Joaquin Phoenix on the Late Show

Actor-turned-rapper Joaquin Phoenix was left squirming on U.S. TV after talk show host David Letterman grilled him about his new furry beard and burgeoning hip-hop career.

The star hid behind dark sunglasses and chewed gum as he promoted his movie Two Lovers - the last project he filmed before announcing his retirement from Hollywood – on Letterman’s Late Show on Wednesday.

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Letterman asked the star about his new unkempt facial hair but Phoenix was uncooperative, mumbling one-word answers.

The former actor then discussed his new musical career but grew visibly annoyed when the audience began to laugh, grumbling: “Is this a joke? What (drug) do you have them on? What do you gas them up with?”

And when the house band leader Paul Shaffer laughed at the pair’s awkward exchange, Phoenix turned to him and asked: “Are you f—ing kidding? Are you serious with the maniacal laughter?”

Letterman tried to assure Phoenix, insisting: “We’re having fun, just relax, seriously! I’ll come to your house and chew gum!” – prompting the star to spit out the wad and stick it onto Letterman’s desk.

The host concluded the interview by saying: “Joaquin, I’m sorry you couldn’t be here tonight.”

About Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Rafael Phoenix (born October 28, 1974), formerly credited as Leaf Phoenix, is a film actor, musician, and occasional rapper. He was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where he lived for the first 4 years of his childhood. His family then moved to the continental United States, where he was raised. Among the many places in which he lived, because of his family’s frequent moving, were Mexico and various countries in South America. Phoenix is from a family of performers which includes his older brother, the late River Phoenix.

Phoenix has ventured behind the camera, directing music videos as well as producing movies and television shows, and has recorded an album, the soundtrack to Walk the Line. He is also known for his work as a social activist, particularly as an advocate for animal rights. On October 27, 2008, he announced his retirement from film in order to focus on his rapping career.