Johnny Depp has been in my life a long time. I, like most other Gen X girls adored him from the moment he appeared in 21 Jump Street. With my father begrudgingly putting up with ithe show while the girls of the house drooled.
I admire Johnny’s acting. I support him when he does his odd roles, you know the ones I mean, because I think he is really talented. He puts a great amount of research and effort into preparing for each role that he accepts and you can see he is truly dedicated to his craft.
When I think about his pending performance in tomorrow’s opening of Alice in Wonderland, I realize that there has been a lot to learn from Mr. Depp.
[1] Be undefinable. Just when you think you have Johnny Depp pegged, he does a left turn on you. Isn’t life a whole hell of a lot more interesting when you can’t be easily categorized? That there is no neat check-box for you? Be original. Be unpredictable.
Okay, I realize that I just prattled off a whole bunch of sound bytes, but I think you get the picture. It’s so much more interesting to be you, even when that means you might be outside the norms of what society accepts, when you are being true to yourself and not trying to live up to what someone else wants you to be.
Johnny Depp wasn’t comfortable (and still isn’t) with the sex symbol status that he was labeled with after 21 Jump Street, so he chose roles that were a complete 180-degrees from that.
[2] You can be as weird as-all-get-out and people will still love you. Okay, it may help that you are totally gorgeous, but you get what I am saying. Look, there really is someone for everyone. Every taste. Every style. If someone believes in you, they will adore you no matter how far off the beaten path you go. I am not saying that being “weird” will make it easy for those around you to love you. You will find your tribe, trust me. Even the weirdest kids in high school hung out with the other weird kids….
[3] Don’t mess with a good thing. A good partnership can last a lifetime. Johhny Depp has teamed up with Tim Burton numerous times. Successfully. They complete each other and it works. It is has not become so predictable that it is boring. The films that they work have run the gamut. They take the best of their working partnership and apply it to whatever project they team up on. It hasn’t gotten old yet and it is a good example to follow.
If you have something that works, use it. That doesn’t mean you can’t iterate or innovate to improve it, but don’t risk the essence of what is working.
[4] Living in France is cool. Mr. Depp lives most of his time in France in a small village where he grows grapes for wine, tomatoes in his garden to eat and spends his days with his children and wife. There are no reporters to hound him, the villagers leave him alone, and his privacy is respected which is de rigeur in France. A French life can be one of simple pleasures, simple tastes and simple joys. And when one is a star as big as Johnny is, finding peace in a country that encourages and supports the simple things in life can mean all the difference in the world.
[5] Never give up your dream to own an island. Again, this may not be your dream (it’s kind of mine), but the point is just because you come from Owensboro, Kentucky doesn’t mean that someday you can’t own your own Carribean island. You never know what your path is, but if you are determined, you never know where you might end up.
Seems a little Pollyana for you? Well, maybe. But I personally believe that I am going to get a lot further in life if I (a) have a goal and (b) actually plan to achieve it.
Is there anything that Johnny Depp has taught you?
Planning to see Alice in Wonderland tomorrow?
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I recently saw a 48 hours or 20/20 episode where Depp spoke up for a convicted murderer from him small hometown. He talked about how he knew what it was like to be different. Turns out, the guys WAS innocent! Released from prison after 15 or so years – based on DNA. Depp takes risks. I do like that. Having said that, I had to leave Willy Wonka half way through b/c he creeped out my five year old. =/ He is brilliant and I loved him in the Pirates of the Carribean.
I love Johnny Depp, Chocolat stands out as one of his memorable ones for me. I won’t see Alice quite yet, I can’t stand being in a crowded theater.
As for Pollyanna, she was pretty savvy little girl. One of my favorite movies as a child!
What I admire about him is his total self-assurance!
Excellent, fun post today, Andi!
I remember doing an exercise with my students a couple of years ago in which they had to persuade their favorite celebrity to take them to dinner. One girl chose Johnny Depp, and I mentioned something about loving him ever since he was on 21 Jump Street. Of course, she and her classmates looked at me like I was nuts.
“It was this TV show he was on about 20 years ago,” I said.
“Wait, how old is he?” they asked.
“He’s gotta be at least 40,” I said, hoping my own age wouldn’t be revealed, “if not 45.”
The girls gasped in horror. “Wow, I didn’t know he was like, *OLD*!!”
And I agree w/ Laura — I think Roux in Chocolat is my favorite Depp role.
My fave movies of his are Chocolat and Pirates of the Caribbean…what I adore about him is his devotion to his family! I will see Alice but not tomorrow….great post, Andi! xxoo
I LOVE this post!!! I was just having the exact same conversation the other. Although, it wasn’t framed in terms of Johnny Depp teaching me something but rather how he has redefined success in Hollywood. He is an interesting actor with amazing range.
And yes, I can’t wait to see Alice…Friday date night!
I am a big fan of Johnny Depp from the 21 Jump Street days, too. I used to have a binder dedicated to his pics.
I love how you have set out this post. It’s all true and I hope to be like him one day, especially living in France!
These are good life lessons. I especially like the first one, as I am trying to reach for more breadth than depth right now. It’s always a little scary to move out of the comfort zone. People always tell us to play to out strengths, but sometimes it’s working on our weaknesses that allows us to progress the most. Great post!
Excellent post, Andi!
I am also a big Johnny Depp fan. When I saw his interview on Inside the Actor’s Studio I could see there was a deeper man inside. Which is why he can play such diverse roles.
He is not afraid to be crazy or humiliate himself. He just jumps head first into some of his craziness characters. From 21 Jump Street to Chocolat to Benny & Joon, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Sweeney Todd, you get a different Johnny each time. And we always love him.
Love Johnny Depp! The only thing I didn’t like that he was in was the second half of Sweeney Todd. (First half was great! Second half = ICK!)
Loooove these lessons! Esp #1 & #5. I definitely want to own my own island one day.
Can’t wait to see Alice this weekend!!!
Ah, great post, Andi! Yup, love him too, and what he has done. And I didn’t even know he lives in a French village…respect meter just went up a couple of notches!
My daughter loves him too, so for her recent 22nd birthday I bought her the 21 Jump Street DVD
Can’t wait to see Alice, but will wait until all my family is free, which probably means a couple of weeks.
I like very much the 5th point !
Not for the Island, haha.
But for the meaning. =)