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E True Hollywood Story: Johnny Depp Premiered 11/23/03 (Show opens with snippets of the many clips to follow) Johnny: (Making a speech at the ceremony when he was awarded a star on the Hollywood walk of fame) “It’s certainly an incredibly great honor being awarded with a star on Hollywood Boulevard. It allows people to walk all over you.” Narrator: “High school dropout... Yves Bouhadana (childhood friend): “He simply said: “I’m gonna be dropping out of school” Narrator: “Juvenile delinquent.... Dustin Nguyen (Jumpstreet costar): “Having experimented with drugs. Again, he was very open with it. Narrator: “Divorced at 22... Christopher Heard (Biographer) : “Johnny Depp’s first marriage ended just simply because of the stress of failure. Narrator: “Johnny Depp wanted to be a rock star, but he was headed for the rocks. Then Hollywood came calling. Patrick Hasburgh, Producer of 21 Jumpstreet: “He looked like he was someone out of “Rebel Without a Cause” Narrator: “Depp put the “Bad” in “Bad Boy” Stephen Cannell: “He had a few drunken hotel parties, that we had to ...like, straighten out.” Narrator: “He took movie roles that were highly unconventional Richard Roper, film critic: “He really tries to push the edge of what audiences will accept. Narrator: “and he became a star player in the hottest game in town. Patrick : “There used to be a bumper sticker: Honk if you have been engaged to Johnny Depp” Narrator: “Along the way Johnny dissed fame .... Johanna Schneller, freelance writer: “I think Johnny was very angry at the way the media handled River Phoenix’s death Narrator: “Became a father...” Johnny: “It’s the greatest thing I’ve ever done”. Narrator: “and broke every rule in the book. Julie Jordan, People Magazine: “People Magazine’s Sexiest Man 2003 Johnny Depp. Johnny: “If you get used to it, you should be worried. (At movie premier) Narrator: Quirky, mysterious and way-cool. This is the story of an actor’s actor. Johnny Depp: The E True Hollywood Story. (Theme music). Show begins...... Johnny: “The internal dialogue...(clears throat, appearing to choose his words very carefully). My internal dialogue is just always “Fuck it”, actually. “Fuck it.” Narrator: “From high school dropout to Hollywood ex-patriot, Johnny Depp never shied away from speaking his mind. But on September 4th 2003, Depp found himself in the middle of an ugly controversy. Narrator: “In an interview for the German magazine Stern, Depp voiced his opinion about the war in Iraq, saying: “America is Dumb. It’s like a dumb puppy.” The backlash was immediate and intense. Christopher: “His comments about America...I don’t think they were meant to be expressing any bitterness towards America. Narrator: “Depp countered the criticism by saying he was quoted out of context. Johnny: “Never would I ever disrespect this country or the people, never.” Narrator: “Just two months earlier, Johnny Depp could do no wrong. In July, 2003, thousands of amped fans turned out for the World Premier of Pirates of the Carribean. Much of the Film’s success was attributed to it’s handsome, swashbuckling 40-year-old hero, Johnny Depp. Jerry Bruckheimer, Producer: “He’s a pirate. He’s a rock star. So, I love that” Narrator: “For more than two decades Johnny Depp has been pursued by Hollywood, idolized by fans and hounded by the press. Ironically, Depp never even wanted to be a movie star.” Narrator: “On June 9th, 1963, the local paper in Owensboro, Kentucky announced the arrival of John Christopher Depp, II. John Senior was a civil engineer; Mom, Betty Sue was a waitress who took care of Johnny and his three older siblings. Narrator: “In 1969 Johnny’s dad packed up the family and moved to Miramar, Florida. But their future in the Sunshine State looked anything but bright. Christopher: “They ended up living in a motel, and like all of them in one room and it was a tough existence.” Narrator: “John Senior eventually found an engineering job with the City. The Depps moved out of the motel into a series of rented homes. Johnny later described his family as “gypsies”. Johanna: “All he would say is that his mom would get “ants”. “My mom got ants somehow and they would move. And sometimes they moved from one house to the house next door. And so uh.. he said there is a whole history of his life out there in toys, his homework, stuff that got left behind from house to house to house. Narrator: “To cope with the constant turmoil, young Johnny developed an active imagination. Johnny: “I remember at one point I wanted to be Evel Knievel” So I went out and got a bicycle and started jumping things: fire, people, cars, you know...ditches yeah, fire - I jumped fire once. Luckily, I made it. Narrator: “The aspiring daredevil grew bored at school. He started hanging out with a bad crowd. In published reports, Depp admitted he smoked cigarettes at age 12, then moved on to drugs, shoplifting and vandalism. Dustin: “Having experimented with drugs and - again- he was very open with it, so ... you know there was no agenda to hide.... you know this past of his. Narrator: “Betty Sue tried to expand the horizons of her troubled son. When she presented him with a $25 guitar, it was love at first sight. Johnny devoted himself to studying the instrument. Yves Bouhadana of the band, Jonesy, is a childhood friend of Johnny’s: Yves: “I remember walking with him and all the girls turning