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Depp's film debut in 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (1984)

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Depp's film debut in 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (1984)

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Johnny Depp made his screen debut at the age of 21 with a cameo appearance in the supernatural slasher film, 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' (1984). Prior to this, he played in a band and aspired to pursue a career in music rather than in acting. His physical appearance drew the attention of audiences, which turned this role into a defining moment that established him as a teen heartthrob, which is arguably what orginally led him to get futher roles. In the film, he played an outsider - a role that prefigured his Hollywood career and helped establish a coherent star image, as he continued to play characters who are unconventional or misunderstood.

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Early in his career, Depp appeared in 'Private Resort' (1985), Slow Burn (1986) and Platoon (1986). At this point in his career, he experimented with a variety of genres (including a sexual comedy, a drama, and a war film), demonstrating his versatility as an actor and his ability to be able to adapt to a variety of genres.

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Johnny's Breakthrough in '21 Jump Street' (1987-1990)

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Johnny's Breakthrough in '21 Jump Street' (1987-1990)

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Depp's breakthrough came when he was cast in his recurring role as Officer Tom Hanson in the police procedural television series '21 Jump Street', which marked his transition from a minor film actor to a television icon with an established fanbase. Despite being a police officer, he rebels against authority within the force and often goes undercover as a delinquent, which reinforces his association with playing the role of an outsider and helped shape his early star image of a charismatic rule-breaker. The show was Johnny's final major television role before transitioning fully into film and becoming a Hollywood star.

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Rejection of the Teen Idol Label and of Mainstream Celebrity

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Rejection of the Teen Idol Label and of Mainstream Celebrity

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Depp deliberately distanced himself from the typical star image, presenting himself as a reluctant celebrity and an outsider by rejecting mainstream fame and the attention of fans. He talked about '21 Jump Street' dismissively, describing it merely as a job, despite still being part of the show, rather than trying to promote it and attract viewers. He expressed a desire for artistic authenticity and to be part of projects that matter, wanting to be known for his acting rather than for his looks or commerical success. By distancing himself from being a heartthrob and genres he was uninterested in, he reshaped his public persona. Although he is extremely authentic in the interview, it does not come across as performative, but rather him trying to voice his values.

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Johnny depp interview the insider 1989 (26 years old)

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Depp is known to frequently make hospital visits to ill children as part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation dressed as Jack Sparrow. This humanises his star image by revealing a compassionate and humble side to him, despite being portrayed as a rebellious outsider in the media. It adds emotional depth to his persona and shows a genuine care for others that goes beyond making an image for himself in Hollywood.

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Johnny Depp as “Captain Jack Sparrow” sails into Vancouver to visit patients at BCCH [FULL VIDEO}

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'Dear Captain Kori' - Fan Shared Make-A-Wish Message

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'Dear Captain Kori' - Fan Shared Make-A-Wish Message

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Johnny created a video for a Make-A-Wish child with a YouTube channel titled 'Dear Captain Kori' which Kori shared on his social media. This gesture highlights the personal connection Depp has with his fans, especially given his own reluctance to engage with social media, showing his authenticity and willingness to help others suffering.

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Johnny's Turning Point in 'Cry Baby' (1990)

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Johnny's Turning Point in 'Cry Baby' (1990)

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'Cry Baby' was Depp's first film after leaving '21 Jump Street' and was a turning point in his star image, reshaping him from a teen idol into an unconventional outsider. By playing the role of a rebel, he mirrored what he was trying to achieve in Hollywood - to resist conformity and what was expected of him as a star. The film uses irony and exaggeration to mock the teen-idol roles he was previously known for.

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The Start of His Colloboration with Tim Burton

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The Start of His Colloboration with Tim Burton

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'Edward Scissorhands' (1990) was the start of Johnny Depp's collaboration with Tim Burton, as they subsequently went on to work together on several films. The film introduced a pattern in his career, in which he played eccentric, otherworldly, gothic roles, in line with the style of Tim Burton's signature style.

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Johnny Reflects on his first time meeting Tim Burton

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Johnny Reflects on his first time meeting Tim Burton

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Johnny recently reflected on the first time he met with Tim Burton in an interview in the 'Tim Burton Docuseries' (2025). In the interview he comes across as humble, expressing how he had planned to cancel their initial meeting as he believed he couldn't compete with other established actors in Hollywood that were also after the part of Edward Scissorhands. He also talks about how, at the time, he felt constrained to being a tv actor, prior to his transition into a Hollywood movie star.

