| NEWS & UPDATES |
Tue 16 Aug 2005
Richards and Depp are pirate pals
KEITH RICHARDS
JOHNNY Depp may have lampooned Rolling Stone Keith Richards' drug-addled manner when he played Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean, but the two celebrities are now "good buddies".
Richards, 61, who is to take the part of Sparrow's father in a sequel to the film, said they had teamed up in pirate costumes to amuse his grandchildren.
In an interview, the former heroin addict also explained the origins of the urban myth that he regularly has all his blood removed and replaced with a fresh supply at a clinic in Switzerland and spoke of the effect the 9/11 terrorist attacks had had on his family.
Depp previously revealed that he had copied Richards' body language for his role in Pirates of the Caribbean.
But Richards appears to have enjoyed the joke and said Depp was now a firm friend. "Johnny is a good buddy," he said.
"Recently, he visited me with a set of Disney pirate costumes and we disguised ourselves one afternoon and had a hell of a fun time. One of my grandkids thinks I am full-time pirate."
Richards, who once drank two bottles of whisky a day, said he was amused by the tale of his full-body blood transfusions and explained he appeared to have inadvertently started it.
"It is a super legend - and just as long-lived as I am. But it is rubbish," he said.
"Once, I was at Heathrow Airport on my way to Switzerland for treatment for heroin addiction. I met some youngsters who asked me where I was going. I said to Switzerland to exchange my blood. They didn't understand me, obviously."
Richards lives in Connecticut and was in New York at the time of the attacks on the World Trade Centre. "On 11 September, I was literally around the corner," he said. "My grandchildren go to school past the World Trade Centre. Fortunately, they are genuine Richards, which means they were reliably, totally late.
"They still were on the street when the first airplane came, and watched how it smashed into the tower.
"In the weeks afterwards, my house became a kind of five-star rock 'n' roll refugee camp. Some of Mick's children came, also because some of their things were all burned. It was a bad time. All this has left a noticeable impression in the American psyche. But life must go on ... you can't simply give up."
Richards said he was keen to avoid involvement in politics and distanced himself from the new Rolling Stones song Sweet Neo Con - short for neo-conservative - whose lyrics were Mick Jagger's idea.
The record is making waves in the US, with one verse referring to Mr Bush thus: "You call yourself a Christian/I call you a hypocrite/You call yourself a patriot/Well, I think you are full of s***/How come you're so wrong/My sweet neo-con."
Richards told the German news magazine Der Spiegel: "The song grew out of Mick's head. There have been political songs of the Stones in the past - take Street Fighting Man or Sweet Black Angel. Mick was keen to write Sweet Neo Con, me less so. I repeat what I said to Mick: politics are exciting, but in rock 'n' roll songs, it's my opinion that it counts for nothing - it does not fit.
"I do not want to play to party programmes on my guitar. That is tedious. But it is also no taboo, and for Mick it was important; I went through with it because we are a team."
Richards said there was none of the earlier animosity between him and Jagger.
"Perhaps it's because we're getting milder in old age and, I don't like to say it, have grown up.
"Last year, Charlie Watts had treatment for cancer and it wasn't clear how it would turn out. One day I said to Mick, 'Maybe we are the last two originals of this band'. One became very thoughtful. But fortunately the thing with Charlie went very well and everything is running as it should."
13/08/2005 - 12:21:04 PM
Depp: 'Moss was too good for me'
Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp fears he wasn't good enough for ex-fiancee Kate Moss - but their split had a positive effect on his personality, enabling him to fall in love with French actress Vanessa Patadis.
Depp and Moss had a turbulent relationship from 1994 -1997 and were notorious for their extravagant lifestyle and champagne jacuzzis.
But Depp insists their separation has improved her career and allowed him to meet his true soul mate and conceive his beloved children Lily-Rose Melody, six, and Jack, three.
