For the first time in decades, the Turlock High varsity boys water polo team will be making an appearance in the semifinal ...

Jason DeRose covers religion for NPR News, reporting on the ways belief shapes American public life and the ways American life shapes religious expression. Previously, he was NPR's Western Bureau ...

Scott said Joaquin Phoenix nearly refused to play his villainous role, Commodus, in the 2000 action film. "He was in his prince’s outfit saying, ‘I can’t do it.’ I said, ‘What?’ ...

Joaquin Phoenix nearly gave up his villainous role of Commodus in the original “Gladiator.” While discussing the cult classic’s upcoming sequel with the New York Times, director Ridley Scott ...

Emma McIntyre/Getty Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara's red carpet date nights might be rare — but they're always sweet! The couple stepped out at the Fourth Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy ...

Joaquin Phoenix played his Joker cards over the long haul. As for Phoenix, "I wasn’t ready then," he said. "That’s one of those things where it’s like, ‘What is in me that’s not doing ...

Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara enjoyed a sweet date night at the Fourth Annual Academy Museum Gala, where the Joker: Folie a Deux actor made sure his better half was looking her best. Phoenix, 49 ...

Few actors are as explosive and unpredictable as Joaquin Phoenix. His public persona is often bristly—a tortured creative who has no interest in playing by the rules of the Hollywood system.

Male rage! Nihilism!’ All these think pieces. And then I think, ‘What if we went the other way,’ and now they have Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga tap dancing, to a point where it’s insane.

Jason DeRose is the Western Bureau Chief for NPR News, based at NPR West in Culver City. He edits news coverage from Member station reporters and freelancers in California, Washington, Oregon ...