Johnny Depp

From ArticleWorld

Johnny Depp is a 21st century movie star, with such hits as Edward Scissorhands and Pirates of the Caribbean. Owensboro, Kentucky yielded a modern day film icon in Johnny Depp. Born June 9, 1962, John Christopher Depp II is one of 4 children born to John Christopher Depp Sr. and Betty Sue Palmer

Family Life

While Depp was born in Kentucky, he was raised primarily in Florida, after having moved 20 times with his family.

Depp got an early start in performance arts when his mother bought him a guitar at 13. After his parents divorced in 1978, Depp dropped out of school to become a musician. Through this channel, Depp met his wife Lori Anne Allison, who was the sister of the drummer in the band. They married in 1983. However bitterness ensued among the members of the band as a result of the marriage. Its members parted ways a short time after the union.

Lori Anne began work as a make-up artist while Johnny took many odd jobs to support his family. It was ultimately a meeting with Nicholas Cage, arranged by Lori Anne, that persuaded Depp to try acting.

Career

He started immediately in films in the 1984 flick Nightmare on Elm Street, portraying the boyfriend of Nancy Thompson (played by Heather Langenkamp). From there he spent 4 years on Fox networks hit TV series 21 Jump Street where he worked alongside fellow thespians, Peter DeLuise, Holly Robinson Peete and Steven Williams. The show afforded him status as a heart throb – a title which he felt was devoid of merit. Once the show was cancelled, Depp threw himself into films that were considered “out of the mainstream.” Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands was one such film.

He has been recognized as a regular in Burton’s films. Not only the aforementioned Edward Scissorhands but also Ed Wood (with co-star Martin Landau as Bela Lugosi), Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Corpse Bride.

Other film credits include, Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Donnie Brasco and Finding Neverland, a role for which he was nominated twice for a Best Actor Oscar. Depp has proven himself an extremely versatile and gifted actor who completely throws himself into his roles.

Depp has a full plate for 2006 as he has 5 films currently in pre and post-production (2 of which he is the producer on). He has 2 films on the docket for 2007 and is the head choice to play the role of The Joker in the upcoming Batman Begins sequel.

Personal Life

Johnny Depp divorced his wife in 1985. He is currently dating long-time girlfriend, actress and French singer, Vanessa Paradis. They have 2 children.