River Phoenix (1970-1993) was an American actor and musician, considered one of the most promising figures of his generation. He achieved international fame with his role as Chris Chambers in the film *Stand by Me* (1986). His career was marked by intense and critically acclaimed performances. For his role in *Running on Empty* (1988), he received an Academy Award and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor, consolidating his status as a young talent. He reached his artistic peak with *My Own Private Idaho* (1991), a performance for which he won the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival and an Independent Spirit Award. His other significant films include *The Mosquito Coast* (1986), *Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade* (1989), as the young Indy, and *Sneakers* (1992). His promising career was tragically cut short by his premature death at the age of 23.