For the past few decades, Johnny Depp has managed to maintain the reputation of being one of Hollywood’s most famous movie stars. Having a number of movies under his belt, the actor is famously known for his erratic character Jack Sparrow in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
Speaking of the billion-dollar franchise that entertained audiences, Johnny Depp went through a massive transformation for his role. Not just that, he also revealed how he took inspiration from Rolling Stones’ legendary guitarist Keith Richards, for his iconic role as Jack Sparrow.
Legendary Guitarist Inspired Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow
Johnny Depp has always been famous for playing erratic characters in movies. However, his role as Jack Sparrow stood out the most, among his other performances. Signing for the role in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, the actor stunned his audiences with his character’s out-of-the-box mannerisms and overall vibe.
For years, fans have wondered who was the inspiration behind Johnny Depp‘s Jack Sparrow. Finally, fans’ curiosity was brought to ease by the actor after he revealed it in his book The Secret World of Johnny Depp. Recalling how he took inspiration from his icon, the lead guitarist of Rolling Stones, the actor thanked Keith Richards.
“To me, it’s Keith Richards, hands down. Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to get to know him, so I tried not an imitation, but I drew on my memories of Keith – a certain grace and elegance and a wit that I thought would be useful.”
Coming to the conclusion that Keith Richards was the modern equivalent of a pirate in a way, Johnny Depp hailed his inspiration.
Keith Richards’ Reaction to Being Johnny Depp’s Inspiration
Later on, according to NME, Johnny Depp mentioned how he told Keith Richards about drawing inspiration from him. Discussing the guitarist’s response when Depp told him about Jack Sparrow’s mannerisms being based on him, Richards was apparently shocked. “I was a little worried at what Keith Richards was gonna think.” Depp began sharing.
“For a good portion of the time I was spending with him, I was sponging as much of him as I possibly could for the character. And when he found out what I’d been doing, it could’ve gone either way, but he was very nice about it, like ‘I had no idea mate!’ He was very sweet about it.”
The actor was highly grateful for having the opportunity to connect with Keith Richards. Eventually, the legendary guitarist was also offered a role in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007), as Jack Sparrow’s father, Captain Teague. Certainly, this turned into a great casting, and a dream come true for both Richards and Depp.
“To be able to then bring him into the fold and bring him into the film and do scenes with him was amazing. It’s one of those things you know has been seared into your brain and will never leave.”
Depp felt extremely lucky to share the screen with his inspiration Keith Richards. And eventually, his movie turned into a blockbuster just like its predecessors.
Watch Pirates of the Caribbean movies on Disney+.
