On Letterman show, Joaquin Phoenix apologizes

No beard. No glasses. No monosyllabic mumble. And no acting - although apparently one cannot be entirely certain, can one?

A contrite, clean-shaven Joaquin Phoenix returned to David Letterman and his "Late Show" Wednesday night to confirm that his February 2009 dead man walking appearance was in fact a stunt.

He apologized, and Letterman - who seemed to suggest that he was not in on the ruse - happily accepted the apology.

"I mean, I think that you've interviewed many, many people and I assumed that you would know the difference between a character and a real person, so . . . but I apologize," Phoenix said. "I hope I didn't offend you in any way."

Letterman was not offended.

Casey Affleck, the producer of the hoax documentary "I'm Still Here" - based on Phoenix as he pursued a new hip-hop career and debased himself while inhaling coke and abusing assistants - told the Los Angeles Times last week that Phoenix had been acting for the film, which included a clip of his 2009 Letterman performance.

Critical response to the movie has mostly been negative, partly because critics didn't know if the whole thing was an act, and partly because the movie apparently was lousy.

SEE PHOTOSJoaquin Phoenix

There also was some question as to whether Letterman was part of the Andy Kaufman-like stunt because Letterman was an early Kaufman supporter. Said Letterman to the charge: "Was there a script that you and I were working with?" Phoenix said no. Dave said "thanks."

Viewers and readers may now draw their own conclusions.