I have always loved Johnny Depp, every since he appeared in “21 Jumpstreet.” But, his reputation has not always been the best. Johnny has always been known for his choice in accepting quirky roles others would refuse. I mean can you see Leonardo DiCaprio as Edward Scissorhands? This need to go his own way with roles has led much of Hollywood to think he is a bit odd. During the early 90s, he had a few run-ins with the law. He was arrested in 1994 for damaging a $1,200 a night room at the Mark Hotel in New York City. The charges were dismissed when he promised to stay out of trouble and reimburse the hotel for the $9,767.12 in damages. Then, Johnny was arrested again outside a London restaurant in 1999 when he brawled with the paparazzi as they tried to take photos of him and then pregnant girlfriend Vanessa Paradis.
However, I have always thought there was a softer side to Johnny and since the birth of his children, 9-year-old Lily-Rose and 6-year-old Jack, he has changed his bad boy image. First, he appeared in the Pirates of the Caribbean films, which turned out to be blockbusters that were kid friendly. He has also stayed out of trouble with the law since settling down with Paradis and having a family. He has said that having children has given him a foundation.
This week, I was reminded of what a good guy he really is. While many of the headlines are filled with teen Jamie Lynn Spears giving birth and Amy Winehouse’s continuous battle with drug addiction, there was a small article this week about Johnny following through on a promise to a young boy. Twelve-year-old Jack Taylor met Johnny Depp when Depp was filming Public Enemies in Jack’s hometown of Oshkosh, WI. Johnny promised to give Jack the hat he was wearing as he played John Dillinger in the film. Of course, Jack’s family didn’t really expect Johnny to follow up on that promise.
That is, until they received a box. The package arrived at their home, addressed to Jack, last week. When Jack hoped it, he found the tan and gray fedora hat he has admired along with some Charlie and the Chocolate Factory memorabilia. There was also a note from Johnny, which read, “Here is a hat for you. Hope you like this and assorted fun bits.”
It’s nice to know that not all celebrities are so caught up in themselves that they cannot take the time to make their fans, even the young ones, happy.