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First time Johnny Depp met Tim Burton - TIM BURTON DOCUSERIES - Exclusive Clip

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Johnny Depp received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 16 November, 1999. This cements his place as a Hollywood star and reflects his established status and impact in the film industry and as an actor.

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Johnny starred as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean (2003-2017) film franchise for all five films, which established him as a global film star. Unlike his earlier, more serious roles, this character enabled Depp to be more comedic, as he plays a charismatic, yet unpredictable, pirate and trickster. He has become best known for this role and Jack Sparrow has become a globally recognised and iconic figure with mass-market appeal. The character and the actor are closely aligned, sharing traits, such as eccentricity and resistance to authority.

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Won Screen Actors Guild Award (Pirates of the Caribbean)

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Won Screen Actors Guild Award (Pirates of the Caribbean)

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Depp won the Screen Actors Guild Award for 'Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role' for the Pirates of the Caribbean film, 'The Curse of the Black Pearl' (2003), showing his credibility and recognition in the industry. However, he did not make an appearance at the award ceremony or to receive his award, which reflects his outsider persona and personal detachment from Hollywood. He also recieved nominations for many awards for the Pirates of the Caribbean films, including: An Oscar, the Golden Globe Award and the Saturn Award.

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Johnny Depp wins Screen Actors Guild Award for "Pirates of the Caribbean" (2004)

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Won MTV Movie Award (Pirates of the Caribbean)

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Won MTV Movie Award (Pirates of the Caribbean)

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Depp also won the MTV Movie Award in 2004 for 'Best Male Performance' for the Pirates of the Caribbean film, 'The Curse of the Black Pearl'. He did not attend the award ceremony or receive the award in person, reinforcing him as an outsider to Hollywood formalities. Instead, he sent a pre-recorded video from a yacht with a sword and pirate hat, "doing research for Pirates of the Caribbean Two", and does not come across as particularly enthuastic about winning.

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Johnny Depp Wins 2004 MTV Movie Award for Best Male Performance. Pirates Of The Caribbean 2003.

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Johnny openly expressed that he doesn't mind being nominated for awards so that the team behind his films get recognition, and if it means projects he's working on may get attention from a wider audience, but he is adamant that he does not want to win an Oscar. He explained that he doesn't want to speak at award ceremonies and does not believe he's in competition with anyone else. He admits "I just stick to my guns and do what I want to do. Sometimes people don't like it but that's alright". Whilst this attitude may come across as arrogant, dismissive or rebellious, it ultimately shows his openness and authentcity as he expresses his non-conformity to the media openly, without a filter, and unconcerned with public perception. This contrasts with a typical star image where celebrities images are built around popularity, preserving their public image and participating in industry expectations.

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Newsbeat entertainment reporter

There's an accepted Hollywood response if your film's getting Oscar buzz...

It goes something like, "any recognition for the people who worked hard on it is great", or "if the attention gets the film a wider audience then lovely".

But Johnny Depp, whose role as a gangster in Black Mass is receiving that chatter, doesn't want one.

"I don't want to win one of those things ever, you know," Johnny tells Newsbeat.

"I don't want to have to talk," he says, as Black Mass premieres at the London Film Festival.

"They gave me one of those things, like a nomination, two or three times," Johnny says. "A nomination is plenty."

Johnny Depp's had three Oscar nominations up to this point for his roles in Finding Neverland (2004), Sweeney Todd (2007) and the first Pirates of the Caribbean film (2003).

Captain Jack Sparrow is never far away. Johnny is still wearing the pirate's gold tooth as he's recently been filming the fifth in the Pirates franchise, Dead Men Tell No Tales.

Johnny's American accent also slips into some rogue Captain Jack as we chat.

"Oh Jack?" he mimics. "It does come about every now and again."

Johnny Depp laughs when asked if he finds talk of his role as Black Mass' James 'Whitey' Bulger being a comeback, as flattering or insulting.

"What did I come back from? The dead?" he chuckles. "I haven't done anything different in this than I have in any other film."

Back to those Oscar whispers then.

"The idea of winning means that you're in competition with someone and I'm not in competition with anybody," says Johnny.

"I just stick to my guns and do what I want to do. Sometimes people don't like it but that's alright."

The list of who is in the running for next year's Academy Awards won't be revealed until January.

Black Mass, which also stars Benedict Cumberbatch, is out in the UK on 27 November.

