Talented Actor Now a Total Fruitcake

So what does Hollywood do to people anyway? Here is Joaquin when he was part of the human race.

Early this morning Joaquin Phoenix jumped off the stage during a short performance at a Miami Beach nightclub and confronted an audience member. Security guards dragged Phoenix back onstage and escorted him away.

It's unclear whether the confrontation -- and his pledge to quit acting and start rapping -- was real or a put-on. Actor and brother-in-law Casey Affleck, who has been recording a documentary on Phoenix's entry into the music business, captured the performance on camera.

In October, Phoenix's publicist confirmed he was making the career switch. In January he performed at a Las Vegas nightclub and the next month he made a strange appearance on David Letterman's "Late Show." Actor Ben Stiller lampooned that appearance at the Oscars.

You have heard of phoenix rising. We are seeing phoenix descending. You almost know what is coming next. Rehab. Apologies. Contrition. Or reclusiveness, loss, and abandonment. So tragic, they will say. So self induced, I will say. He is becoming the Mike Tyson of Hollywood.

This guy needs a joint.