Johnny Depp is perhaps one of the most versatile actors of his day and age in Hollywood, who has recuperated his image greatly since his portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the acclaimed Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, with a supporting cast of Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, and Geoffrey Rush.

Though highly successful now, Depp's early life, strangely, was as a rebel, and he took to vandalism and narcotics. He dropped out of school when he was 15, and he fronted a series of music-garage bands, including one named The Kids. However, it was when he married Lori Anne Allison that he took up the job of being a ballpoint-pen salesman to support himself and his wife. A visit to Los Angeles, California, with his wife, however, happened to be a blessing in disguise, when he met up with actor Nicolas Cage, who advised him to turn to acting, which culminated in Depp's film debut in the low-budget horror classic, _Nightmare On Elm Street, A (1984)_ , where he played a teenager who falls prey to dream-stalking demon Freddy Krueger. Three years later, Depp achieved fame as police cop Tom Hanson in the series 21 Jump Street (1987-90), and in 1990, he was firmly established as a leading Hollywood actor with the Tim Burton movie Edward Scissorhands, where he played a sad-faced, tragic hero who has scissors for hands.

From then on, Depp was selective of his choice of roles in movies, and he more often than not played dark, sinister characters on-screen. He played an undercover FBI agent in Donnie Brasco, in which he co-starred with Al Pacino; a druggie in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas; and in two more Tim Burton ventures, Ed Wood and Sleepy Hollow, with Christina Ricci and Casper Van Dien. He is currently filming a fifth Tim Burton film, Corpse Bride, as well as being committed for another Tim Burton production, where he plays Willy Wonka in the upcoming Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, based on the classic children's novel by Roald Dahl..

During his career, Depp has, unfortunately, gotten himself under bad public scrutiny. He was accused of selling drugs at his own club, The Viper Room, in regard to the legendary celebrity, River Phoenix, who died outside the club due to drug overdose in 1993. The following year, Depp was arrested for smashing and trashing a New York suite. And, in 1999, he was arrested in London for being in a fight with paparazzi outside a restaurant.

Although he gained popularity since the success of Edward Scissorhands, Depp wasn't hugely famous for many years until his portrayal of the suave, charming Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003. With the film's enormous success, it has opened several doors for his career and even included an Oscar nomination. He appeared as the central character in the Stephen King-based movie, Secret Window; as the kind-hearted novelist James Barrie in the factually-based Finding Neverland, where he co-starred with Kate Winslet; and most recently as Rochester in the British film, The Libertine.


Rango (2011): $7,500,000
The Rum Diary (2010): $15,000,000
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006): $20,000,000
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005): $18,000,000
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003): $10,000,000
Donnie Brasco (1997): $5,000,000
Nick of Time (1995): $5,000,000

Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the "100 Sexiest Stars in Film History" (#1). [1995] Arrested for being in a fight with paparazzis in front of a restaurant in London. [January 1999] Chosen by People (USA) Magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the World. [1996] Has twice recorded with British band Oasis. Most notably, he plays lead slide guitar on the track "Fade In-Out", from the 1997 album Be Here Now. Noel Gallagher, Oasis's lead guitarist, was allegedly too drunk to perform it himself, so celebrity pal Depp stepped in and nailed the lead on one take. Ex-fiancées: Sherilyn Fenn, Kate Moss, Jennifer Grey and Winona Ryder. Was the guitarist in a band called The Kids. Adopted Goldeneye, the one-eyed Andalusian horse who played Gunpowder, Ichabod Crane's steed in Sleepy Hollow (1999), thereby saving him from the glue factory. Named one of E!'s Top 20 Entertainers of 2001. Chosen #2 on E!'s 25 sexiest entertainers list Lists British comedy "The Fast Show" (1994) -- renamed "Brilliant" for US television -- as his favorite TV program of all time. He used to take tapes of the series on tour with him to keep him amused. Made a guest appearance in the last-ever sketch in its last-ever episode. Wrote the foreword to Mark Salisbury's biography of Tim Burton, "Burton on Burton." He credits Burton's belief in him for rescuing him from being "a loser, an outcast, just another piece of expendable Hollywood meat." His long-time girlfriend, Vanessa Paradis, is a popular singer-songwriter in her native France, as well as an aspiring actress. Has a song about him by the late famed schizophrenic Chicago street artist Wesley Willis. He wanted some of his teeth to be gold-capped for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) but thought the producers would never agree. He found a dentist and had lots more capped than he wanted. Disney boss Michael Eisner like them but thought there were way too many and told Depp to remove all but a few. Siblings: Danny (D.P. Depp), Christi Dembrowski, and Deborah (Debbie). The building in which Depp's Viper Room is housed was once owned by infamous gangster Bugsy Siegel. According to the liner notes for the soundtrack CD of Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003), he wrote his own theme music, the music for Sands (Track 9 on the CD). Reportedly based his portrayal of "Ichabod Crane" in Sleepy Hollow (1999) on "Withnail" from Withnail & I (1987), as played by Richard E. Grant. Persuaded actor Rey-Phillip Santos to give acting a try. Has a niece, Megan: she works for popular online entertainment magazine TYCP. Based the character of Captain Jack Sparrow on rock legend Keith Richards and the Looney Tunes character, Pepe Le Pew. Sports his son's name, Jack, tattooed on his arm and a beaded bracelet made by his daughter Lily Rose. Ranked #4 in TV Guide's list of TV's 25 Greatest Teen Idols (23 January 2005 issue). A movie buff (with a somewhat encyclopedic knowledge of older films), he admits he watches few movies any more, other than the children's films that his "kiddies" prefer. He also enjoys most of them. Co-owns a restaurant/club in Paris called Man Ray (named after avant-garde artist Man Ray) with Sean Penn and John Malkovich. The restaurant is located in a renovated theater and serves Tibetan cuisine. When he was cast as "Willy Wonka" in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), many newspapers published headings about "Depp's Willy" and "Deppy's Willy is a Bit Wonkier". Dropped out of high school at 16 to pursue a career as a musician. As a child, he was allergic to chocolate. Learned French to be able to converse with Vanessa Paradis' parents. Had come into professional contact with the great screen villains Vincent Price and Christopher Lee. Price co-starred with Depp in Edward Scissorhands (1990), and Lee co-starred with him in Sleepy Hollow (1999), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005) and Corpse Bride (2005). Oddly, all of them were Tim Burton films. Although unable to attend, he was awarded the Gary Cooper Spirit of Montana Award at the 2005 HatcH audiovisual festival in Bozeman, Montana. HatcH honored Depp for his outstanding career and his role as a mentor and inspiration to young and aspiring artists. Sherilyn Fenn's name is scrawled across his helmet in Platoon (1986). Was listed as a potential nominee on the 2006 Razzie Award nominating ballot. He was suggested in the Worst Actor category for his performance in the film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), however, he failed to receive a nomination. Was voted the Second Greatest Actor (behind Marlon Brando) in British Channel Channel 4's Greatest Actor Poll. His performance as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003) is ranked #79 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Performances of All Time (2006). Reportedly based his portrayal of "Ichabod Crane" in Sleepy Hollow (1999) on "Withnail" from Withnail & I (1987), as played by Richard E. Grant. Was close with his grandfather who died when he was 7 years old. His performance as Edward Scissorhands in _Edward Scissorhands (1990)_ is ranked #65 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time. A rule he has towards fans requesting his autograph and picture is that no photography is allowed of his children. Frequently cites Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)) and Edward Scissorhands (1990) as the favorite characters that he has played. Was Andy Wachowski and Lana Wachowski's very first choice for the role of "Neo" in The Matrix (1999). Since Depp wasn't considered a box-office friendly name, Warner Bros. decided on casting Keanu Reeves instead. Has a niece called Megan Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) is the sixth film that Depp and Tim Burton worked on together, with the other five being Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), Corpse Bride (2005), Sleepy Hollow (1999), Ed Wood (1994) and Edward Scissorhands (1990). Born in Kentucky but moved to Florida at age 7. Has admitted in interviews that one of his favorite pastimes is watching cartoons (especially Dave The Barbarian of whom he is a big fan) with his children. Was considered for the role of Florentino Ariza in Love in the Time of Cholera (2007), but director Mike Newell refused to work with big name Hollywood stars. Javier Bardem got the role instead. Moved to a villa in France with girlfriend Vanessa Paradis and his daughter Lily Rose Melody Depp in 1999. Originally cast as John Smith in Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), but turned it down after being overworked with other movies he was shooting. His children have the same names as "Mad" Jack and Lilly the Mermaid from the movie Magic Island (1995) (V). Dylan Seal is his second cousin. Turned down the role of Jack Traven in action hit Speed (1994/I). Was named Empire Magazine's #5 in the list of 100 Sexiest Stars. Was named Top Money Making Star for the second year in a row in the 76th annual Quickley Publishing Co. poll for year 2007. Donated $2 million to the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. He gave the gift as thanks for the treatment his daughter Lily-Rose received at the facility in March 2007 after contracting an E. Coli infection that caused kidney failure. Good friend of Serbian film director Emir Kusturica. Has a nightclub named after him in Tartu, Estonia. The nightclub is called "Who wouldn't like Johnny Depp?". Good friend with actress Helena Bonham Carter, partner of his best friend Tim Burton. Co-wrote the song "Mary" by the Hard Rock band Rock City Angels. He and Vanessa Paradis grow grapes and have wine making facilities in their vineyard in Plan-de-la-Tour north of Saint-Tropez. Nicolas Cage got him his first acting job. Fan of popular British series "Midsomer Murders" (1997). He also stated that he would like to make a guest appearance in this long-running show. He has expressed interest in getting French, British or Australian citizenship when he retires from an active movie career,. Divides his time between homes in France and Los Angeles. He also owns homes in Somerset, New York City and The Bahamas. Was considered for the role of Detective Trupo in American Gangster (2007). Was considered one of the top three actors of his generation by Dustin Hoffman, his costar in Finding Neverland (2004). Turned down the role of Bruce Banner in Hulk (2003). Was considered for the role of Pumpkin/Ringo in Pulp Fiction (1994), but Tim Roth was cast instead. Is a fan of "Doctor Who" (1963). Received the prestigious Career Achievement Award at 2009. Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF). Festival Patron Sean Connery presented Depp with his award. Nominated for Grammy award along with Douglas Brinkley in the category of Best Album Notes for Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson Music from the Film. [2010] Lives in Los Angeles, California, Plan de la Tour, France and Bahamas. While dining at Chicago's famous Gibsons Bar and Steakhouse with a group of friends, including Public Enemies (2009) co-star Marion Cotillard and director Michael Mann, Depp dropped a mammoth tip in the amount of $4,000 on a bill for $4,400, in effect, leaving an incredible 90% gratuity. The party of 15 were celebrating a red carpet screening of Depp's then latest release Public Enemies (2009). [June 2009]