their heads and looking at him. But, interestingly, at that time he was - again - so focused on playing guitar that that was his priority. Narrator: “In 1976, 13 year-old Johnny started playing in a garage band called Flame. One night after a gig, the rocker says he lost his virginity inside a parked van with a female fan. Christopher: “And then he said the only thing he remembers about it is that it was over very quickly and he didn’t think he’d made much of an impression, as far as performance goes. Narrator: “Two years later in 1978 Johnny was still rocking when his world suddenly capsized. His parents divorced. Johanna: “I think that his Mom had a hard time after they split, Johnny spent a year actually taking care of her. Narrator: “Depp then decided it was time for a change. Yves: “He simply said: “I’m gonna be dropping out of school. I have the papers to do so. And the reason why he did really is that he was so interested in making it as a guitar player professionally that school was secondary to him. Narrator: “In 1980 17-year-old Depp joined a local band called The Kids. Over the next three years, the group developed a following in Southern Florida. Christopher : “They would play bar gigs and beach gigs and stuff, but then when they opened for the B52’s or they opened for the Talking Heads or Iggy Pop. All of a sudden you’ve got that audience seeing them as well.... Narrator: “The band was taking off and so was Johnny’s love life. While touring, he started dating Lori Ann Allison, a makeup artist 5 years his senior.” Yves: “There was certainly a physical attraction because she was a beautiful woman. He was madly in love with her. That I do remember. And she was also very supportive of her...of his playing.... Narrator: “On December 20, 1983, 20 year-old Johnny Depp and 25 year-old Lori Allison were married in Miami. Yves: “I remember him being very excited about getting married to Lori....In fact I remember her being his - the first serious relationship that he had, so he was madly in love with her and ready to be married to her... Narrator: “Johnny was also ready to be a star, rock star, that is. Johnny: “Then this sort of movie thing came along and ruined everything” (big smile, laughs) Narrator: “Coming up....” Patrick : “And they are going: “You know he just looks a little bit too dangerous, a little bit too young, and I go: “Are you crazy? .... Narrator: “And later, tabloid hell... Johnny: “Let’s face it, good news doesn’t really sell magazines, does it? Commercial Break*** Narrator: “In 1983, 20 year-old newlywed Johnny Depp played lead guitar with a hot Florida band called “The Kids.” Depp was on a fast track to rock and roll stardom. Narrator: “By late 1983, Johnny, his wife Lori, and the band left Florida to try and make it in LA. The Kids changed their name to 6 Gun Method, but Hollywood didn’t exactly welcome them with open arms. Christopher: “There’s hundreds of bands just like them better than they are more established... more savvy....so they went nowhere.” Narrator: “To make ends meet, Lori worked as a makeup artist while Johnny took a job as a telemarketer. Johnny: “You know, I tribute that job as sort of like my first training as an actor, really because you know as you make these calls and people hang up on you - you know - it’s .... it was interesting because - you know - you could start playing different characters on the telephone because - you got bored. And you’d come up with different names and different voices and stuff like that and ... it was actually... turned out to be kind of fun. Narrator: “But Johnny and Lori weren’t having much fun at home. Money problems caused tension and in less than two years, divorce.” Christopher: “Johnny Depp’s first marriage ended just simply because of the stress of failure... that nothing was happening. You know, they were being evicted from apartments. She wanted something else....She wanted something different than what they were living together and they just sort of parted company because of that. Narrator: “The split was amicable, and in the spring of 1984, Lori introduced Johnny to an up-and-coming-actor named Nicolas Cage. Cage gave Depp a hot lead. Christopher: “He’s saying: “Man, you’ve got nothing going for you on the music. It’s not happening and he heard that there was this open audition for this horror film... Narrator: “Johnny jumped at the chance to make a few bucks. The down-and-out rocker auditioned for a role in “Nightmare on Elm Street” . Director Wes Craven gave Johnny the part after his daughter flipped for Depp’s big brown eyes.... Johnny: “It was really exciting. I was shocked at Wes Craven and Annette Benson, the casting director and the director for taking such a chance on this guy who was totally green. I mean I had no idea.. I didn’t know lights, and like marks and camera position....I - you know - I was clueless. Narrator: “The film wrapped and Johnny was back on the unemployment line. But when Nightmare on Elm Street was released in November, 1984 Depp suddenly found himself attached to a major hit. Johnny caught the acting bug though auditioning was much tougher than he expected. Johnny: “It was real depressing. Like you know, I just thought “well, I’m just a bad actor - you know - that’s it”. ... Narrator: “With no paying gigs in sight, Johnny read for a part in Dummies, a short student film. Director Laurie Frank cast Depp on the spot.” Laurie Frank: “It was a really heady mixture of unbelievable good looks. A real sexual energy and this intelligence and kindness. Narrator: “Johnny’s animal magnetism worked offscreen too. The chemistry between Depp and co-star Sherilyn Fenn was explosive. Laurie: “It was just so gorgeous, and their eyes locked an that was it. Narrator: “The three-day shoot was hot and heavy.” Laurie: “But the minute we finished shooting, she had this red Corvette. And they would get into the Corvette and the windows would steam up and we’d see this Corvette rocking away and then they wouldn’t come out again until it was time to do the next shot. They really fell madly in love. Narrator: “Johnny and Sherilyn moved in together and then got engaged. Movie gigs started rolling in, overshadowing his music career. In 1985, the actor starred in a teen sex-romp Private Resort. In the fall of 1986, he followed up with a small role in Director Oliver Stone’s Oscar-winning war-drama Platoon. Johnny continued to perform club dates with 6 Gun Method, but in 1986, he called it quits. Johnny: “I’d always planned on going back and just playing with my band again... Um, and then one thing led to another and again it like reached a point where it was almost out of my control.” Narrator: “But it was television, not motion pictures, that really launched Depp’s career. In late 1986, the fledging Fox network was in production on the pilot for a new cop series called 21 Jumpstreet. One of the stars had to be replaced. Producer Patrick Hasburgh auditioned five actors for the role, including Johnny Depp. Patrick: “I remember Johnny Depp had a black leather jacket on. And his hair was really long and greasy and he looked something like ... He looked like - you know - someone out of Rebel Without a Cause. Narrator: “Hasburgh was blown away by Depp’s audition but network executives had a different hunk in mind... Patrick: “And they were all talking and one of the Fox executives would go: “Yeah, Josh Brolin was going to be perfect for this role, and I go “Josh Brolin? I mean with all due respect, Josh is a real talented young man but did you see this other kid? You know, Johnny whats-his-name? and they’re going: “You know he just looks a little bit too dangerous and a little bit too young” and I go: “Are you crazy? This is one of the most talented actors I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing and I’ve only watched him work for 35 seconds.” Narrator: “Hasburgh stuck to his guns and the brass backed down. Newcomer Johnny Depp signed a 5-year contract to become a series regular on 21 Jumpstreet.”... Narrator: “Coming up...A star is born - almost” Johnny: “And I thought - Oh my God - ... I see the death coming...” ***Commercial Break Narrator: “In 1986, 23 year-old Johnny Depp gave up his dreams of rock and roll fame to star in the TV Series 21 Jumpstreet, but Depp wanted to keep his distance from Hollywood. Clip from Jumpstreet set: Unidentified voice from set of Jumpstreet: “Pictures up next...” Narrator: “In early 1987, 21 Jumpstreet went into production in Vancouver. Johnny Depp threw himself into his role as an undercover cop.” Steven Cannell/Co-creator--Co-executive Producer/21 Jumpstreet: “He could play humor. He could play heavy drama. He had a whole lot of attitudes that he could give you that were - you know - subtle and well-crafted.” Narrator: “21 Jumpstreet premiered on April 12, 1987 with little fanfare, but week by week teenage girls spread the word about the show’s ultra-cool star. Steven: “He was so incredibly good looking and so - immediately - you know he was picked up by all of the teen magazines. Narrator: “Johnny quickly joined the ranks of teen heart-throbs like Corey Haim and Kirk Cameron. Depp feared his career as a serious actor was doomed. Johnny: “The minute that started happening, I was uh ... I was scared to death because I thought, I my God, I see the death coming....” Narrator: “The production office was buried in an avalanche of fanmail. 10,000 letters arrived each week, most addressed to Johnny. Depp soon found himself wearing two hats: star and series front-man. Dustin: He hated the fact that he was being sold as this sort of pretty boy and teen idol and all that. And he understood the business side of it. You know , he’s a very smart man. But I think, personally he’s not comfortable with it and I don’t know who would be. Narrator: “While Depp’s career took off, his relationship with fiance Sherilyn Fenn stalled.... Christopher: “She was there in LA trying to do her thing and he was in Vancouver doing his thing which was becoming quite public...just grew apart. Dustin: “He really tried to make it work - you know - and it was very difficult and so that relationship’s over and the next person would come into his life. Narrator: “That next person was Jennifer Grey, the 27-year-old star of Dirty Dancing... Patrick: “She was cute and smart and talented and they seemed to get along great.” Narrator: “Johnny and Jennifer quickly became prime targets for the paparazzi, especially after announcing their engagement.” Patrick: “He’s saying you know: “We want to go to the store to buy some toothpaste.... and two guys jump out of the bushes and start chasing us down the street. It makes no sense. I think he wondered what was wrong with all these people. I mean why were these teenage girls throwing their underwear at him or waving or screaming or crying or kissing