Follow @BBCNewsbeat on Twitter, BBCNewsbeat on Instagram, Radio1Newsbeat on YouTube and you can now follow BBC_Newsbeat on Snapchat

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Johnny Depp 'doesn't want to win an Oscar' (but a nomination is OK)

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The actor, whose role as a gangster in Black Mass is getting a lot of Oscar buzz, says he doesn't want an Academy Award.

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Depp was awarded the 'Healing and Hope Award' by the Rhonda's Kiss foundation (an organisation that helps cancer patients in need) at their annual concert event in November 2016. The award honours individuals who have made a positive impact on cancer patients, survivors and those in need. Johnny recieved it due to the faculty's recognition that he pays regular visits to cancer patients across America and has been instrumental in supporting research on lung cancer. The fact he recieved an award for his charitable work shows the extent of his involvement with cancer patients and emphasises the compassionate aspect of his star image.

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JOHNNY DEPP TO BE PRESENTED WITH "THE RHONDA'S KISS HEALING AND HOPE AWARD" AT THE EL REY THEATRE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3

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JOHNNY DEPP TO BE PRESENTED WITH "THE RHONDA'S KISS HEALING AND HOPE AWARD" WITH WEEZER TO HEADLINE AT THE EL REY THEATRE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3 RHONDA'S KISS www.rhondaskiss.org www.cityofhope.org -HELPING CANCER PATIENTS IN NEED- Rhonda's Kiss, an organization that helps cancer patients in need, announces today that Academy Award-nominee Johnny Depp will be presented with the first "Healing Hope...

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At Rhonda's Kiss award ceremony, Johnny opened up about his own personal experience with cancer, stating, "Cancer affects many lives and this year it was my family's turn". His mother was diagnosed with cancer and eventually lost her battle, and Depp still continues to make contributions to lung cancer research in her honour. By discussing his mother's illness, Depp allows the public to connect with him on a human level, beyond his public image, and appear less like a distant celebrity and more like a relatable person experiencing life's challenges.

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Johnny co-founded the exclusive and infamous nightclub 'The Viper Room' with his '21 Jump Street' co-star, Sal Jenco. The venue "quickly became the city's hippest hang-out for film and music A-listers", gaining a reputation as a hotspot for celebrity Hollywood elite clientele. Although it "became known for excess", Depp still wanted it to be "a club where celebrities 'wouldn't feel like they're on display'". His passion for and involvement with the music scene was reflected in the club's success as his ownership "attracted some of the biggest bands in the world", such as Oasis, the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Johnny Cash. Unfortunately, the club also became associated with drug use, most notabaly following the overdose and death of actor River Pheonix. Although Depp often positions himself as distanced from mainstream Hollywood, founding an exclusive nightclub for celebrities suggests participation and engagement with Hollywood's culture and industry. However, it was an undeground, edgy club rather than a glamorous social scene, which still casts him as a non-conformist and a celebrity that doesn't fit the typical mould of a polished movie star. By being a space where artists could express themselves freely away from the public eye, he shows his support for privacy and authenticity in the industry.

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Drugs, Dolls & Johnny Depp: The Viper Room’s demolition is the end of a Hollywood era

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As bulldozers move in on the infamous Sunset Strip venue, Kevin E G Perry looks back at the eventful history of Johnny Depp’s former club, where Tom Petty played, the Pussycat Dolls were born, River Phoenix died and Jason Donovan almost did the same

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Depp has been an ambassador for and the face of the aftershave, 'Dior Sauvage', since 2015 and has appeared in print, digital, TV campaigns, red carpets and concert events tied to Dior. Although the brand is a luxury designer, reflecting Depp's status, it capitalises on his persona. They emphasise his unpolished, rugged look and often position him alone in the wild in their campaigns, reinforcing his masculinity, independence and rebellious nature. Despite many brands dropping Depp during the Depp v. Heard Case, Dior remained loyal, continuing their partnership with him, and recently releasing a new campaign featuring him in 2025.

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The Dior Sauvage campaign film, 'Call of the Wild', features Depp playing the electric guitar surrounded by speakers, reflecting how even when he works with brands, he remains authentic to himself and his passions. Him being surrounded by wolves symbolises his dual position in Hollywood - part of the industry pack, yet still a lone wolf and an outsider.

