Johnny Depp, an adaptable American actor, has gained recognition for his distinctive and iconic performances in movies such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Edward Scissorhands, and Sweeney Todd. His enduring career, spanning several decades, has earned him acclaim for his one-of-a-kind character interpretations, establishing him as a prominent Hollywood figure.
Apart from his achievements in film, Johnny Depp has been a divisive figure in the public eye, entangled in legal disputes and personal controversies. His depiction of Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean series endures as a cultural landmark, and his commitment to distinctive roles has made a lasting impact on the movie business.
Johnny Depp Quit Smoking After The Rum Diary
Smoking serves as a fitting metaphor for Johnny Depp’s self-image, embodying a sense of rebellion, European flair, and a rugged demeanor. Remarkably, he successfully quit smoking for a period of two and a half years. However, in his film, The Rum Diary, where he had to smoke in nearly every scene, this abstinence was put to the test.
“Just fake things, I think they’re made of cured leather or something, they’re really hideous, you light it and it smells like a tyre burning,” Depp said.
It was during the journey back that nicotine once again tempted him. “One bang on [the director] Bruce Robinson’s horrible little Café Crème cigar. One bang – yeah, one hit and it was over.” Robinson, on the other hand, experienced a relapse during the production of The Rum Diary and started drinking again.
The Rum Diary is the same film where Johnny Depp met his ex-wife Amber Heard. In 2011, the film brought Hunter S. Thompson’s novel to the screen, featuring Johnny Depp in the role of journalist Paul Kemp. This tale unfolds in 1960s Puerto Rico, delving into Kemp’s exploits, his journalistic pursuits, and his encounters with corruption, all against a backdrop of rum-infused intrigue. The movie blends humor, social critique, and Depp’s captivating portrayal.
Nicolas Cage Saved Johnny Depp’s Career
The connection between Nicolas Cage and Johnny Depp extends beyond their roles as fellow actors, as they were friends even before embarking on their film careers. Cage made his debut in Hollywood with Fast Times at Ridgemont High in 1982, while Depp entered the industry two years later, making his first appearance in A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984).
According to Cage, he stood alongside Depp during the early stages of his career and witnessed all the highs and lows the actor experienced. In an interview, Cage remarked,
“The true story is that we were already friends. I was living in an old building in Hollywood called the Fontenoy, and I think I ultimately rented the apartment to Johnny, and he started living there. He was at the point in his career where he was selling pens or something to get by.”
Moreover, Cage mentioned that he was the individual who proposed that Depp consider pursuing acting as a profession.
The Rum Diary can be rented or purchased on Google Play.
Source: The Guardian