him. Narrator: “Network execs jumped on the bandwagon, demanding more and more of Johnny’s time. Patrick: “Johnny Depp was Fox’s only star. You know he carried all the media baggage for that new network and I think it was unfair. I mean they had him meeting with the President of the United States about how to fight drugs in Washington. You know they had him: (in the voice of a booming, authoritative announcer): “Johnny Depp decides to cure AIDS.” I mean, please. Christopher: “What bothered him the most about it was the feeling of not being in control of what was happening, and that he had sold himself out and that caused an almost instantaneous reaction in him that he was all of a sudden anti-the show... Patrick: “I think he said: “I hate the show and I want you to fire me. He basically said that to me every day probably after like - the first year. Narrator: “Still Depp continued in the role of Officer Tom Hansen for two more seasons of 21 Jumpstreet..... but by early 1989 Johnny was miserable professionally and personally. His relationship with Jennifer Grey was on the rocks and when the couple called it quits, Depp offered no explanation. Dustin: “Johnny’s very private about that and - you know - as he should Christopher: “I think his life was so unsettled, and she was starting to work as well. They were just sort of heading in different places.... Narrator: “Meanwhile, Depp began acting out.” Stephen: “We had a few drunken hotel parties that we had to like straighten out - (laughing) afterwards. Narrator: “According to police reports in March, 1989 Depp was involved a serious scuffle at a Vancouver hotel that definitely needed straightening out. Christopher: “He was going to see a friend and there was an exchange of words between him and the desk about how late it was and that they couldn’t get the guy and then the security person was called and there was some pushing and shoving. Patrick: “I think that Johnny became a little bit of a target too. Narrator: “Vancouver police soon showed up. Depp was arrested for assault and mischief. He later pled guilty.... Richard Israels, Vancouver attorney: “The learned trial judge granted him an absolute discharge. That’s the most lenient disposition available to the Court and it means that Johnny is deemed in law not to be convicted of the offense, therefore he has no criminal record. Narrator: “The media was less forgiving. Patrick: “It was the press descending on this kid for another headline, trying to turn him into - you know - this rebel without a cause. Narrator: “Depp decided to save his rebel act for the set. Stephen: “And he’d just say “This show sucks I want to get off it, you know (Laughing) ...but he’d show up every day and do his lines... and do them well. Narrator: “Johnny desperately wanted to make the leap from 21 Jumpstreet to major motion pictures, but only if the right part came along. Johnny: “If you want to go down this road here where you are going for the quick career, lot’s of money you know assembly-line kind of bang-em-out trash sort-of stuff, you can do that - it’s accessible. And then there’s the other thing where you try to do the stuff that you want to do and then you kind of try to have some semblence of integrity, you know?” Narrator: “In 1989 cult movie director John Waters offered Depp the lead role in his campy teen melodrama, Cry Baby. For the 26-year-old star, it was the chance of a lifetime. Johnny: “It was a great opportunity to work with one of America’s outlaw filmmakers and it was also a chance to make fun of labels of sorts, you know - bad boy images - and all that stuff. Patrick: “John Waters’ movie was a great way for him to distance himself from 21 Jumpstreet. I think everybody who was on the show after those first few years knew that Johnny Depp was on a different kind of rocket ship.” Narrator: “Still Depp was committed to 21 Jumpstreet for 2 more seasons. Meanwhile in June, 1989, Johnny attended the New York premiere of Great Balls of Fire. He couldn’t take his eyes off the film’s stunning 17-year-old co-star Winona Ryder. Nigel Goodall(Biographer): “Winona was getting a Coke. And their eyes locked. It was not a long moment, says Winona, but it was suspended. Narrator: “Coming up... Clip of reporter asking Johnny: “Are you a romantic?” Johnny: “Am I a romantic? I’ve seen Wuthering Heights 10 times.” ***Commercial Narrator: “By the summer of 1989, Johnny Depp was fed up with the label of teen heart throb. But the 26-year-old star of 21 Jumpstreet still had room for one teenager - Winona Ryder, the 17-year-old star of Beetlejuice and Heathers. A few months after they locked eyes at a movie premiere, Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder were formally introduced by a mutual friend. They met at a quiet bar in Hollywood.” Christopher: “They started talking and they had these strange little coincidental things that they both really liked. They found themselves speaking more in terms of people that were already friends... Johanna: They were both impossibly beautiful. They were so gorgeous together. You know they were both these fragile little angel people with huge eyes. Narrator: “In the fall of 1989, Johnny went back to work on season 4 of 21 Jumpstreet. Winona became a regular visitor to the Vancouver set. Dustin: “She was a very pleasant girl and um she just sort of you know by his side and visit him and ...you could see they were very happy