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Hollywood stars come and go. While some manage to stay on for several years others are not as lucky with their career. When it comes to longevity in the industry, Johnny Deep is one of the stars that come to mind. He has gone a long way since making his debut and can now buy some of the most expensive items in the world. The rest is history as Deep has consistently churned out outstanding performances regardless of the role he portrays and is also among the high-profile brand endorser in Hollywood.
Acting is not really Johnny Depp’s cup of tea. In fact, his first love was music. He took up acting by accident not because he wanted to. Depp wanted to make ends meet. He needed money so he could pay his rent and other expenses.
The Edward Scissorhands actor was not considering acting on a full-time basis until his band disbanded. “I realized that it was a good way to pay for the rent,” he said. But it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Fast forward he is now one of the most bankable and sought after actors in Hollywood.
Depp's Love For Music
As a child, Johnny Depp had a passion for music. In an interview with Rolling Stone, the Pirates of the Caribbean star revealed that he was inspired by his uncle playing guitar in the church. At 12 years old, he decided that he was not contented with just listening but wanted to play the guitar. After convincing his mother to buy him one, the actor became part of a garage band having nightly gigs in clubs and small parties.
Before Johnny Depp starred in some of the highest grossing films in Hollywood, he initially wanted to pursue music. When he was 15 years old, the dropped out of high school to pursue his musical ambition. Although he tried to resume his studies after two weeks, the dean of the high school advised him to just follow his dream instead of coming back. After exploring local bands, the actor found a spot as a guitarist with a local group known as 'The Kids'. Their band achieved some success playing in venues in Miramar, Florida.
Feeling that they had what it takes to become a successful band, they ventured west in search of a record label. But their path became difficult and money became a problem for them. Depp and his band mates took odd jobs. Eventually, they had to disband without getting a record deal.
Nicholas Cage Has Been A Big Part Of Johnny's Success
In one of his interviews a few years ago, the Pirates of the Caribbean star confessed that it was his childhood dream to become a musician. “I had been a musician since I was 12 years old. By 13, I was playing in one of the clubs in Miami. “Depp narrated. “I needed to pay rent until somebody advised me to go to an agent,” he continued.
Iconic actor Nicholas Cage was very instrumental in Depp’s venture into acting. He convinced him to audition with director Wes Craven. But his biggest acting break came in 1987 as Officer Tom Hanson in the hit television police series 21 Jump Street. The show launched Depp as a teen heartthrob. After three years in the series, Depp left the series to spread his wings.
In 1990, Johnny Depp appeared in Cry Baby, a teen musical about a 50s-era rebel who fell in love with a good girl. As Wade Walker, Depp got to showcase his dancing ability. Even with his background as a guitarist, he did not get to do the vocals in the movie but it was James Intveld who dubbed the songs while Depp danced onscreen.
In that same year, he did Edward Scissorhands, a film revolving around a freak with a golden heart. Although Johnny Depp got good raves for the role, it is worth noting that he beat Tom Cruise and Michael Jackson for it. Edward Scissorhands was the first of the actors many collaborations with director Tim Burton.
Johnny Depp's Breakthrough In Hollywood
Over the years, Johnny Depp appeared in movies that showed his versatility and range with movies like Dead Man in 1995, Donnie Brusco in 1997, Hunter S. Thompson in 1999, and other notable films like Roman Polanski’s The Ninth Gate and Ted Demme’s Blow in 2001.
Nevertheless Edward Scissorhands was a major turning point in Johnny Depp’s acting career as it proved that he is capable of being a lead actor. But it was Pirates of the Caribbean : The Curse of the Black Pearl in 2003 that solidified his status as a bankable star.
The movie introduced worldwide audiences to Capt. Jack Sparrow, a strange but comical pirate attempting to reclaim his ship, the Black Pearl. It was a phenomenal box office success raking in $564 million worldwide. His role of Sparrow also earned Depp his first Oscar nomination, which further strengthens his status as Hollywood’s top leading man.
His performance in the movie earned for Johnny Depp various accolades including Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role at the 10th Screen Actors Guild Awards, Best Male Performance by the MTV Movie Awards, and Best Actor during the 9th Empire Awards. Curse of the Pearl spurned five other Pirates of the Caribbean films, several video game adaptations, and hundreds of merchandise.
Sources: E-Online, Looper, Britannica