Phoenix headed back to 'Letterman'

NEW YORK, Sept. 13 (UPI) -- Hollywood actor Joaquin Phoenix is to appear on "Late Show with David Letterman" for the first time since his infamous 2009 interview, CBS said.

The "Gladiator" and "Walk the Line" star made headlines last year when he appeared with a bushy beard and sunglasses on "Letterman" and refused to answer questions. He subsequently announced he was retiring from acting so he could pursue a rap music career, news that many in the entertainment industry considered a hoax.

CBS said the two-time Oscar nominee has been booked to return to "Letterman" Sept. 22. The interview will mark Phoenix's first television appearance since his 2009 chat with Letterman, which was seen by 8 million people online and which will be rebroadcast on CBS Sept. 16.

"Phoenix is the subject of the documentary film, 'I'm Still Here,' directed by actor Casey Affleck," the network said in a news release. "The film, which also marks Affleck's directorial debut, follows a tumultuous year in the life of Phoenix as he announces his retirement from his successful film career in fall 2008 and sets off to reinvent himself as a hip-hop musician. 'I'm Still Here,' which was released by Magnolia Pictures, opened in theaters Friday."