together. Narrator: “Then in September, 1989, Winona began shooting the movie Mermaids in Boston. But distance was no barrier for Johnny... Patrick: “He was a guy who was working his ass off, and he would fly to the east coast to meet his girlfriend, have dinner and fly back. Narrator: “Like Johnny, Winona guarded her privacy. And that made the couple even more intriguing to the tabloids. Christopher: “It was almost like a third party that was intruding on their lives and he quite resented that. Narrator: “In December, 1989, Johnny accompanied Winona to Rome, where she was set to star in the Godfather Part 3. But Ryder became ill during the flight and later collapsed at her hotel. Nigel: “Johnny then summoned the Production doctor, who declared Winona too sick. Narrator: “Winona was diagnosed with a serious respiratory infection. Exhausted, she was forced to drop out of the Film. 48 hours after arriving in Rome, the couple returned to the United States. Then, in January, 1990, Johnny and Winona became engaged. It was a first for 18-year-old Ryder and a 4th for 26-year-old Depp. Patrick: “You know, there used to be a bumper sticker: “Honk if you have been engaged to Johnny Depp.”.... Narrator: “The couple grew even closer. Johnny took Winona to a tattoo parlor on the Sunset Strip... Mike Messina: tattoo artist: “He said that he wanted a banner, just like a fairly simple banner with lettering written in it - kind of like - we call it classic tattoo type lettering and we just wrote it in and tattooed it on him. Narrator: “Johnny proudly sported the words: “Winona Forever” on his right arm. Meanwhile, Depp heard rumors that 21 Jumpstreet might not be returning for a 5th season. Stephen: “He goes: “I really really really hope we get cancelled, because I do have a lot of good film offers and I want to move on. But I want you to know that I signed a contract with you, and that if we get renewed I will be there. “ And I just thought that was so standup of him - you know - to do that. And, as it turned out, we got cancelled so he got his wish. Johnny: “I swore that - whatever ....no matter what - when I get off the series, I’m gonna do only the things that I wanna do and uh... do interesting things and things that - things that stimulate me.” Narrator: “Depp was true to his word. In late March, 1990 he enthusiastically embraced the lead role in Edward Scissorhands directed by Tim Burton. The story was a strange tale about a recluse with sharp-edged appendages. (clip of Edward shearing dog) Dustin: “You start to see some of the things that Johnny... You associate with Johnny later as a performer you know a lot of sort of quirkiness and things that make him unique as a performer. Narrator: “Johnny’s love interest in the film was none other than Winona Ryder. During production the press pursued the couple relentlessly. Depp finally snapped. Nigel: “And they kind of tripped Winona up just to get an interesting picture. She was furious. Johnny threw his lighted cigarettes at the paparazzi and sort of told them to get lost and she said now they’ve taken this picture and now Johnny’s going to come out looking like some [explitive] which the press made him out to be. Christopher: “It was something that bothered him a lot that he would pick up the paper and read that they would split up.... Narrator: “Despite rumors of a breakup, Johnny and Winona appeared very much in love at the December, 1990 premier eof Edward Scissorhands... Clip of Johnny and Winona, hand-in-hand. Johnny responding to a reporter: Johnny: “Am I romantic? I’ve seen Wuthering Heights ten times. I am a romantic.” ... Coming up Christopher: “He’d had a long day and there was some frustration. And there were some things knocked around a bit in the room. Narrator: “and later. Depp’s reason to live: Johnny: “It’s the only thing I’ve ever done and it’s the greatest thing I’ve ever done.” ****Commercial break Narrator: “In 1990, 27-year-old Johnny Depp struck career gold playing the surreal character - Edward Scissorhands. Critics raved and so did audiences. Johnny Depp’s performance in the fantasy film earned him a Golden Globe nomination and a role he didn’t want - Hollywood’s latest “It Boy” Johanna: “It’s very important to Johnny to not play the same character over and over and over again and it’s also very important to Johnny to not trade on his looks and to not do conventional hero type roles. Richard: “Johnny Depp is an actor I think who has been offered a lot of big action movies, a lot of big budget movies, like Speed and Legends of the Fall and he’s usually going for the more obscure projects. Narrator: “Depp chose offbeat , character-driven films, like Arizona Dream and Bennie and Joon. Johnny had no regrets. Stephen: “He has found himself in roles that really require kind of a new defining of his talent and I think that has been really really healthy to him as an actor . And he’s very courageous in that respect. Narrator: “Between 1990 and 1993 Johnny and fiance Winona Ryder worked constantly and they were frequently apart. The tabloids predicted the relationship was doomed. Johnny: “The first thing that people want to believe is the dirt. I mean they don’t want... Let’s face it, good news doesn’t really sell magazines, does it? Narrator: “But among the rumors and innuendos was a certain amount of truth. Christopher: “But she was very young. She was still developing as a person herself