After leaving a religious group, John & Arlyn Bottom changed their family’s name to this, to signify a rebirth
The Final Jeopardy clue for Monday, March 24, 2025, came from the category Acting Families. The clue was: “After leaving a religious group, John & Arlyn Bottom changed their family’s name to this, to signify a rebirth.”
What is Phoenix?
John and Arlyn Bottom were once members of the religious cult known as the Children of God. After severing ties with the group in the late 1970s, they sought a fresh start for their family—both in life and in name. They chose “Phoenix,” the mythological bird that rises from its own ashes, as a symbol of renewal and a new direction. The name change reflected their desire to move forward and redefine their identity after a turbulent past.
The family, now known as the Phoenixes, settled in the United States and pursued creative and unconventional lifestyles. Their decision to adopt a symbolic name set the tone for the values they would instill in their children—freedom, reinvention, and a strong connection to artistic expression.
Rising Stars: The Phoenix Siblings in Hollywood
Several of the Phoenix children went on to become successful actors, most notably River Phoenix and Joaquin Phoenix. River, who was born in 1970, became a breakout star in the 1980s with roles in films like Stand by Me and My Own Private Idaho. He was widely respected for his talent and seen as a rising figure in American cinema before his untimely death in 1993 at the age of 23.
Joaquin Phoenix, his younger brother, emerged as a major actor in the decades that followed. Known for his intense and transformative performances, Joaquin has earned critical acclaim for roles in films such as Walk the Line, The Master, and Joker, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2020. His career has further solidified the Phoenix name as one associated with serious acting and artistic credibility.
Arlyn and John: The Parents Behind the Legacy
Arlyn Phoenix, who also goes by Heart Phoenix, has been active in humanitarian and social justice causes. After leaving the Children of God, she worked as a secretary at NBC and later became a guiding figure in her children’s early careers. John Lee Bottom, who passed away in 2015, also played an important role in the family’s journey through difficult and formative years.
The couple’s decision to rename the family “Phoenix” wasn’t just symbolic—it marked a clear break from a past they no longer aligned with. Their story is often cited in discussions about personal transformation, resilience, and the lasting impact of intentional choices in family life.
A Jeopardy Clue Rooted in History and Meaning
This Final Jeopardy clue touched on a lesser-known yet meaningful chapter in Hollywood history. It not only referenced a well-known acting family but also brought attention to the powerful narrative behind their name. The Phoenix family’s story spans far beyond the screen, revealing how a name can represent a journey—through adversity, self-discovery, and ultimately, rebirth.
By connecting the clue to the mythology of the phoenix, the show highlighted the symbolism embedded in one of Hollywood’s most recognizable surnames. For fans of cinema and trivia alike, the story behind the Phoenix family adds another layer of depth to the legacy of their celebrated name.