12 August 2005
Depp considering porn movie? Actor Johnny Depp reckons his next role should be in a porn movie in order to avoid being typecast.
The 42-year-old has played a string of quirky roles, including Peter Pan author J.M.Barrie in 'Finding Neverland' and gothic anti-hero 'Edward Scissorhands' and is currently starring as a creepy incarnation of Willy Wonka in 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'.
He told German magazine Gala: "These kind of characters are not so far from my own personality, but I don't want to become typecast as an eccentric."
"Maybe next time I should do something totally different and film a cracking porn with Tim (Burton). That would really send my popularity down to the depths."
"Anything I've done up til May 27, 1999 was kind of an illusion, existing without living. My daughter, the birth of my daughter, gave me life." --Johnny Depp
The New York Daily News offers an article about blood types revealing personality traits, using Johnny Depp as the example for Type A.
In the Know
It's in the blood
When sizing up potential hookups, New York gals check out a guy's hairline, his jeans, his smile - even the size of his hands. But his blood type? It may sound creepy, but ladies in Southeast Asia measure a man's dateability by whether he's packing Type A, B, AB or O. We've simplified things, pairing hunky stars with their blood-type personalities - so next time a hottie tells you a he's a Type B (see below), you might just know what you're in for.
The type: A - He's artsy and offbeat, but sensitive, too.
Think: Johnny Depp
Blood line: While Depp had a crazy past, these days he's settled down and ducks the limelight. He's the kind of one-woman man we all dream about.
The type: B - He's a wild, fiery heartbreaker.
Think: Colin Farrell
Blood line: As gals like Britney and Angelina well know, these bad boys aren't long-term-relationship material. But they sure are fun in the meantime.
The type: AB - He's shy but confident at the same time.
Think: George Clooney
Blood line: ABs have a contradictory personality, cocky and introverted at once, a lot like smokin'-hot Clooney. The heartthrob knows he's hot but avoids the paparazzi and is secretive about his purportedly racy personal life.
The type: O - He loves the limelight.
Think: Usher
Blood line: O is the rock-star blood type, intensely creative and craving attention.
Disney will launch an online role-playing game based on the "Pirates of the Caribbean"
reports Disney will launch an online role-playing game based on the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise next summer to coincide with the release of POTC2.
Disney Plans New 'Pirates' Online Game for 2006
Tuesday, April 26, 2005 3:36:26 AM ET
By Chris Marlowe
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The Walt Disney Co. is building on the success of one of its biggest movie hits and theme-park attractions by developing a new massively multiplayer online role- playing game based on "Pirates of the Caribbean."
The Walt Disney Internet Group division plans to go live with the broadband activity to coordinate with the theatrical premiere of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" in summer 2006.
This is the second such venture for Disney Online after the 2003 launch of "Disney's Toontown Online" as the first 3-D MMORPG created for kids and families.
"We've learned through our experience with 'Toontown' that the market for massively multiplayer online role-playing games can indeed reach beyond traditional gamers," said Ken Goldstein, executive vp and managing director at Disney Online. "'Pirates of the Caribbean' is the perfect franchise for our second commercial effort in this arena."
The Walt Disney Internet Group's VR Studio is designing the game to be filled with action and humor as players personalize their own pirate character and form their own crews to engage in swashbuckling adventures, most of which involve battles against other crews or the evil undead.
It is undetermined which, if any, of the actors in the movies will have a presence in the game.
"Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley and Geoffrey Rush, grossed more than $305 million domestically in 2003.
Pricing for "Pirates of the Caribbean Online" has not been finalized. "We expect it to be in line with 'Toontown,' which is $9.99 a month," Goldstein said. "Subscription is a very powerful business model, but the final decision has not been made yet."
According to the underlying intellectual property, there are more than 3,000 islands in this alternative reality, which Goldstein said provides ample scope for missions that will provide hours of entertainment.
