Bop, May 1998 – Why did Johnny Depp Say That?
Title: Why did Johnny Depp Say That?
Publication: Bop
Issue: May 1998
There’s not doubt about it: Johnny Depp is a man of few words. You might say that to this 21 Jump Street actor, talk is cheap—he’s an action -oriented sort of guy!
But when 25-year-old Johnny does choose to speak up, he says a great deal—with so few words! In fact, one simple sentence from Johnny uncovers a whole world of meaning. Here’s some classic examples:
“CELEBRITY? WHO’S A CELEBRITY?”
That brief remark is a typical “Johnny-ism,” clearly revealing that this 5’10” tall performer has never, does not, and never will view himself as a “star.” Actually, the whole concept of being a celebrity is a bit odd to him!
Johnny doesn’t feel that his appearances in movies and television merit any special treatment from anyone. The fact that he’s talented, and quite adorable to boot, does not figure into his self-image. All these qualities, insists this Owensboro, Kentucky-born boy, are “no big deal.”
“WHAT’S ACTION?”
After several hardworking years of trying to make it big as a rock and roll guitarist,
Bop, April 1989 – What’s All This Talk About Johnny Depp?!
Title: What’s All This Talk About Johnny Depp?!
Publication: Bop
Issue: April 1989
When you’re John Christopher Depp II, you get used to being the prime subject of conversation.
Fortunately, Johnny (which he prefers to be called) doesn’t take himself too seriously. His attitude is that people are going to talk, so why not let them?
Since most of the chatter concerning this 25-year-old talent is positive, Johnny’s feelings are rarely hurt, nor, surprisingly enough, has he let any flattery go to his head. He simply takes it all in stride.
“Getting attention from the public is very nice, but it’s still a little strange, you know?” he ponders aloud with a clear gaze in his brown eyes that lets you know he is too strong to ever allow fame to affect his ego.
If there is any truth to the study of astrology, then it’s only natural that this Owensboro, Kentucky-native takes an easygoing stance on his celebrity status.
According to the stars, it is a characteristic of those born under the sign of Gemini, as Johnny was,
Bop, February 1998 – Does Johnny Depp Alone Make 21 Jump Street A Success?
Title: Does Johnny Depp Alone Make 21 Jump Street A Success?
Publication: Bop
Issue: February 1998
During the 1987-88 season of 21 Jump Street, it could have been very easy to mistake Johnny Depp for the star of the show. It seemed like the gorgeous actor was featured in every single episode!
Things have changed in the “new and improved” 1988-89 season of the series! This year, it’s already apparent that the folks in charge of Jump Street want you to know all four main characters (as well as the new guest star) as real people. Not only are you seeing plenty of Johnny as “Tom Hanson,” but you’re also getting a chance to see more of Peter DeLuise (“Doug Penhall”), Dustin Nguyen (“Harry Ioki”) and Holly Robinson (“Judy Hoffs”), along with the show’s newest addition, Richard Grieco, who plays “Dennis Booker”!
But how do the sparkling personalities of 21 Jump Street fit together behind the scenes? You already know that they’re a distinctly diverse group as far as their hometowns and backgrounds go—so what is the glue that holds them together?
First of all,
Teen Machine, 1998 – Everything You Wanted to Know
Title: Everything You Wanted to Know
Publication: Teen Machine
Issue: 1998
Dark-eyed Johnny Depp might view himself as one of television’s most reluctant sex symbols, but everytime he appears on the screen, the hearts of viewers can’t help but hop to 21 Jump Street.
When Johnny was growing up in Miramar, Florida, the last destination he envisioned for himself was on a television show At that time, all he wanted to do was play in a rock and roll band. He recalls: “People would remember me as the kid with the long hair who was always playing guitar. I used to bring my guitar to school, skip certain classes and sneak into the guitar class. That’s pretty much how I spent my high school years.”
