Johnny Depp is a big name in the industry who certainly needs no introduction. The actor’s rise in the industry has been no secret as he has firmly established his name. With films like Pirates of the Caribbean, the actor became a household name.
To fans’ astonishment, a little credit for his successful career goes to Nicolas Cage. Cage and Depp had been friends even before entering the film industry. It was Cage’s faith in Depp that persuaded him to pursue a career in film.
Nicolas Cage Encouraged Johnny Depp to Become an Actor
Nicolas Cage and Johnny Depp are Hollywood A-listers whose contributions to the film industry have been remarkable. However, their relationship isn’t limited to being fellow actors; they were friends even before entering the film industry. While Cage made his big-screen debut in 1982, Depp was a struggling musician at the time.
Despite their differences, they shared a strong bond, and this friendship became the reason for Depp’s entry into Hollywood. During an interview, Cage revealed that he helped Depp pursue acting as a career. Cage said,
“We were good friends, and we would play Monopoly, and he was winning a game, and I was watching him, and I said, ‘Why don’t you just try acting?”’
Cage further revealed that after hearing his idea, Depp was initially hesitant to give it a shot because, at that time, he wanted to be a musician. Though Depp declined Cage’s idea, Cage was persistent in his notion and had faith in Depp’s ability. The actor recalled his conversation with Depp,
“I said, ‘I think you can act.’ So I sent him to meet with my agent.'”
Indeed, his faith turned out to be justified as he not only convinced Depp to meet his agent but also made sure that Depp gave acting a shot. Through Cage’s agent, Depp had his first audition for A Nightmare on Elm Street, and, of course, he landed the role. Cage was highly impressed by Depp and called him an overnight success, saying,
“Overnight sensations don’t happen. But it happened with him.”
Hence, it could be said that if Cage hadn’t encouraged Depp to pursue acting, fans would have missed his iconic performance as Jack Sparrow.
Nicolas Cage Helped Johnny Depp During Tough Times
During the same interview, Nicolas Cage claimed that he assisted Johnny Depp before he got his first break in the film industry. Cage described Depp’s situation by saying,
“He was at the point in his career where he was selling pens or something to get by.”
The actor further claimed that since he and Depp were friends, he rented an apartment for him, where Depp used to live. It’s a true saying that a friend in need is a friend indeed, and here, Cage proved his friendship for Depp by assisting him in every thick and thin of his life.
Source: The New York Times