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2.5M views · 372K reactions | Bold and powerful, Johnny Depp embodies the new Sauvage film, featuring rock’n’roll and the night, wolves and the moon.
Discover more on.dior.com/ig-linkinbio-diorsauvage | Dior

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Bold and powerful, Johnny Depp embodies the new Sauvage film, featuring rock’n’roll and the night, wolves and the moon.
Discover more on.dior.com/ig-linkinbio-diorsauvage

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Despite supporting cancer charities in memory of his mother and becoming close to her later in life, Johnny endured an abusive childhood at her hands, as revealed in his court case against Amber Heard. He and his sister testified that both they and their father were subject to physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. Johnny rarely shares details about his personal and private life, unless forced to, like in his highly publicised trial. However, this information adds an emotional depth to and humanises him, with his vulnerability likely to resonate with the public. His ability to achieve fame and succeed despite these hardships also reinforces his star image as resilient and compelling. He discussed in an interview with The Telegraph (referenced in this article) about how his childhood changed how he wanted to parent his kids, which further humanises him by presenting him as a caring father figure rather than just a celebrity.

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Johnny Depp Says His Abusive Mom ‘Taught Me How Not to Raise Kids’: ‘I Thank Her for That’

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Johnny Depp, a father of two, said his late abusive mom Betty Sue Palmer “taught me how not to raise kids—just do the exact opposite of what she did.”

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Depp opens up about his Alcohol and Substance Abuse

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Depp opens up about his Alcohol and Substance Abuse

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Amber brought up Johnny's struggle with alcohol and substance abuse during their trial, labelling him "an alcoholic and a drug addict". Depp admitted he had been taking a variety of drugs since the age of 12 "to escape family problems, emotional pain, and fame". Co-stars also testified that he had been known to be drunk or high when filming or on set. He claims he abused substances as he "never wanted to be the guy people looked at", reinforcing his rejection of fame and the celebrity status. While this positions Depp as a troubled star, acknowledging his self-destruction also adds to his authenticity.

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Johnny Depp Details His Struggles with Substance Abuse

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Depp v. Heard (2023) Netflix Documentary

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Depp v. Heard (2023) Netflix Documentary

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Netflix released a documentary exploring the Depp v. Heard court case and the history of their relationship. The fact that there is a documentary made about the trial highlights the intense media attention it attracted and reinforces the scale of their star image and power.

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Johnny launched his own brand, 'NeverFearTruth', in early 2022. Rather than just selling merchandise based around him, the site "showcases Johnny Depp's eclectic range of artworks". It features apparel, stationery, prints, clothing, jewellery and NFTs, which "invites his diverse community to share in his creation vision", framing his audience as part of a shared creative space, rather than passive fans. The website positions him as an artist and a muscian, as well as an actor, highlighting his versatility and success across multiple fields. Although a few products feature himself and his signature, which uses his celebrity status as a commercial asset, the majority of his products are abstract and not directly tied to him. On the website, this frames him primarily as an artist, wanting the public to buy the products due to his creative vision rather than because of his fame and his star image as 'Johnny Depp'.

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The 'Behind the Art' section of Johnny Depp's 'NeverFearTruth' website reveals a deeply authentic and introspective side of him that he rarely shares publicly. By sharing his inner emotions and vulnerabilities, the brand has a sense of intimacy and offers, what seems like, an exclusive insight into his personal life, allowing fans to create a more personal connection with him. The section discusses how Johnny had previously not revealed his art to anyone beyond his closest circle as the pieces are an expression of himself and illustrate his life - "his art is emotion made flesh, it's the story of his life".

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'The Bunnyman' positions Depp as a Father

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'The Bunnyman' positions Depp as a Father

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The character of 'The Bunnyman' features in the majority of Johnny's work. It "came into being when Johnny's son Jack sketched the figure following a nightmare". This adds a new element to Depp's star image by highlighting his role as a father. It also reinforces his eccentricity, as he has transformed a make-belief figure that appeared in his and his son's nightmare into a brand.

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Johnny discusses his children on Ellen's Talkshow

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Johnny discusses his children on Ellen's Talkshow

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Johnny has appeared on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show" multiple times. In this 2017 episode, he discusses his children, which adds to his role as a father, as he speaks fondly of them and seems like a very proud dad. This is notable as he rarely discusses, attends events with them, or shares them on social media, as he deliberately tries to keep them out of the limelight, which reflects his broader desire to avoid fame and maintain privacy. Rather than discussing acting, he solely talks about his art and he presents Ellen with a personalised painting. This demonstrates his nonconformity, as he chooses not to promote upcoming projects like most celebrities do on talk shows, whilst also presenting himself as thoughtful and authentic. He reinforces his star image as reserved and enigmatic in the way his responses to Ellen aren't particularly warm, as he often answers bluntly and requires multiple questions to reveal more, compared to most celebrities who would want to present themselves in the best possible light on a famous talkshow.