"There are many, many islands to visit in the archipelago, and we hope you will visit them all," he said. "There are plenty of characters to meet and plenty of adventures to be had."
Goldstein added that the game's content will be suitable for "'tweens" and adults, similar to the ride and the PG-13 movie.
Among its other offerings, Disney Online already operates "Disney's Blast" for kids and has announced "Playhouse Disney Preschool Time Online" for preschoolers.
"The whole point of what we're doing is a continuum of product in an age-branded strategy," Goldstein said. "We're making a substantial investment in online digital content. We believe in broadband."
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
ComingSoon.net reports Buena Vista is developing a new line of video games for the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise.
smh.com.au quotes Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis in an article about celebrity privacy issues.
"There's no reason I should share my private life with the whole world," Paradis once said. Depp added: "I'll never understand the animal, the machine of Hollywood business. And I don't want to understand it. It's like joining a club, a clique, just because everyone else is in it."
The Chicago Tribune offers an article about Paris in which the writer apologizes to Johnny Depp.
"I had scoffed when a "Pirate"-pimpin', France-livin' Johnny Depp told me I was wrong, and 'the French were lovely people.' John Malkovich told me the same in our Merchandise Mart radio studios to my mocking. My apologies to the two Johns."
Journal Times Online offers an article about actor Gregory Itzin, who worked with Johnny Depp in "21 Jump Street" and "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas".
"Johnny Depp is a very nice guy. Yes, I worked with him on "21 Jump Street" and then again on "Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas," where we chatted each other up and he remembered me from those years ago on "Jump Street." Or said he did. Very gracious."
Hello Magazine has an article about the filming of "POTC2" with a photo of someone they claim to be Johnny Depp -- but it's not. The biggest clue (apart from the wrong color hair and a similar-but-not-quite-right build) is the lack of tattoos on his chest and forearms.
ComingSoon.net offers a few tidbits about the filming of "POTC2".
The Baltimore Sun reports "Cry-Baby" will be screened at 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 20th at the restored Patterson Theatre on Eastern Avenue in Baltimore.
ContactMusic reports Benicio Del Toro has passed on the opportunity to direct the film version of Hunter S. Thompson's "The Rum Diary" because the production schedule has been pushed back. He is still expected to star in the film with Johnny Depp and Josh Hartnett.
ComingSoon.net reports the Black Pearl was recently spotted in Alabama heading out to sea. The 130-foot ship was constructed at the Steiner Shipyard in Bayou La Batre.
MTV.com offers an interview with horror film newcomer Jared Padalecki, in which they ask him whose career he would like to mimic. "Johnny Depp," he replies. "He started out in A Nightmare on Elm Street, I can start out in House of Wax."
Temple News reports a rumor that Johnny Depp may star in a sequel to Robert Rodriguez's "Sin City".
The New Zealand Herald reports Johnny Depp may join Orlando Bloom in Wellington during the Volvo Ocean Race. The competitors are due to arrive February 17, 2006.
PRNewswire offers a quote from Johnny Depp in an article about celebrity smokers.
VH1 offers a link for fans to vote for their favorite celebrity. "At the end of the week, the votes are tallied and losers get cut," says the VH1 press release. "Don't let Johnny Depp get voted off!" Thanks to VH1 for the tip!
RTE.ie reports Johnny Depp has been nominated for an Empire Award in the Best Actor category for his work in "Finding Neverland". The awards will be presented March 13.
CNN.com offers an article about the 2006 Oscars, mentioning "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" as another possible Oscar nomination for Johnny Depp.
"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" -- Johnny Depp has scored Oscar nominations as a sashaying pirate and a repressed Edwardian playwright. Can he earn another as Willy Wonka? Tim Burton's remake offers endless visual possibilities, and the story of candyman Willy playing tour guide to children is a beloved one for academy boomers.
The Olympian offers a report on "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory".