and all of this attention and everything was just - it was just too much pressure to withstand. Narrator: “In fact, Johnny’s relationship with Winona was in trouble and by early June 1993 it ended. Nigel: “She was hounded, and Johnny was hounded by the tabloids and I think that became an enormous burden to each of them. Johanna: “He just said you know people grow up, they change, things don’t work out. She’s a sweet kid, he seemed to wish her the best...” Narrator: “Johnny had his famous tattoo changed from “Winona Forever” to “Wino Forever.” Still the actor approached his 30th birthday on June 9th 1993 with gusto. Johnny: “I actually can’t wait to turn 30, yeah. I’m excited to turn thirty because - you know - 10 years in the 20’s is too much. “ Narrator: “That August, Depp decided to try something different. He bought an old nightclub on the Sunset Strip, once frequented by notorious gangster Bugsy Seagle... Johnny renamed the night spot “The Viper Room” Johnny: “I’m fascinated with uhh.... the beginning of Hollywood and what it must have been like in the 20’s and 30’s. I’m a real history freak. Johanna: “He wanted a place where he could go and listen to the kind of music he likes and not be invaded, he said, by other peoples’ taste. Narrator: “The other people who patronized the club were often celebrities seeking the same kind of musical haven. On Halloween night, 1993 actor River Phoenix showed up at the club. According to police reports, the 23-year-old star of Stand By Me, snorted an exotic form of heroin in the men’s room while Johnny played with his band onstage. Moments later, Phoenix walked outside onto Sunset Boulevard. He collapsed on the sidewalk and died. Capt. Ray Ribar, LA County Paramedic Supervisor : “When we attached our cardiac monitor to him he was in a flat line, which meant that there was no heart activity whatsoever... Narrator: “The death of River Phoenix ignited the Press. The Viper Room was quickly labelled a Hollywood drug den. The popular night spot became a must-see for curious tourists. Johanna: “I think Johnny was very angry at the way the media handled River Phoenix’s death. I think that he recognized what it was - a horrible accident. Christopher: “He blamed the media directly for turning that incident of River Phoenix’s death which he considered to be sad and tragic into a kind of a freak show. Narrator: “To honor the memory of River Phoenix, Johnny closed the Viper Room for a week. The tragedy and the breakup with Winona sent Depp into what he later described as a dark time... Christopher: “Existing pretty much just on booze and cigarettes and not sleeping and partying and hanging out and just living with a kind of a velocity that was unnatural, he - you couldn’t sustain it. And at that point - he realized that this is not only unwise, but it could be the actual and the literal end of me if I continue down this road. Narrator: “Then in February, 1994 Depp ran into waifish supermodel Kate Moss at a Manhattan restaurant. Johnny and 20 year-old Kate made an instant connection. Christopher: “She was living the same kind of life that he was in the sense that - she was like really exposed. He found a real sweetness in her as a person, away from the glitz. Johnny: “She’s a real a .... you know we have a good time. Narrator: “Reporters wanted to know more about the high-profile couple but Johnny and Kate refused to play along. Reporter to Kate Moss: “How do you and Johnny Depp make time for each other? And what are some of the things that you guys like to do together? Kate: “I don’t want to answer that question. I’m sorry.” Narrator: “On the night of September 12, 1994, Johnny wasn’t answering questions either. The couple was staying at the exclusive Mark Hotel in New York City after a tiring day Depp returned to the hotel. According to police reports, he took out his frustrations on the furniture. Christopher: “And there were some things knocked around a bit in the room and - some noise. The security guard came up to the room and said that he would have to leave. And Johnny Depp said “what do you mean leave? It’s 4 in the morning. I apologize, I will pay for the damage .... “ Narrator: “Manhattan’s finest were called to the scene. Depp was arrested and charged with criminal mischief.” He pleaded not guilty. According to Biographer Christopher Heard, Depp claimed a mysterious armored beast was to blame. Christopher : “He came home and got ready for bed and he opened up the closet door and an armadillo jumped out of the closet, ran around, knocked over all kinds of furniture and then jumped out the window and left him with the damage. This is the official version that he gave to police.” Narrator: “The bazaar story had the tabloids buzzing. Depp agreed to pay nearly $10,000 in damages and the charges were dismissed. Coming up: Johanna: “There was some speculation that he was going to return to Kate Moss. and that his return was derailed by Vanessa’s pregnancy. ****Commercial break Narrator: “By 1994, 31-year-old Johhny Depp endured controversy, heartache and tragedy, all under the media’s white-hot glare. Johnny was disillusioned and contemplated saying “au revoir” to Hollywood. Johnny: “If I could have it my way, I’d probably live in Paris in about 1920. Narrator: “But, in 1994, Depp was reunited with film director Tim Burton. Depp traded in his scissorhands for a skirt, to play cross-dressing schlock movie mogel Ed