High scool (dropped out); Loft Studio in Los Angeles, California (studied with Peggy Feury)
Nationality :
American
Occupation :
Actor, director, musician
Claim to fame :
as Officer Tom Hanson on TV Series: 21 Jump Street (1987)
Nicknames :
Mr. Stench, Colonel
Johnny Depp Trivia
Chosen by Empire magazine as one of the "100 Sexiest Stars in Film History"
(#1). [1995]
Daughter, with Vanessa Paradis, Lily-Rose Melody Depp. [27 May 1999]
Arrested for being in a fight with paparazzis in front of a restaurant in London.
[January 1999]
Ranked #67 in Empire (UK) magazine's The Top-100 Movie Stars of All Time list.
[October 1997]
Chosen by People (USA) Magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the
World. [1996]
Voted Empire's (UK) Sexiest Male Movie Star of All Time. [1995]
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.
Arrested for trashing a New York apartment. [1994]
Ex-fiancées: Sherilyn Fenn, Kate Moss, Jennifer Grey and Winona Ryder.
When engaged to Winona Ryder, he had "Winona forever" tattooed on
his arm. After the broke up, he had the n and a surgically removed to simply
say "Wino forever!"
Was the guitarist in a band called The Kids.
Currently plays in a band called P.
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.
Got his "Betty Sue" tattoo May 31, 1988.
Named one of E!'s Top 20 Entertainers of 2001.
Son, Jack, born to him and Vanessa Paradis on April 10, 2002, in Neuilly, France,
weighing just over 7 lbs.
Chosen #2 on E!'s 25 sexiest entertainers list
With Chuck E. Weiss, Depp reportedly paid US $350,000 for the Central Nightclub
in Los Angeles, California, and turned it into the Viper Room at 8852 Sunset
Blvd. Other stars in contention to buy the club in 1993 included Arnold Schwarzenegger
and, separately, Frank Stallone.
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.
Was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful People by People Magazine in 2001.
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."
Appears in Tom Petty's 1991 music video "Into the Great Wide Open."
Johnny's two children with Vanessa Paradis have the same names of the two main
characters in Legend (1985): Lily (b. 1999) and Jack (b.2002).
His long-time girlfriend, Vanessa Paradis, is a popular singer-songwriter in
her native France, as well as an aspiring actress.
Gave Noel Gallagher a white guitar with the letter "P" on it, which
he regularly plays during Oasis' gigs. "P" is the name of a band that
Depp was in.
Has a song about him by the late famed schizophrenic Chicago street artist
Wesley Willis.
Parents: John Christopher Depp and Elizabeth "Betty" Sue Wells. His
parents divorced when he was 15.
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.
Resides in France and Los Angeles.
Siblings: Danny (D.P. Depp), Christi Dembrowski, and Deborah (Debbie).
Was People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive in 2003.
The building in which Depp's Viper Room is housed was once owned by infamous
gangster Bugsy Siegel.
Chosen as E!'s 2003 Entertainer of the Year.
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).
Shot all of his scenes in nine days for Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003),
but after his filming was done he didn't want to leave. So he suggested to Robert
Rodriguez that he play a small part, the priest that Antonio Banderas talks
to in the church, and use his Marlon Brando impression.
Reportedly based his portrayal of Ichabod Crane in _Sleepy Hollow (1999)_ on
Withnail, from _Withnail and I (1987)_, as played by Richard E. Grant.
Has been in seven films in which the title contains the name of the character
he plays: Edward Scissorhands (1990), Cry-Baby (1990), What's Eating Gilbert
Grape (1993), Ed Wood (1994), Don Juan DeMarco (1995), and Donnie Brasco (1997),_Sweeney
Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007).
Persuaded actor Rey-Phillip Santos to give acting a try.
Received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 19 November 1999. Tim Burton
and Martin Landau were guest speakers.
Has a niece, Megan: she works for popular online entertainment magazine TYCP.
Was ranked #5 on VH1's 100 Hottest Hotties.
Based the character of Captain Jack Sparrow on rock legend Keith Richards and
the Looney Tunes character, Pepe Le Pew.
Shares a birthday with Michael J. Fox and Natalie Portman.
Purchased Bela Lugosi's Los Angeles home.
Sports his son's name, Jack, tattooed on his arm and a beaded bracelet made
by his daughter Lily Rose.
Is hugely interested in Jack the Ripper.
Ranked #4 in TV Guide's list of TV's 25 Greatest Teen Idols (23 January 2005
issue).