July 15
- What's popping? Director Tim Burton and Johnny Depp join forces for the fourth time with this trippy take on author Roald Dahl's deliciously subversive fable, which also inspired the 1971 Gen-X fave "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory."
As before, good-natured Charlie Bucket (12-year-old Freddie Highmore, who reunites with his "Finding Neverland" co-star Depp) and his Grandpa Joe (David Kelly of "Waking Ned Devine") win a chance to tour Wonka's wondrous candy factory. They are joined by four gluttonous children who suffer sticky comeuppances, thanks to the wily Mr. Wonka. Willy's dad, Wilbur (Christopher Lee) -- a new character -- shows up in flashbacks.
Johnny Depp's demon rescuer
Johnny Depp says that being with his girlfriend is the only thing that keeps him sane. The Pirates of the Caribbean star, who has battled addictions to drink and drugs, says that long-term lover Vanessa Paradis is the only person who can rescue him from his demons when he falls into bouts of depression.
He told America's Rolling Stone magazine: "There have been many times when I have teetered on the brink of absolute madness.
"Unfortunately once I go, I go, so I count on Vanessa to talk me down."
The heartthrob star, who previously dated supermodel Kate Moss, says that his low points are often so bad that even the love of a good woman cannot rescue him. But the Hollywood actor, who now lives in a lavish £1 million pad in the south of France with former model Vanessa and their two children, five-year-old Lily-Rose Melody and Jack, two, says his melancholic episodes have receded since he became a father.
He added: "It takes some serious fu**ing reeling-in to bring me back to three-dimensional reality. But it's not anywhere as disturbing as it used to be. With age you do mellow in certain areas and it's fu**ing happiness."
DEPP DELAYS FILMING OF NEW MOVIE
JOHNNY DEPP's hectic work schedule has forced producers of THE DIVING BELL AND THE BUTTERFLY to delay filming for 15-months until the FINDING NEVERLAND star is free to take up his starring role.
The forthcoming film is based on the French best-selling memoir written by JEAN-DOMINIQUE BAUBY who, despite being paralysed aged 43, communicated the book by blinking with his left eye.
Screenwriter RONALD HARWOOD, who has adapted the book for the big screen'; return true;" onmouseout="window.status=''; return true;">big screen, says, "The film is being held up because we've got to wait 15- months for Johnny.
"I was against the idea - I say you shouldn't wait for any actor but I didn't have anyone else in mind. He's an amazing-looking actor as well.
"I first saw him at the premiere of Finding Neverland and I couldn't believe he's 41. He looks about 25. It's something to do with the cheekbones."
02/03/2005 16:23
February 27, 2005
February 20, 2005
This issue features a brief Q&A about Johnny Depp's involvement with the Viper Room.
Q. Does Johnny Depp still own The Viper Room, where
his best pal River Phoenix died in 1993 from a drug
overdose? --Tawni Benson, Davenport, Iowa
A. No. Anthony Fox, his partner in the infamous
Hollywood nightclub, filed suit against Depp in 2000,
seeking millions in allegedly missing profits. Before the
suit could be settled, Fox himself went missing.
He hasn't been heard from since December 2001. Last fall,
as a part of a legal settlement, Depp, 41, handed
ownership to Fox's daughter Amanda, 19, who
reportedly plans to sell the hot spot.
Title and plot details charted at last
There has been casting news as far as the eye can see for the last few weeks, but it’s only now that any real details from Pirates of the Caribbean 2 (starring Naomi Harris) can be revealed.
Thanks to Orly (Aiiie!) fan site The Orlando Bloom Files, we’re now informed that the full title for the sequel is to be Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man’s Chest. Due to hit cinemas in Summer 2006, the sequel apparently concerns yet another pirate curse. This time it’s the curse of Davey Jones who, apart from having a rather famous locker, has his spectral mitts on Jack Sparrow’s soul. Sparrow owes a blood debt to Jones and, unless he can wangle his way out of the situation, is destined to spend eternity as a member of Jones’ crew, sailing the ghostly Flying Dutchman through the ethereal waters of the afterlife. Or something. Nuptual bliss is equally endangered when Sparrow drags Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann into the mess as well.
