5 Shocking Revelations About Rooney Mara And Joaquin Phoenix’s Secretive Life In 2025

The notoriously private relationship between Hollywood powerhouses Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix has always been a source of intense fascination, and as of December 2025, their quiet life together continues to generate major headlines. From welcoming their second child to sparking rumors of a secret marriage, the couple—who prefer activism and family life over the glitz of the red carpet—have recently made a series of rare, high-profile appearances that have captivated fans and the media alike.

Their story, which began on the set of the 2012 film Her, has evolved into one of the industry's most committed partnerships, anchored by shared values in veganism and social justice. The latest updates, including the arrival of their newest baby and their commitment to powerful cinematic projects, prove that while they may shun the spotlight, their impact on both film and activism is undeniable and constantly evolving.

Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix: Complete Biography & Career Highlights

Despite their desire for privacy, both Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix are titans of the film industry, boasting storied careers and a shared passion for humanitarian work. Their professional lives are marked by critical acclaim and a commitment to challenging roles.

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Rooney Mara: Profile and Achievements

• Full Name: Patricia Rooney Mara
• Date of Birth: April 17, 1985
• Place of Birth: Bedford, New York, United States
• Notable Career Highlights: Gained international recognition for her role as Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), for which she received an Academy Award and Golden Globe nomination. She earned a second Academy Award and Golden Globe nomination for her performance in Carol (2015). She is also known for overseeing the Uweza Foundation, which supports women and children in Kibera, Kenya.
• Family Ties: Born into the Rooney and Mara sports business families; her sister is actress Kate Mara.

Joaquin Phoenix: Profile and Achievements

• Full Name: Joaquin Rafael Phoenix
• Date of Birth: October 28, 1974
• Place of Birth: San Juan, Puerto Rico, United States
• Notable Career Highlights: An Academy Award, BAFTA, Grammy Award, and two-time Golden Globe Award winner. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Arthur Fleck in the psychological thriller Joker (2019). Other acclaimed films include Gladiator (2000), Signs (2002), The Village (2004), and Walk the Line (2005).
• Activism: A lifelong vegan and prominent animal rights activist, he has narrated documentaries like Earthlings.

The Latest Updates: Secret Marriage and Baby No. 2 (2024-2025)

The couple, who got engaged in 2019, consistently keeps the details of their personal life under wraps, making any new information a major event. The period between 2024 and 2025 has been particularly eventful, with two major life milestones sparking global interest.

1. Marriage Rumors Intensify in Late 2024

Despite being publicly referred to as "fiancés" for years, speculation about a secret marriage reached a fever pitch in late 2024. Several reports began referring to Rooney Mara as Joaquin Phoenix's "wife," suggesting the couple may have quietly tied the knot, a move entirely consistent with their highly private nature. This intense speculation came shortly after a major family announcement, further fueling the narrative that the couple had cemented their union away from the public eye.

2. The Arrival of Their Second Child in 2024

The news that the couple was expecting their second child broke in February 2024, when Rooney Mara debuted her baby bump at the Berlinale film festival premiere of her film La Cocina. The baby, whose gender and name have not been officially announced, was reportedly born in June 2024. This new addition joins their first child, a son named River, who was born in 2020. River was named in tribute to Joaquin’s late brother, the actor River Phoenix, a deeply personal and touching detail the couple chose to share.

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3. A Rare Red Carpet Appearance at the 2025 Venice Film Festival

In a move that surprised many, the couple made a rare and significant red carpet appearance at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. They attended the premiere of the Gaza-set drama The Voice of Hind Rajab, a project they both joined alongside other high-profile figures. This appearance was a powerful convergence of their professional and activist lives, using their platform to support a film with a strong social message. Their presence at such a major festival, especially after a year of intense privacy and the birth of their second child, underscored their commitment to projects that resonate with their humanitarian values.

Beyond Hollywood: Veganism, Activism, and Upcoming Projects

The core of Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix’s relationship is their shared, unwavering dedication to animal rights and veganism. This commitment is not just a lifestyle choice but a major component of their professional output and public advocacy, providing a strong foundation for their topical authority outside of traditional acting roles.

4. Powering Animal Rights Activism and Vegan Documentaries

Both actors are staunch vegan activists, frequently participating in demonstrations like the annual Funeral Procession for Deceased Farm Animals on Animal Rights Day in Los Angeles. Their activism extends into their work as producers. They have executive produced the powerful documentary The End of Medicine, which exposes the link between factory farming and the potential for future pandemics. This focus on ethical issues, from animal welfare to global health, demonstrates a purposeful use of their fame to drive meaningful change.

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5. Collaborative Future: New Cinematic Ventures

Looking ahead, the couple remains committed to a new cinematic project with acclaimed director Pawel Pawlikowski, known for films like Cold War. While details remain scarce, their continued collaboration on set, which began with Mary Magdalene in 2016 (the film where their dating relationship began), suggests a working partnership as strong as their personal one. Their choice of projects, often leaning towards independent, socially conscious, or character-driven narratives, reflects a shared artistic vision that values substance over spectacle.

The life of Rooney Mara and Joaquin Phoenix is a fascinating study in contrast: two of the world’s most recognizable actors who actively seek a life out of the public eye. The recent flurry of updates—a new baby, persistent marriage rumors, and high-impact red carpet appearances for powerful films—confirms that even in their silence, they remain one of Hollywood's most influential and compelling couples. Their legacy is being built not just on their Oscar-nominated performances, but on their quiet, powerful advocacy for a better world.