Has something in common with actor Robert Englund, famed for portraying dream-stalking
Freddy Krueger in the "Nightmare on Elm Street" movies. Both of them
appeared in the first A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), and both had played
characters with blades for hands: Englund as Freddy Krueger, and Depp as the
title character in Edward Scissorhands (1990). And, strangely, both of them
were born in June, with their birthdays three days apart, and they share the
same height, which is 5' 10".
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.
Loves watching animated films with his daughter such as Shrek (2001) and Finding
Nemo (2003).
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.
Premiere Magazine ranked him as #47 on a list of the Greatest Movie Stars of
All Time in their Stars in Our Constellation feature (2005).
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".
Apparently conceived his portrayal of Edward D. Wood Jr. as a cross between
Ronald Reagan (the wobbly-headed thing), the Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz (1939),
and the voice of Casey Kasem.
Dropped out of high school at 16 to pursue a career as a musician.
As a teen, he and his band "The Kids" performed for Iggy Pop.
As a child, he was allergic to chocolate.
In 2004, Renée Zellweger accepted the Screen Actors Guild Award for
"Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role" on his
behalf, because he wasn't present at the awards ceremony
Learned French to be able to converse with Vanessa Paradis' parents.
He also played slide for an acoustic recording of Fade Away, recorded in 1995
for the War Child: Help album.
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.
Great admirer of Marlon Brando. He was also good friends with the legendary
actor, who described Depp as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
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.
Has portrayed a real-life character in seven films: Edward D. Wood Jr. in Ed
Wood (1994), Lt. Victor/Pon Pon in Before Night Falls (2000), Hunter S. Thompson
in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998), Insp. Fred Abberline in From Hell
(2001), Joseph Pistone/Donnie Brasco in Donnie Brasco (1997), George Jung in
Blow (2001) and J.M. Barrie in Finding Neverland (2004).
Sherilyn Fenn's name is scrawled across his helmet in Platoon (1986).
He has said in interviews that he is of Cherokee, Irish, and German descent,
with some Navajo as well. Asked the origin of his last name by James Lipton
on Inside the Actors Studio, Johnny Depp said his name means "idiot"
in German.
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.
His ownership of the Viper room ended in 2004, he signed it over to Amanda
Fox, the daughter of his missing partner in the club, Anthony Fox.
Was voted the Second Greatest Actor (behind Marlon Brando) in British Channel
Channel 4's Greatest Actor Poll.
His performance as Edward Scissorhands in _Edward Scissorhands (1990)_ is ranked
#22 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Performances of All Time (2006).
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).
Friend of Christina Ricci.
Reportedly based his portrayal of Ichabod Crane in _Sleepy Hollow (1999)_ on
Withnail, from Withnail & I (1987), as played by Richard E. Grant.
Ranked #1 in the "Best Hollywood Signers 2006" list by "Autograph
Collector" magazine (May 2006).
Was close with his grandfather who died when he was 7 years old.
His performance as Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse
of the Black Pearl (2003) is ranked #87 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest
Movie Characters of All Time (2006).
His performance as Edward Scissorhands in _Edward Scissorhands (1990)_ is ranked
#65 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time.
Ranked #18 on Premiere's 2006 "Power 50" list. Had ranked #23 in
2005.
A rule he has towards fans requesting his autograph and picture is that no
photography is allowed of his children.
Is the only actor to be nominated for the Oscar in the Lead Actor category
in a Disney film (_Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)_)
Moved to a villa in France with girlfriend Vanessa Paradis and his daughter
Lily Rose Melody Depp in 1999.
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.
Oliver Stone seriously considered casting him in Charlie Sheen's role in Platoon
(1986), but the studio thought Depp was "too young." Sheen is actually
two years younger than Depp!
Was Andy Wachowski and Larry 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 been described as the "jester of cinema, the Method clown." His
incredibly bizarre on-screen persona brings to mind the off-screen behavior
of the late Marlon Brando, who was famously eccentric and quirky once he retired
from acting.
Has a niece called Megan
Once painted on a billboard featuring his "21 Jump Street" (1987)
character because he didn't like his picture or the message the billboard gave.
He was stopped by a security guard who actually let him finish what he was doing
when he realized it was Johnny's own face.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007) will be the sixth time
that Depp and Tim Burton work together. The other five being Charlie and the
Chocolate Factory (2005), Corpse Bride (2005), Sleepy Hollow (1999), Ed Wood
(1994) and Edward Scissorhands (1990).
He was good friends with Hunter S. Thompson until his death. Depp helped to
fulfill Thompson's last wish after the writer died. Thompson wanted his remains
to be shot out of a 150 foot long canon.
