Actor Joaquin Phoenix took part in protests outside a pork processing facility in Burlington, Ontario, where activist Regan Russell was killed earlier this year.

“I’m here to honour Regan Russell and all the animal activists who dedicate their lives to ending this injustice,” Phoenix was quoted as saying in a Pig Save press statement released this morning (November 20).

The acclaimed actor and Joker star, who has been a vegan for most of his life, joined Russell’s stepson at the vigil.

“We were struck by his humble, courteous nature and really appreciated the moments we had to talk with him and share stories about Regan,” Joshua Powell said.

Phoenix has become more public about his animal rights activism since his acceptance speech at the Oscars in February, which delved into gender, Indigenous, and animal rights. More recently, he has been joining animal rights activists on picket lines.

Regan was struck and killed by a truck transporting pigs outside Sofina’s Fearmans slaughterhouse in Burlington on June 19. The 65-year-old lifelong activist was part of a vigil with Toronto Pig Save to protest Bill 156, the province’s so-called “ag-gag” law.

In July, Halton Regional police charged a 28-year-old man from North Perth, Ontario, with careless driving causing death in Russell’s death.