Barry C. Lawrence

Barry is author of "In Search of River Phoenix: The Truth Behind the Myth," was incidentally present on the set of River Phoenix's first theatrical film, "Explorers; (Filmed in Petaluma) " he remembers seeing River with his two young co-stars, Ethan Hawke and Jason Presson but, in common with a surprising number of Phoenix fans, he did not develop an interest in the actor until after his death. When that interest led him to research and write this book, he brought to the task talents developed and sharpened in an already established career as a writer, speaker and teacher. Lawrence's accomplishments have earned him a listing in "Who's Who In California," and his civic interests include memberships in the American Civil Liberties Union, PFLAG, LAMBDA Legal, GLAAD, San Francisco Aids foundation, GLSEN, Human Rights Campaign, NGL Task force, Golden Gate Fliers, National Gay Pilots Asso. and Amnesty International. Barry has traveled in Fifty-five nations and his lectures have given him an international reputation as an educator. In presentations that are both informative and entertaining, people of all levels of knowledge and expertise always find something new, interesting and useful. Considered Knowledgeable about many Hollywood actors he recently was interviewed by and appeared in an A&E Channel BIO on River's brother Joaquin Phoenix released on December 23, 2009.