After leaving a religious group, John & Arlyn Bottom changed their family’s name to this, to signify a rebirth

On the March 24, 2025 episode of Jeopardy!, the Final Jeopardy clue came from the category “Acting Families” and focused on a name change tied to personal transformation. The clue asked about the new surname adopted by John and Arlyn Bottom after leaving a religious group.

What is Phoenix?

The correct response was Phoenix—a name that carries symbolic weight and has since become famous in Hollywood circles.

The Phoenix family includes several well-known actors, most notably River Phoenix and Joaquin Phoenix. Their parents, John Lee Bottom and Arlyn Dunetz Bottom, made a significant decision to change their last name after departing from the Children of God religious movement in the 1970s. The choice of “Phoenix” was deliberate, reflecting their desire to start anew, much like the mythical bird rising from the ashes. The symbolic rebirth aligned with the family’s transition out of a controversial group and into a new life focused on creative and personal growth.

The name “Phoenix” is rooted in ancient mythology and has long been associated with themes of renewal and transformation. In Greek mythology, the phoenix is a bird that dies in a burst of flames and is reborn from its own ashes. For John and Arlyn Bottom, this symbolism likely resonated with their decision to forge a new identity separate from their former life in the religious sect. It also marked a conscious effort to build a different future for their children.

This shift in identity also influenced their lifestyle. After leaving the group, the family traveled across the United States and Central America, often living in a communal or countercultural manner before eventually settling in the U.S. The children were raised with a strong emphasis on creativity and individuality, factors that contributed to their later success in the entertainment industry.

The Phoenix Siblings and Their Impact

The Phoenix name is now associated with a talented group of siblings who each pursued careers in entertainment, most notably River and Joaquin Phoenix. River Phoenix was a promising actor whose roles in films like Stand by Me and My Own Private Idaho earned critical acclaim before his untimely death in 1993. Joaquin Phoenix, meanwhile, has had a long and varied career, including an Academy Award-winning performance in Joker (2019).

The other Phoenix siblings—Rain, Liberty, and Summer—have also worked in the entertainment industry to varying degrees. Their collective careers have made the Phoenix name synonymous with creative talent, often paired with a deep social consciousness. The family’s background and name change have become a point of interest in discussions about identity and transformation in Hollywood.

A Personal Decision with Lasting Visibility

The decision by John and Arlyn to rename their family was not just symbolic but also deeply personal. It reflected their values, their rejection of their past, and their hope for something better. In choosing “Phoenix,” they established a family narrative rooted in the idea of self-determination and the power of change. It’s a decision that continues to echo through the lives and careers of their children.

The name change became more than a private family decision—it eventually became part of a public story as their children entered the spotlight. As River and Joaquin gained prominence, so did interest in the origins of the Phoenix surname. That curiosity has led many to explore the family’s unconventional path and the meaning behind their chosen name.

A Well-Known Hollywood Story Rooted in Rebirth

The March 24 Final Jeopardy clue invited contestants and viewers to recall one of the most famous name changes in Hollywood history. The Phoenix family name stands not only as a marker of individual achievement but also as a representation of a philosophical shift—a new chapter following a dramatic break from the past. The transformation from the Bottom family to the Phoenix family is a compelling example of how personal history can shape public identity.

With this Final Jeopardy clue, Jeopardy! once again spotlighted a fascinating slice of pop culture history, reminding viewers of how symbolism and storytelling often go hand in hand in the entertainment world.