Wood. Richard: “He really tries to push the edge of what audiences will accept in sort of a commercial mainstream leading man type. Johnny: “The idea of a - you know - being 30 years old and getting dressed up as a woman and walking out onto a movie set and talking to the sort of big apish brutish grips, and you see them getting a little uncomfortable... There’s alot of humor in it, you know? Narrator: “But working so much meant juggling schedules with supermodel girlfriend Kate Moss. Kate: “When he’s not working, he comes and sees me and when I’m not working I go see him. Narrator: “In October, 1995 Johnny Depp gave domesticity a try. After years of living in hotels and rented houses, he purchased a $2.3M home in the Hollywood hills. Johnny honed his art in the kitchen. Johnny: “I could never cook my entire life, I could never cook a thing. Toast was a real stretch for me. Now suddenly I can cook. It’s just ...I can cook stuff, like - not just like spaghetti and you know Ragu but like - stuff. Narrator: “Between recipes, Depp landed some interesting roles, including the lead in the 1997 mafia drama Donnie Brasco. Critics praised Depp for taking such a grown-up role. Johanna: “People were saying: “Johnny has finally played a man.” And this he found hilarious. He just thinks because in that movie he kisses the girl and he beats up a guy and he wins in the end that somehow now he was this bankable box office star that he wasn’t before. Narrator: “Johnny’s box office numbers were on the rise, but his relationship with Kate Moss was bottoming out. Reporter asks Kate Moss, “How do you like Cannes?” Kate: “It’s okay.” Narrator: “In 1998, the couple called it quits. Johnny Depp was 0 for 5 in the romance department. Christopher: “I got the sense that her life as a model and that world became increasingly unattractive to him.” Narrator: “But Johnny wasn’t alone for long. That June in a Paris bar, Depp spotted 26-year-old french singer and actress, Vanessa Paradis. Christopher: “They instantly had a strange kind of connection. I think it was because she was a musician, he found that he could speak to her in those terms and relate to her in that sense which was very enlivening to him because he sees himself first as a musician. Narrator: “Three months later, in September, 1998 Vanessa announced she was pregnant. The tabloids pounced.” Johanna: “There was some speculation that he was going to return to Kate Moss, and that his return was derailed by Vanessa’s pregnancy. And he absolutely disputed that 100%. He said that he would never embark on a new life and a new family by accident. Narrator: “Reporters and photographers were relentless and in February, 1999 Johnny lost his trademark cool again. During a quiet dinner with Vanessa at a London restaurant, the paparazzi closed in. Depp pleaded with them to back off. Johanna: “Johnny said to the photographers . “Look you guys, I’m just out with my girl tonight. I wanna be left alone. Could you please... Is there any way that you could just let me be tonight.” And they said “No no no.” Christopher : “He went back into the restaurant, there was a door being propped open by a piece of wood. He takes out the piece of wood and swings it at the first photographer he sees. And then cocks it again and says: “Okay, the next shutter I see he gets it in the head.” Johanna: “Of course none of them, at that point, took a picture which he considered a moral victory. Narrator: “According to published reports, police took Depp into custody, but he was was released 4 hours later. No charges were filed. Johanna: “He said again, that it was totally worth it.” Narrator: “Then - three months later - on May 27, 1999 Lilly-Rose Melody Depp was born. Johnny: “It’s the only thing I’ve ever done. I mean it’s the greatest thing I’ve ever done. It’s amazing to finally meet the reason to live....your reason to live.... Narrator: “Lily-Rose wasn’t Johnny’s only reason to celebrate in 1999. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, his third collaboration with director Tim Burton was a box office smash. That November, Johnny cemented his superstar status in Hollywood. Johnny: “It’s certainly an incredibly great honor having a ... being awarded with a star on Hollywood Boulevard - as Tim said - allows people to walk all over you.... Narrator: “Depp’s cynical comment seemed to sum up his love/hate relationship with Hollywood. In fact, he decided to leave the scene altogether. In late 1999, Johnny, Vanessa and Lily-Rose, settled into a spectacular $2M villa in the south of France. Johnny: “I don’t want to know who’s hot, who’s not, who’s rich, who’s poor, who’s successful, who’s just - you know - took a dump. I don’t care, I don’t want to know any of it.... Coming up.... Narrator: “Johnny comes marching home Johnny: “Never would I ever disrespect this country or the people. Never. ***Commercial Break Narrator: “In early 2000, Johnny Depp turned his back on the States, choosing to reside in the French countryside. But America hadn’t heard the last of the elusive hunk. Johnny Depp worked steadily throughout 2001. Depp appeared in several films including the crime thriller From Hell: a gruesome take on Jack the Ripper. But family took center stage on April 10th 2002. Johnny and his girlfriend, Vanessa Paradis, celebrated the birth of their second child, Jack John Christopher Depp III. Johnny: “It changes your life certainly ...more than