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2017 05 18 Johnny Depp on The Ellen Show - Freaks a Dad Out

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'NeverFearTruth' Instagram Post about Charitable Donations

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'NeverFearTruth' Instagram Post about Charitable Donations

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Depp's Instagram account for his brand, 'NeverFearTruth', made a post about his charitable donations, which allowed fans to engage with him as they praised him in the comments section. While the post reinforces his generosity, it can also be interpreted strategically, as he is usually private about his charitable acts, yet in this instance he chose not to be directly around the same time as his legal case with Amber Heard. The post could therefore be seen as a deliberate effort to strengthen his star image and reshape public perception in his favour.

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'NeverFearTruth' NFT Profits Donated to Charity

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'NeverFearTruth' NFT Profits Donated to Charity

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Proceeds from the sale of Depp's NFTs (digital assets which feature his artwork) on the 'NeverFearTruth' website were donated to four different charities, totalling $800,000. This highlights his generosity and social awareness, with fans praising him for his "never-ending kindness". However, the majority of news articles written on the donation focus on his ex-wife, Amber Heard, rather than the charitable act, as she had ties with one of the charities he donated to, The Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. This shows how high profile the case was and how scandal gains more attention than good news in terms of celebrity gossip. Many of the articles condemn Amber for her shortcomings, as she failed to donate her $7 million divorce payout from Depp as she had pledged to do, which strengthened Depp's public image further in comparison to hers.

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Johnny Depp donates earnings from NFT sale to charity associated with Amber Heard

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One of the four beneficiaries of the ‘nearly $800,000’ in proceeds was the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles

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Johnny has multiple fan accounts dedicated to him across all social media platforms, which shows he has a dedicated, loyal fanbase, even through his controversies. The effort fans put into creating and maintaining posts and accounts reinforces his popularity and his star image as a high-profile celebrity.

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There have been many 'Pirates of the Caribbean' franchise products centered around the character of Jack Sparrow. Big brands, such as Lego and Funko Pop, have collaborated with Disney to release a range of items - including collectables, video games, Lego sets, theme park attractions and clothing. The amount of Jack Sparrow merchandise reflects how Depp's character has become a widely recognisable and marketable figure. It also highlights the blurred line between Johnny and his iconic character, as many now associate Depp with Sparrow and the character has become central to his star image on and off screen. The popularity of the merchandise also shows the demand for these products and the love fans have for him.

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Depp has become recognised for his iconic dress sense, with numerous articles and social media accounts focusing on his style and how to replicate his look. His look is described as blending "bohemian artisty, rock 'n' roll rebellion, and a dash of vintage charm". This article states his "style is as enigmatic and layered as the man himself" and that his "clothing choices are more than just outfits - they're an extension of his persona", showing the authenticity to his persona. The fact that even the title labels him as "Hollywood's Most Eccentric Icon" shows how he is widely known as an outsider and unconventional, which is reflected in his clothing. This article positions his eccentricity as part of the appeal of his star image and as what makes him iconic.

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GQ Cover, One of 'The 25 Most Stylish Men in the World, 2010'

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GQ Cover, One of 'The 25 Most Stylish Men in the World, 2010'

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The GQ cover cements Johnny's status as a fashion icon, that has long been widely recognised for his style, as they named him one of 'The 25 Most Stylish Men in the World' in 2010. His name is featured alongside other globally known names, such as Brad Pitt and Jay-Z, which shows his level of fame. He is topless, smiling at the camera, which reinforces him as a heartthrob.

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Details Cover Positions Johnny as a 'Hollywood Maverick'

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Details Cover Positions Johnny as a 'Hollywood Maverick'

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Johnny featured on the cover of the Details magazine for their 2014 December/2015 January edition. He is labelled 'The Hollywood Maverick', which emphasises his reputation as an independent-minded individual who refuses to follow conventional Hollywood norms. It also shows his influence in the industry, where he is respected for setting himself apart from other stars. He is also positioned amongst text which labels him as an innovator, risk-taker and a big thinker that is "changing the face of entertainment", which further aligns with his star image of being original, rebellious and eccentric, as well as having a big cultural impact on the industry.

