When you think of Johnny Depp and his Pirates of the Caribbean success, does the thought that he might have been a struggling actor ever cross your mind?
If we’re being real, the man is a host of talent and then some, despite finding himself in financial woes. And as it turns out, he needed a helping hand from another actor in similar money troubles when starting out.
As Nicolas Cage recently revealed, we have him to thank for Johnny Depp’s career. How so? The two met way back in the day, and their friendship had already blossomed before the Gone in 60 Seconds actor rented out an apartment to Depp.
Having It Tough
At the time, the soon to be Jack Sparrow was having it really tough, selling just about anything to make ends meet. Obviously, he hadn’t admitted the fact to his friend just yet, but you’d know when your friend isn’t doing that well, wouldn’t you?
While playing Monopoly is when the acting conversation came up, with Cage putting it to Depp that he should try heading in that direction.
At first, the legendary “pirate” was hesitant, saying that he was more into music. Seeing as he’s still so much into music, you think he would have made a great artist?
However, Cage insisted and even went as far as setting up a meeting with his agent who, in turn, sent Depp out on his first-ever audition. And guess what? The year was 1984, and Johnny Depp landed the part! If you haven’t guessed the movie by now, it was A Nightmare on Elm Street. The rest, as they say, is history.
According to Cage, Depp was an overnight sensation, becoming an instant hit on his debut. It doesn’t get any better than that, does it? 21 Jump Street turned a young Depp into a teen idol, and his career never looked back.
So confident was the man in his talent as an actor that he had the liberty to turn down roles, especially because he felt like he was forced into working on 21 Jump Street, despite the mad success he had while at it.
Hollywood Heavyweight
But it wasn’t until Edward Scissorhands that Depp firmly confirmed his status as a Hollywood heavyweight. Thanks to the film, the actor established a fulfilling relationship with filmmaker Tim Burton, and they’ve worked on numerous projects together.
Scott Rudin has even claimed that Depp plays Burton in his flicks. And although the famed filmmaker disagrees with this, Depp is more than happy to run along with it.
Come 2003, The Curse of the Black Pearl happened, giving birth to a franchise that is Depp’s most successful one. Grossing at $4.5 billion, why wouldn’t it be? It eclipses the franchise that comes in next, with Fantastic Beasts grossing at $1.3 billion.
Captain Jack Sparrow is such an iconic character that we doubt any other actor would have portrayed him so seamlessly. It’s like how Keanu Reeves is John Wick and John Wick is Keanu Reeves. Makes sense?
Johnny Depp has even admitted to the pirate being a huge part of him, in addition to revealing that he modeled him after Keith Richards.