River Phoenix and Martha Plimpton | Source: Getty Images

Martha Plimpton, River Phoenix’s Former Girlfriend, Opens up About His Struggles with Fame

Jun 19, 2025 - 10:09 A.M.

The actress opened up about her former love during an appearance on the "Dinner's on Me" podcast earlier this week. Their relationship ended a few years before his tragic death, though they remained close friends.

Martha Plimpton sat down with Jesse Tyler Ferguson on his Apple podcast during an episode uploaded Tuesday and spoke about how she witnessed her then-boyfriend, River Phoenix, struggle with the perils of fame.

Martha Plimpton and River Phoenix attend the 61st Annual Academy Awards Nominees Luncheon on March 21, 1989, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

The pair had met as teenagers on the set of the 1986 film "The Mosquito Coast," and a romantic relationship between them ensued. Plimpton was one of the people closest to Phoenix when he rose to stardom.

Speaking of how he navigated Hollywood, she noted, "He was not as equipped, I think, as maybe some other people might be to handle that stuff."

River Phoenix with Martha Plimpton in "Running on Empty" in 1988. | Source: Getty Images

She explained that Phoenix was "at heart, very innocent and a driven-by-love human being. So the contradictions of Hollywood and show business were much more difficult for him."

She added that it was easier for her, having grown up in New York City. "I was already a cynic by the time I was 13," she remarked.

River Phoenix (1970 - 1993) talks with actress and girlfriend Martha Plimpton (R) at a fur-free benefit for animal rights at the Palladium Club in 1989. | Source: Getty Images

"I think fame was really hard on River. I think he really just didn't know what to do with all of that. He wanted to do good. The contradictions of it were too difficult," Plimpton continued.

Plimpton and Phoenix dated for four years and remained close after their relationship ended. Sadly, Phoenix would die not long after, from a drug overdose in 1993. He was 23.

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River Phoenix poses during a 1988 photo portrait session in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Reflecting on their relationship, Plimpton said, "We did remain friends. We were each other's first love. That relationship never really goes away. You can't ever let something like that go. It's just too important and too, like, altering."

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