Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp possesses what is, even for an actor, an unusual ability to be many things to many people. His diverse projects and mercurial personality have won him acclaim from the Tiger Beat magazine, scorn from some factions of the media, and an appreciative audience who simply enjoy his numerous groundbreaking performances. Benefiting from an almost waif-like appearance that features prominent cheekbones, pale complexion, and usually longish black hair, Johnny Depp is the unusual actor who delivers focused, strong performances highly tailored to the needs of the film.

In the role that won him his first large audience, Johnny Depp turned in a surprising performance as the titular character in Edward Scissorhands. Starring opposite later real-life flame Winona Ryder, Depp revealed traits that would define his performances as an actor. He shows his characters’ feelings through a filter of an unusual but very consistent appearance, voice, and set of mannerisms, making him one of today’s stronger actors in terms of utilizing the technical aspects of his craft.

A young man with no great aspirations for acting or anything else, Johnny Depp spent his youth outside of the confines of school, dabbling in narcotics and rock and roll (his guitar has appeared on Oasis albums and his band was once billed with Iggy Pop) before a chance meeting with Nicholas Cage opened his eyes to a possible career as an actor. He would prove to be a lightening rod for the attention of talented people, establishing personal relationships with such cultural icons as author Hunter S. Thompson (whom he portrayed in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas) and fellow actor Marlon Brando.

These days he is most excited about his role as a father, although a string of recent hits including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and the Pirates of the Caribbean have won over audiences of all ages. With years to go as an actor (born June 9, 1963), Johnny Depp has already accumulated a lifetime’s worth of memorable performances in some of Hollywood’s strangest films.