Johnny Depp is one of the most popular Hollywood actors and, thanks to his tumultuous personal life, also one of the most controversial. Born on June 9, 1963, in Kentucky, USA, Depp is not just a fine actor but also a talented musician, particularly with the guitar. By the way, did you know Johnny Depp's full name is John Christopher Depp II? Johnny Depp’s Birthday Special: From Pirates of the Caribbean to Secret Window, 5 Notable Performances in Movies Over the Years.

Did you also know it was Nicolas Cage who cajoled Depp into entering acting when he moved to Los Angeles in the '80s to pursue a career in music? Cage got him an audition for Wes Craven's 1984 film A Nightmare on Elm Street. Even without any experience, Depp managed to get an important role: that of protagonist Nancy's doomed boyfriend. His death scene, in which he is swallowed by his own bed and then vomited out in a torrent of blood, remains one of the most iconic death scenes in both the franchise and cinema. This scene was later recreated in Bollywood in the 1989 B-grade horror film, Khooni Murda.

Later, it was his starring role in the television series 21 Jump Street that made Depp a popular face. Later, when Christopher Miller and Phil Lord rebooted the series as a buddy-cop comedy film with Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill, Depp made a surprising cameo reprising his character.

On the big screen, it was Tim Burton's classic Edward Scissorhands that gave Depp his breakout success. The actor was praised for his performance as the artificial humanoid who has knives for hands. From then on, Johnny Depp was quite selective in his roles, with some of his best work coming in the '90s and 2000s. His more prominent films include Donnie Brasco, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Ed Wood, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Sleepy Hollow, Chocolat, and From Hell. Of course, his most famous role was playing the eccentric pirate Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Not only did Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl earn Depp his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor, but his continued presence in the series also made him a global star and one of the highest-paid actors.

While Depp could never replicate the success that Jack Sparrow brought him, and his volatile domestic feud with ex-wife Amber Heard did no favours to his career, the actor did garner three Oscar nominations. However, they did not translate into awards. In this special feature, we look at those movies and roles and where you can watch them online.

2003 - Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Jack Sparrow is not only the most iconic role in Depp's filmography, but it is one of the most popular characters to come out of Hollywood. It is simply the actor's enjoyably quirky performance as the treacherous anti-hero that played a major role in cementing the success of this movie, which is adapted from a Disney attraction ride.

Watch a Scene From Pirates of the Caribbean - The Curse of the Black Pearl:

While Depp's Sparrow became more of a parody in the sequels, there is no denying the entertainment value attached to the character. Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl is streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. Is Johnny Depp Part of Pirates of the Caribbean Reboot? Here's What We Know.

2004 - Finding Neverland

If Depp played to the gallery with Jack Sparrow, then the next year, he surprised his fans by earning an Oscar nomination for his restrained performance as playwright JM Barrie, otherwise known as the man responsible for creating Peter Pan. The Marc Forster film deals with Barrie's relationship with a family that consists of a single mother and her four kids, which later inspired him to write stories about the boy who wouldn't grow up.

Watch a Scene From Finding Neverland:

The movie also starred Kate Winslet, Julie Christie, and Dustin Hoffman. Finding Neverland is available to buy or rent on Prime Video.

2007 - Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Johnny Depp reunited with his favourite director, Tim Burton, for this grisly revenge drama that is also a musical. Depp plays the titular 'Demon Barber', a serial killer who seeks revenge for the death of his wife and daughter, and kills the customers who come to his barbershop, while his trusted confidante Mrs Lovett, played by Helena Bonham Carter, bakes the bodies into pies.

Watch a Scene From Sweeney Todd:

The movie also starred the late Alan Rickman as the main antagonist. Depp sang all the songs for his role, and his look and performance garnered much acclaim, eventually earning him an Academy Award nomination. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is available to buy or rent on Prime Video.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 09, 2024 09:02 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).