoenix's death in 1993. Plimpton shared that Phoenix struggled with the pressures of rising fame, describing him as an innocent and love-driven person who had difficulty navigating the contradictions of Hollywood. She expressed that fame was particularly hard on Phoenix, who was unable to fully manage his substance abuse before his untimely death from a drug overdose at age 23. Plimpton believes Phoenix would have been a powerful advocate for sobriety had he lived longer. Their relationship and his struggles left a lasting impact on her life and identity.