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Depp Labelled an 'Anarchist Superstar' and a 'Hollywood Rebel' on Rolling Stone Cover

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Depp Labelled an 'Anarchist Superstar' and a 'Hollywood Rebel' on Rolling Stone Cover

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Depp appeared on the 2008 cover of The Rolling Stone Magazine, where he was labelled an 'Anarchist Superstar' and a "Hollywood Rebel" with a "Rock & Roll Heart". This reiterates how is known to unapologetically rebel against authority and social hierarchies to embrace being his own unconventional self, defying Hollywood norms. He is positioned as an object of desire which follows his star image of a heartthrob as he is pictured in an unbuttoned shirt.

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Johnny has built a career not only as an actor but also as a musician, as he has released several rock albums and singles and has collaborated with different artists. While his most popular songs are from musical films he has starred in, such as 'Sweeney Todd' (2008), his own music projects have also achieved great success, getting millions of streams. The genre of rock has connotations of being edgy and rebellious, reflecting Depp's star image. His involvement in music extends his persona beyond Hollywood, showing he is a multi-talented individual.

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Despite Johnny being known to reject fame and distance himself from Hollywood social circles, his relationships suggest a strong connection to celebrity culture. Since his first marriage, which is before he became famous, he has only dated other high-profile figures, most notably Winona Ryder, Kate Moss and Amber Heard, which creates a contradiction in his star image. Interestingly, despite being an ex, Kate Moss testified for him in court against Heard.

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Johnny has been arrested on multiple occasions, including for assaulting a security guard, trashing a hotel room and threatening paparazzi with a plank of wood. During the Depp v. Heard trial, both his and Amber's past arrests and lawsuits resurfaced as the media sensationalised events and framed them as villains to create spectacle and attract attention. Depp's arrests contribute to his star image of being a troubled individual, as it shows that his persona of being rebellious and defiant against authority is not just a facade, as it extends into his real life. Whilst this demonstrates authenticity, it also complicates his reputation, particularly as it resurfaced during a court case where he was being accused of being violent whilst he was arguing he wasn't. However, him having an established star image of being a Hollywood rebel made it hard for him to change public perception to show that he is not violent.

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Johnny Depp and Amber Heard each want the jury to believe they’re non-violent. But both have a history of arrests for assault

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Johnny Depp has been arrested three times, and Amber Heard has been arrested once — all were allegedly violent incidents.

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Due to the high profile of the court case, the celebrity status of those involved and the nature of the allegations, there was a lot of commentary online. While some reactions were negative, many compilations, posts and comments were made about Johnny being funny whilst in court, which helped to positively shape his star image despite the controversy. This softened the narrative of him being a violent individual, which worked in his favour, and added a new depth to his star image of being charming and witty. The fact that fans created these edits highlights that he has a loyal following and shows how actively the public engaged with the trial.

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Johnny Depp Being Hilarious in Court! (Part 1)

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Online, the public engaged with the case by making memes about the trial that were shared around social media, making light of the accusations, which shows how audiences can shape and negotiate star images.

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Johnny discusses how Hollywood 'Boycotted' him after Trial at Cannes Film Festival (2023)

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Johnny discusses how Hollywood 'Boycotted' him after Trial at Cannes Film Festival (2023)

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Despite Johnny winning the court case, the Depp v. Heard trial had a lasting detrimental effect on his reputation and career. His star image was damaged and he was dropped from many projects, most notably from his role in 'Fantastic Beasts', and his opportunities have been limited since. When questioned about this at the Cannes Film Festival, he said he had been boycotted by Hollywood. Staying consistent with his persona as an outsider who is known to reject fame, he expressed a lack of concern about this, saying "I don't think about Hollywood. I don't have much further need for Hollywood myself". Even when talking about this clearly serious issue that impacted his life, he still comes across as selfless and compassionate, as he says his experience is insignificant compared to what others are going through, such as sick children or those who suffered with COVID.

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Johnny Depp Admits He Doesn’t Need Hollywood In 2023 Cannes Press Conference

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Whilst some Reddit threads praised and supported Depp during the trial, there were many that were hateful and tried to 'cancel' him, which further eroded his star image. This highlights how quickly social media discourse and public opinion on a person can change in light of scandal and completely reshape a celebrities star image - which Johnny has yet fully recover from and is still associated with the trial.