So there we have it, a run down of what’s in store during our next voyage through Caribbean waters. This would usually be the point where we tell you all to weigh anchor, refer to you as lubbers or somesuch and end with some kind of nautical send-off, but frankly it’s too early in the morning and we’ve not the strength.
- Best Film: Finding Neverland
- David Lean Award for Achievement in Directing: Marc Forster
- Best Adapted Screenplay: David Magee
- Best Actor in a Leading Role: Johnny Depp
- Best Actress in a Leading Role: Kate Winslet
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Julie Christie
- Anthony Asquith Award for Achievement in Film Music: Jan A.P. Kaczmarek
- Best Cinematography: Finding Neverland
- Best Production Design: Gemma Jackson
- Best Costume Design: Alexandra Byrne
- Best Make-Up and Hair: Christine Blundell
The 41-year-old hunk wears a top hat and large dark glasses for his role in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Depp is filming at Pinewood Studios, Bucks.
Depp, who based his original portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow on the rock legend, is said to have extended a personal invitation to 60 year-old Richards, who Depp claims to be "the greatest rock 'n' roll star of all time".
Richards, who signed up to the project after months of persuasion, is said to have already been to a costume fitting.
The first of two highly anticipated sequels is due to start filming in February 2005 and will be helmed by director Gore Verbinski.
Stars from the original swashbuckling adventure, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley and Geoffrey Rush are reportedly keen to jump onboard... pun intended.
'Pirates 2' Production Begins The sequel to Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean" sets sail today, as it kicks off production with Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom again. Although shooting isn't starting until March, the production team is officially getting into gear this week, according to Production Alert, which tracks film production.
Johnny Depp wants to star in more family films so his children can watch his movies.
The Hollywood actor - who has two young children, Lily-Rose and Jack, with partner Vanessa Paradis - has recently starred in a string of children's films, including 'Finding Neverland' and 'Pirates of the Caribbean'.
While the 41-year-old star insisted he won't be turning his back on adult roles for good, he admits he is thrilled his children can now watch more of his movies.
He said: "'Finding Neverland' was great because it was much more accessible to my kids than, say, 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas'. I want my children to see daddy's work." Depp's next movie is a re-make of 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory', directed by Tim Burton, and the heartthrob is confident movie-goers will be impressed.
Screen icon Johnny Depp hates watching his own movies.
The Edward Scissorhands actor prefers to keep his memories of working on a movie pure and untarnished by the final product.
The 41-year-old says: "I don't watch most of my films. I always figured that once my job is done then anything beyond that is none of my business.
"So if I can avoid seeing the final product I will, because then all I have in my head is the experience, and I feel very good about the experience."
As previously announced, the evening at the Waldorf-Astoria will honor four-time Tony Award winner Angela Lansbury; film actor Johnny Depp; Thomas C. Short, International President of IATSE; and J. Nicholas Counter III, President of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Whoopi Goldberg and Actors' Fund President Brian Stokes Mitchell will co-host the evening, which features, dinner, dancing, the award presentations and entertainment.
Two-time Tony winner Bernadette Peters will present Lansbury with a Special Lifetime Achievement Award; Academy Award winner Whoopi Goldberg will present Depp with the Lee Strasberg Artistic Achievement Award; Shubert Organization Chairman Gerald Schoenfeld will present Short with the Actors' Fund Medal of Honor; and Counter III will receive the Actors' Fund Nedda Harrigan Logan Award.
The Actors' Fund, which was founded in 1882, is a non-profit organization that provides for the social welfare of all entertainment professionals. Some of the many programs The Actors' Fund provides include a nursing home and assisted living care facility; senior and disabled programs; mental health services; chemical dependency services; entertainment industry assistance programs; the Phyllis Newman Women's Health Initiative; the AIDS Initiative; and supportive housing on both coasts.