that, it gives you life, you know. Christopher: “I think he sees his situation now as the happiest time in his life. Narrator: “Depp read scripts but he was reluctant to give up the simple life of France. Besides, Johnny was having too much fun with his kids. Johnny: “Having watched every single Disney animated movie that’s ever been done - you know - a thousand times each. That’s had to have had it’s effect on me. Richard: “I think we see a lot of times with actors, when they become parents, they start thinking: “What about movies that my kids could see”. Narrator: “In summer, 2002 Depp signed to star in Pirates of the Carribean.... a big-budget action movie, Johnny patterned his portrayal of swashbuckling pirate Jack Sparrow after Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. But that wasn’t Depp’s only idea. Gore Verbinski directed Pirates. Gore Verbinski: “Early on, he said: “um, you know I was thinking you know that Jack had his nose cut off in a previous sword fight so he has no nose, you know, and he’s ascared of sneezing because he has a fake nose and it will fall off... and - you know - I was like: “I don’t think we’re going to sell that one. Narrator: “On July 9th, 2003 Pirates of the Carribean set sail on its maiden voyage... Interviewer asks: “Do you ever get used to this?” (Referring to the Hooplah of a movie Premier, or possibly greeting an amped crowd of fans) Johnny: “No, God, No. If you get used to it, you should be worried.”... Patrick: “He’s not constantly reminding the world that he’s Johnny Depp. The world is constantly reminding Johnny Depp that he’s Johnny Depp. Narrator: “Pirates took no prisoners at the box office. The supernatural epic, set in the 17th century eventually grossed over $300M domestically. But some critics wondered: “Had Johnny Depp finally sold out?” Johanna: “You’ve got a bunch of people in Hollywood saying: “Oooh Johnny Depp is now box office”.... which I find hilarious because Johnny - at any point - could have chosen movies that had box office written all over them and went in other directions deliberately and on purpose. .... Narrator: “In 2003 Johnny Depp also starred as a renegaid CIA agent in Once Upon a Time in Mexico. 40-year-old Depp was at the top of his game as an actor, but he remained reserved about his personal life... Johanna: “Because he’s gotten more to protect. He’s got kids now and he’s got a relationship that he wants to protect. Narrator: “But in September, 2003 Johnny said too much. In an interview published in the German magazine Stern, Depp compared US involvement in Iraq to the behavior of a dumb puppy. The comment caused an uproar in America. Depp quickly apologized, claiming his words were quoted out of context. Johnny: “The truth is I love America and I value it greatly and I never ever , never would I ever disrespect this country or the people.... never. I have great respect for the people who have served this country....The people who have been overseas..the troops.. I have great respect for them.” Narrator: “The controversy disappeared and Depp returned to the quite life of the french countryside with Vanessa and their two children.” Then.... Julie Jordan, People Magazine: “People Magazine’s Sexiest Man of 2003 Johnny Depp. Johnny Depp was the perfect guy. He’s often chosen obscure roles over the years and here he is “Pirates of the Caribbean” right back into mainstream’s embrace, sexier than ever. Narrator: “A cop on 21 Jumpstreet. Part man; part monster as Edward Scissorhands, ... a roguish gentleman pirate in Pirates of the Carribean. Johnny Depp has created some memorable characters, in his own unique style on his own terms. Johanna: “He’s this eccentric, great-looking guy, who they probably wish would do more mainstream movies and capitalize on his looks and play more conventional heros, but he’s never gonna be that guy. Stephen: “You have to sort of like decide what it is you want to do and how you feel about your work, and don’t let other people grade your paper. Johnny: “I’d just like to have the opportunity to keep working. I’m still a little shocked that I keep getting gigs, that I keep getting jobs. I feel very fortunate, very lucky that people still hire me. As credits roll, some quotes from friends/co-stars: Heather Graham: “I had a crush on him when he was on 21 Jumpstreet. Leonardo DiCaprio: “He’s a little weird, but he’s cool. You know he’s a cool weird. He’s cool weird. Tim Burton: “He’s a handsome young leading man, isn’t he. I asked him out to dinner a few times... no. Gene Simmons: “Johnny Depp, he’s a powerful and attractive man. If I was in jail? No one else, Johnny, you and I right there.” Clip of Johnny preparing for an interview, having difficulty finding a place to put his water bottle. Finally, with a comical look toward the camera, he throws water bottle over his left shoulder. Credits: Producers: Mark Greezmiel Emily Jaffe Segment Producer: Elena Miliaresis
Associate Producer: Meghan Brennan
AVID Editors: Bryan Martinez
James Stodel Online Editor: Gary V. Brasher Director of Production: Joanne Bernstein
Production Coordinator: Heidi Miller
EFP Camera:
EFP Audio: Bill Leboeuf
Special Thanks:
Photos and Footage: Narrated by: Jason Hildebrandt Supervising Producers: Gretchen Goldsmith; Andreas Kanoensberg Executive Producer: William Neal Executive in Charge of Production: Betsy Rolt |
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