Born in Kentucky but moved to Florida at age 7.
He is the youngest of 4 children.
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.
Named after his father John Christopher Depp.
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.
Owns a customised 1960's 650cc Triumph Bonneville motorcycle.
Moved to a villa in France with girlfriend Vanessa Paradis and his daughter
Lily Rose Melody Depp in 1999.
Has 2 silver teeth.
Originally cast as John Smith in Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), but turned it
down after being overworked with other movies he was shooting.
Is a great admirer and good friend of Tom Baker.
His children have the same names as "Mad" Jack and Lilly the Mermaid
from the movie Magic Island (1995) (V).
Was engaged to Sherilyn Fenn, whom he met on the set of the 1985 short student
film "Dummies" directed by Laurie Frank. Their engagement was broken
off after three years and a half.
Dylan Seal is his second cousin.
He is a fan of The Rolling Stones and the gypsy musical group Taraf de Haidouks.
Turned down the role of Jack Traven in action hit Speed (1994/I).
2007 - Ranked #21 on EW's The 50 Smartest People in Hollywood.
Was named Empire Magazine's #5 in the list of 100 Sexiest Stars.
In 2007, it was reported by Forbes Magazine that his earnings for the year
2006 were estimated to be $92 million.
Was named Top Money Making Star for the second year in a row in the 76th annual
Quickley Publishing Co. poll for year 2007.
He is a godfather of Tim Burton son Billy Ray Burton.
Johnny Depp Detailed Biography
Born in Kentucky and raised in Florida,Depp had the kind of upbringing that would readily lend itself to his future portrayals of brooding lost boys. After his parents divorced when he was 16, he dropped out of school a year later in the hopes of making his way in the world as a musician. Depp fronted a series of garage bands; the most successful of these, The Kids, was once the opening act for Iggy Pop. During slack times in the music business, Depp sold pens by phone. He got introduced to acting after a visit to L.A. with his former wife, who introduced him to actor Nicolas Cage, who encouraged Depp to give it a try.
The young actor made his film debut in 1984's A Nightmare on Elm Street (years after attaining stardom, Depp sentimentally played a cameo in the last of the Elm Street series), and his climb to fame was accelerated in 1987, when he replaced Jeff Yagher in the role of undercover cop Tommy Hanson in the Canadian-filmed TV series 21 Jump Street. Biding his time in "teen heartthrob" roles, Depp was first given a chance to exhibit his exhausting versatility in the title role of Tim Burton's fantasy Edward Scissorhands (1990). Following the success of Edward Scissorhands, the actor made a conscious and successful effort never to repeat himself in his subsequent characterizations. He continued to gain critical acclaim and increasing popularity for his work, most notably in Benny & Joon (1993), in which he played a troubled young man who fancies himself the reincarnation of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton, and What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993), which cast him as its title character, a young man dissatisfied with the confines of his small-town life.
Following Gilbert Grape, Depp outdid himself in Burton's Ed Wood (1994), with his outrageous but lovable portrayal of the angora-sweater-worshipping World's Worst Film Director. The same year, he further exercised his versatility playing a 19th century accountant in Dead Man, Jim Jarmusch's otherworldly Western. With his excellent portrayal of the titular undercover FBI agent in Mike Newell's 1997 Donnie Brasco, Depp continued to ascend the Hollywood ranks. After a starring turn as Hunter S. Thompson's alter ego in Terry Gilliam's trippy adaptation of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998), Depp tried his hand at sci-fi horror with The Astronaut's Wife in 1999. That same year, he again collaborated with Burton on Sleepy Hollow, starring as a prim, driven Ichabod Crane in the remake of Washington Irving's classic tale of gothic terror.
Appearing the following year in the small but popular romantic drama Chocolat, Depp jumped back into the big time with his role as real-life cocaine kingpin George Jung in Blow (2001) before gearing up for roles in the Jack the Ripper thriller From Hell (2001) and Robert Rodriguez's Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003). In what was perhaps his most surprising departure since Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Depp shed his oftentimes angst-ridden persona for a flamboyant role as a long undead pirate in 2003's Pirates of the Caribbean. In addition to his acting, Depp has also gained a certain dose of fame for his romantic involvements with several female celebrities, including Winona Ryder, Sherilyn Fenn, and Kate Moss, and in 1999, fathered a daughter with French singer/actress Vanessa Paradis, as well as a son in 2002. He was also the owner of the Viper Room, a popular L.A. nightspot which gained notoriety when actor River Phoenix died of a drug overdose on its doorstep in 1993.
