Johnny Depp celebrates a big birthday on June 9, 2024; fans can’t believe how old he just turned.
The “Pirates of the Caribbean” actor has had a rollercoaster career, appearing in several films after getting his big break in 1984 for his role in “Nightmare on Elm Street.” He has also been involved in a number of controversies, most recently landing him in court after suing his ex-wife. Amber heardfor defamation.
On Sunday, June 9, Johnny Depp turned 61, and fans are celebrating by looking back on his career.
Getting his big break
Johnny Depp first appeared on the big screen in 1984’s ‘Nightmare On Elm Street’, but he is widely known for his role in the television series ’21 Jump Street’, which aired from 1987 to 1991. Depp played officer Tom Hanson , a young-looking police officer in a special unit who went undercover in high schools to investigate and prevent juvenile crime.
37 years later, fans are celebrating Depp’s 61st birthday by looking back on his career.
“Happy Birthday to actor Johnny Depp. In the 1980s, Depp rose to fame in the TV series ’21 Jump Street’ and became a teen idol. He is now considered one of the world’s biggest movie stars,” wrote one X user. .
“I just wanted to say ‘Happy Birthday’ to the hottest and best of them all in tinsel land,” said another fan. “Johnny Depp is that quirky pirate who stole my heart when I saw him get swallowed by his bed in ‘Nightmare On Elm Street’ and, yes, ’21 Jump Street.’
Johnny Depp brings Edward Scissorhands to life
In 1990, Johnny Depp played the leading role Tim Burton‘Edward Scissorhands’. The film tells the story of a gentle and misunderstood artificial man with scissors for hands, played by Depp.
His performance as the strange yet lovable character, combined with Burton’s visual style, has made “Edward Scissorhands” a beloved classic.
Of course there is Jack Sparrow
Johnny Depp’s role as Jack Sparrow is perhaps his most famous role. The 61-year-old actor played the clever pirate in all five ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ films, including:
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“Pirates Of The Caribbean: The Curse Of The Black Pearl” (2003)
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“Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” (2006)
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“Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End” (2007)
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“Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” (2011)
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“Pirates Of The Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” (2017)
Depp’s interpretation of Jack Sparrow captured the hearts of audiences around the world with his signature eyeliner, dreadlocks and unpredictable behavior.
As fans celebrate his 61st birthday, they can’t help but bring up the iconic Disney character. “Happy birthday to Captain Jack Sparrow aka #JohnnyDepp,” one X user wrote.
“On June 4, 2015, I was lucky enough to capture Captain Jack Sparrow singing ‘Happy Birthday,'” said another. “You are a legend, Johnny. I hope you have a wonderful 61st birthday.”
Take a trip to the chocolate factory
Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Willy Wonka in Tim Burton’s adaptation of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is one of his most eccentric characters. In true Depp style, he brought his quirk and flair to the role, adding complexity to the character.
The film took a different angle than the original, exploring Wonka’s personality and troubled past.
Outside Hollywood
Outside of his stellar acting roles, Johnny Depp was in the news a few years ago for his involvement in the high-profile defamation lawsuit against his ex-wife Amber Heard.
In 2020, he took legal action against The Sun and its editor, Dan Wootton, over an article calling him a ‘wife beater’.
Depp and Heard subsequently went to trial in the US after the actor sued her for defamation. On June 1, 2022, the jury returned a verdict, unanimously ruling that Heard had defamed Depp and awarding him $5 million in damages and $10 million in compensatory damages.
The jury also awarded Heard $2 million in compensatory damages in her counterclaim, but nothing in punitive damages.
After the trial, Depp returned to acting, starring as King Louis XV in the French historical drama Jeanne du Barry.