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The Depp v. Heard case (2022) was a defamation trial in which Johnny sued Amber for writing a piece in a newspaper where she described herself as a survivor of domestic abuse, implying that the abuse occurred at the hands of Depp during their relationship. Heard then countersued, claiming that Johnny's lawyer had falsely accused her of lying. It resulted in Depp winning the case and $10 million, whilst Heard won $2 million for her counterclaim. The case drew a lot of public attention, with it being livestreamed to the public, having extensive news coverage and being heavily talked about on social media, making his personal life into a spectacle. Even though Depp won the court case, it significantly impacted his reputation and star image during and after the trial. While the verdict meant that he received sympathy and support from fans, the case brought a lot of attention to his past behaviour and controversies, which further tarnished his image and made many view him as a bad person.

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Johnny Depp and Amber Heard defamation trial: Summary and timeline

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Although their marriage lasted a matter of months, Depp and Heard’s relationship spanned more than a decade.

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Johnny's star image and branding are carefully controlled on his social media, as he consistently uses the same fonts and style of posts that tend to follow a gothic theme. His content does not feel particularly authentic as he posts little about his personal life, posting instead purely about upcoming projects (whether this be in his acting, music or art career) and his interactions with those in the industry rather than his own social circle, which creates an air or mystery around him. Depp does not respond to comments or engage with fans online.

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Johnny Depp's lead role in Tim Burton's Sweeney Todd (2008) reinforces his star image as an unconventional actor and aligns with the pattern of characters he has played and the themes of films he often appears in, as it is a dark and gothic film in which he portrays a murderous outsider. However, the film is different from others he has starred in since it is a musical, which shows his versatility and range of talents.

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Depp as the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland (2010)

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Depp as the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland (2010)

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In one of his many collaborations with Tim Burton, Johnny played the role of the Mad Hatter in the remake of Alice in Wonderland (2010). His quirky and eccentric character reinforces him as unconventional actor that is able to play complex characters. Although the Mad Hatter is primarily a humorous character, he also explores many emotions, showing there is a depth to his performances.

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Depp as the Quirky Character of Willy Wonka in 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' (2005)

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Depp as the Quirky Character of Willy Wonka in 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' (2005)

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In Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2008), Depp plays the quirky character of Willy Wonka. Although Wonka fits his pattern of playing unconventional roles, it also contrasts the darker characters he often plays and Tim Burton's usual style of film, showing his versatility. Although Wonka is eccentric, he also shows great emotional depth, making him a relatable figure and allowing us to see Johnny in a vulnerable light.

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Dyer, Richard, and Paul McDonald. Stars. London, British Film Institute, 1998.

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Dyer & McDonald's 'Stars' (1998) is important when considering the star image analysis of Johnny Depp - they would argue that his star image is a constructed, multi-layered cultural text made up of his roles and his public persona.

Dyer argues that a star is a 'structured polysemy' - a set of meanings that the audience reads and interprets. In Depp's case this would be 'the outsider/rebel', 'the transformative performer' and 'the troubled and enigmatic figure'. Dyer would explain the tensions in Johnny's image (i.e., how he is considered charitable and compassionate, but is also known to be troubled and a rebel) by saying this is part of how he would negotiate contradicitions already present in society to help audiences make sense of him.

McDonald considers stardom as an industrial product. In terms of industry strategies, he would suggest that Depp's star image has been deliberately shaped across multiple media platforms to emphasise him as unique, against Hollywood, a rebel and an outsider, to differentiate him from other celebrities, which audiences would interpret and respond to differently.

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Gauntlett, David. Media, Gender and Identity: An Introduction. London,
Routledge, 2002.

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Gauntlett's 'Media, Gender and Identity' (2002)

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Gauntlett's 'Media, Gender and Identity' (2002)

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Gauntlett's book is central to understanding the star image of Johnny Depp as it explores how audiences use celebrities and those in the media to construct, experiment with and negotiate their own identities.

He argues that the media offers toolkits for how the public could construct their own identity. Johnny's toolkit would revolve around nonconformity and eccentricity, which audiences may borrow when performing their own identity.

Gauntlett also discusses how masculinity has become much more flexible in the media in the 21st century, which can be seen in how Depp's roles often embrace vulnerability and flamboyance.

Another idea that Gauntlett discusses is that media representations interact with real life. People use the media actively and critically, which explains that as the public interact with Johnny online, he is able to create polarising opinions.

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