Tickets for the October gala are priced $500 and $2,500 with tables for ten beginning at $15,000. For more information call the Actors' Fund at (212) 221-7300. Reception begins at 6:30 PM with dinner and tribute at 7:30 PM.
Depp is nominated for 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl', while Penn makes the shortlist for his performance in 'Mystic River'.
The other nominees are: Jake Gyllenhaal ('The Day After Tomorrow'), Jude Law ('Cold Mountain') and Bill Murray ('Lost in Translation').
The winner will be decided by the general public with more information on how to vote available online at: www.iftn.ie/awards.
The Irish Film and Television Awards take place on 30 October.
The Pirates of the Caribbean star signed over co-ownership rights of The Viper Room to Anthony Fox's daughter as part of a legal settlement, unidentified sources told the World Entertainment News Network.
Fox, a Los Angeles businessman, has not been heard from since 2002.
Depp reportedly lost interest in the Viper Room after his friend, actor River Phoenix, died outside the Sunset Strip club in 1993.
Fox's daughter reportedly plans to sell the nightclub.
The film follows Barrie's journey to bring Peter Pan to life, from its inspiration to the play's premiere at the Duke of York's Theatre, 100 years ago.
The after-show party will include a champagne reception and dinner.
Venue: Odeon, Leicester Square
Date: 17 October 2004
Tickets: Film & Party £200 Film only: Circle £50; Stalls £25
Contact: 020 7916 5678
In "Neverland," Depp plays J.M. Barrie, the English eccentric who was inspired to write "Peter Pan" after meeting a widowed mother (played by Kate Winslet) and her two children.
"I always saw him in the part," says director Marc Forster ("Monster's Ball"). "He sort of has the child within him very much alive."
The film was completed more than a year ago. Forster and Miramax co-chairman Harvey Weinstein planned to release it last fall but ran into a roadblock with Universal's "Peter Pan" arriving at the same time. "Neverland" was contractually obligated to wait at least 90 days after "Peter Pan" opened, which meant, ultimately, that it had to wait an entire year so Miramax could capitalize on its potential with Oscar voters.
"I think it has a nice, warm, honest feel to it," Depp says of the movie. "We're not glossing over his life, just focusing on a period when he was probably the happiest. Everyone knows 'Peter Pan.' This shows the process behind it. I hate to use the word 'inspirational,' but it got to me, you know?" ARTICLE FROM u.presstelegram.com
The SLEEPY HOLLOW star says The Viper Room brings back too many upsetting memories and he's decided to sever all ties with the exclusive establishment.
Depp is also fed up and disgusted with people who travelled to the club just to see the spot where close friend Phoenix collapsed and died from a drugs overdose at only 23-years-old.
The 41-year-old Hollywood hunk hasn't set foot in the in Los Angeles venue for two years and has been looking for a buyer for several months.
A club insider says, "Johnny really loved the club and put his heart and soul into the place. But the years since River's death have taken their toll. He thought the bad memories would fade over the years but it has just got harder.
"Johnny was really upset people just came to gawp at the spot where River died. That's what led to his decision to let his stake go." http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/0/7E1019D93FD4214380256F14004D73A6!opendocument
:: Can Hollywood star Johnny Depp save the dwindling career of tiresome rockers Oasis?
Well that's what the twosome are hoping.
They decided to pull the plug on their latest album after failing to get the right reaction when they premiered it at the Glastonbury Festival.
But Noel and Liam have now perked up some of the production of the songs and the album's ready to go.
But what fans won't know is that strumming on a few tracks is none other than Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp, who's a massive Oasis fan.
This is not the first time he has lent a hand, as he also appeared on one track on their last album.
Johnny's also keen to appear in their next video, as the boys hate making them.
November 23, 2003
