« Back to article

Print this article

PIX: Johnny Depp's EXTRAORDINARY Onscreen Avatars

Hollywood star Johnny Depp, who turned 50 on June 9, has played some of the most eccentric characters in his Hollywood career spanning almost three decades.

Hailed as one of the most handsome men of his generation of actors, the A-lister's filmography throws up some exceedingly interesting characters with some of the most distinctive features from dark kohl eyes, braids, blonde highlights, horn-rimmed glasses to feather hats.

Here then, is a look at the gorgeous actor's most extraordinary onscreen avatars over the years.

A Nightmare on Elm Street

This popular 1984 slasher film marked the big screen debut of a fresh-faced Depp, who plays ill-fated high school student Glen Lantz.

Lantz is the boyfriend of protagonist Nancy Thompson and one of the original kids of Elm Street.

 

Edward Scissorhands

Depp's long and fruitful association with British filmmaker Tim Burton started with Edward Scissorhands in 1990, in which the actor plays the titular character -- a young man with scissors for hands.

Edward's appearance -- pale skin, scars of gashes, dishevelled hair and black outfit -- reflect Burton's love for all things goth.

Ed Wood

Depp revisited old Hollywood as cult filmmaker Ed Wood in Tim Burton's 1994 comedy-drama of the same name.

Slicked back hair and a pencil-thin moustache defined the era's look.

Nick Of Time

In this poorly-received 1995 thriller, the actor played Gene Watson, a mild-mannered and nerdy accountant.

The round glasses and befuddled expression pretty much describe the character.

Don Juan DeMarco

In Don Juan DeMarco, a romantic comedy costarring Marlon Brando, Depp plays a suicidal 21-year-old dressed in a domino mask and cape who believes that he is Don Juan -- a fictional character eulogised in literature as the greatest lover in the world.

Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas

As practicing hedonist Raoul Duke in Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas, Depp embarks on a psychoactive drug-fuelled road trip with Benicio del Toro, who plays Dr Gronzo in the film.

The actor works tinted Aviator shades, printed shirts and a cap to go with the trippy setting of the film.

Before Night Falls

While Javier Bardem assumes the leading man duties in this film based on the autobiography of Cuban writer Reinaldo Arenas, Depp stars as flambouyant transvestite Bon Bon in the film.

The eye-popping makeup, headgears and clothes easily make this the most memorable of Depp's onscreen personas.

From Hell

And before you point out, the actor has worked some serious sideburns in From Hell, an American-British crime drama set in the 17th century.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

One of the most iconic characters played by Depp, captain Jack Sparrow is a magnificent cinematic figure.

The long waistcoat, kohl-lined eyes, beaded hair, braided beard and the cool headband only add to this pirate's universal appeal.

Secret Window

In this psycholigical thriller based on Stephen King's novella of the same name, the actor dons blonde highlights and showcases a rare ability of pulling them off with ease.

Charlie And The Chocolate Factory

Practically unrecognisable in Tim Burton's 2004 adaptation of the much-loved Roald Dahl book, Depp plays candy maker Willy Wonka.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Depp's Benjamin Barker turns into killer barber Sweeney Todd, who is out to get his late wife's tormentor.

The horror musical is further buoyed by Depp's exceptional appearance.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus

This curiosuly-titled 2009 fantasy film sees the actor in a relatively tamer avatar sporting long-ish hair.

Alice In Wonderland

The Mad Hatter couldn't get more outrageous than this appearance, the most dramatic and theatrical look we've seen on Depp so far.

Dark Shadows

The actor's turn as a 200-year-old vampire in last year's Dark Shadows sees him don a severe look that is outrageous and surreal even by vampire standards.

Lone Ranger

In his upcoming film -- an adventure comedy -- Depp, who reportedly believe that he is of Native American descent, plays a spirit warrior in his most dramatic onscreen look yet.