He finally become a player in a band called the Kids, and they headed out to Hollywood in the hopes of landing a record deal. Once when they were playing a gig at one of the clubs on Sunset Strip, Johnny met and befriended Moonstruck star Nicolas Cage. Johnny’s cash flow of the time was very low, so when Nicholas offered to introduce Johnny to his agent,
Film Review, June 1997 – Depp Undercover
Title: Depp Undercover
Publication: Film Review
Issue: June 1997
DON’T EXPECT Donnie Brasco to have any of the innocent charm of Edward Scissorhands or the kitsch sensibility of Ed Wood – Johnny Depp’s latest film is as far removed from these as is possible. The 33-year-old actor stars as Joe Pistone in the almost unbelievable true tale of an FBI agent who manages to infiltrate a Mafia ring for six years in the 1970s. Starring with Al Pacino – who plays Joe’s mentor and guide through the Mafia world, Lefty Ruggiero – Depp is astonishing as the FBI agent whose double life threatens to tear him apart. And while Depp isn’t exactly renowned for being typecast, if he were to find himself a comfortable niche in other films that are as unflinching and graphic as Donnie Brasco, the likes of Brad Pitt would be looking over their shoulders.
The Mafia men in Donnie Brasco are not the sort that a mother-in-law would welcome with open arms. They can appear to be friendly enough but running through them is a streak of vicious ruthlessness. In their world it’s often kill or be killed.
BARRY GETS CLOSE TO JOHNNY AT THE VIPER ROOM
Background: Summer-Fall 1995 I went to the Viper Room a few times, the energy was amazing! I went on December 31st. Sandra Bernhardt was performing, which was terrific.
Suddenly, I turned-around and I saw Kate Moss sitting on the back of the booth near the bathrooms, and I said to myself “He’s gotta be here!” I looked down from Kate, and there he was, sitting in the booth drinking wine. Hair hanging in his face, being kind of sullen.
Edward Scissorhands and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape have touched me deeply. I so wanted to tell him, but there was no getting near him with all the bodyguards. Flea showed-up. It was quite the scene.
Nevertheless, the crowd (and bodyguards) became casual by 2AM, when I was coming out of the men’s room, and there he was, standing right next to me: tee shirt and cords, very Johnny. I lingered for a moment, as he was talking with someone. I considered approaching him, but didn’t want to be rude by butting- in.
Suddenly, he headed-off down those stairs, into the night. Maybe some other time!
Barry
UK Film Review June 1995
Look back in Angora
PICTURE THE SCENE, if you will. In one of the scummiest parts of West Los Angeles, Johnny Depp is being put through his acting paces by director Tim Burton. The air is as thick and grimy as an unserviced U-bend. The ambience as comforting as a shower of warm sweat. As the cameras grind slowly into motion, Depp steps out into the light… wearing high heels, black nylons, a blue dress, a beige corset, a pink blouse and red lipstick.
“It’s strange, but it really doesn’t feel so bad,” Depp says about his stint in the frillies. Will his reputation ever be fully restored in the town of Tinsel?
The actor is playing Edward D Wood, arguably the worst director in the history of Hollywood, who lived and worked during the ’40s and ’50s. Wood directed Z-grade features such as Plan 9 from Outer Space, Bride of the Monster and Glen or Glenda, a movie which became a bizarre plea for understanding of his own penchant for cross-dressing.
The role is a bold move for the former teen idol who kicked started his career in the TV series 21 Jump Street,
John Tesh’s producer’s encounter
A few years ago, when I was the Marketing Director for John Tesh?s music I heard that Johnny Depp?s trailer was parked right outside my office on the Paramount lot. He was shooting a film on a stage right behind the Mae West building where I worked.
That put me in a bit of a fix. I had a policy against any sort of star deference on the lot. It was rampant and kind of sickening and I wanted no part of it. I routinely passed Kevin Costner, Niles from Fraiser, Tom Cruise and others while walking around to the catering truck or on errands and we would smile and nod, like anyone else. I once had a temp assignment working for Patrick Stewart. Being no fan of Star Trek, I didn?t know who he was until someone told me later that morning. At lunch, Patrick and his girlfriend came back all lit up. Apparently Pierce Brosnan was right outside, having also eaten at the Commissary. I didn?t say anything.
?Pierce Brosnan!? Patrick told me. “Don?t you like him??
?I don?t know who that is.?
?James Bond!? his girlfriend blurted.
?James Bond!