My favorite actor of all-time would have to be Johnny Depp. The reasons for this are quite numerous.

I firstly like his ability to diversify, you could never accuse Depp of playing "against type" because, quite simply, he cannot be restricted into a "type". He can play a good guy with charm and wit every bit that of an Errol Flynn or Cary Grant (see "Don Juan" or "Chocolat"), he can play a social misfit ("Edward Scissorhands"), he's done the whole bad-guy thing, he has just run the whole gamut.

He could so easily have been pencilled in as a "former teen star" after spending the late 1980s playing cop Pete Hansen on "21 Jump Street". But where others of his era failed, such as the two Corey's, Peter DeLouise, etc., Depp has succeeded to build a lengthy and successful adult career due to one reason: true acting ability.

Dashing looks will get you only so far in Hollywood, this combined with true acting talent are lethal weapons, and Depp has both in spades.

Another reason I particularly like him is his steadfast refusal to "sell-out" and go for the big budget productions, which would have earned him millions more than he has throughout his career. Instead, he's chosen each role on its merits, roles that he is genuinely interested in and which he feels passionate about and challenged by.

Simply look at films such as "Cry Baby", "Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas" and "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?", all films with meaty-type acting roles for him to portray, but none of which could be called box office blockbusters.

After a professional career spanning 25 years, it wasn't until the past five or so that Depp has enjoyed huge box office success, with the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series. He still hasn't allowed this to alter his film choices or demeanor, and it's no surprise that Depp has shunned life in Hollywood and all its associated rigmarole, for a quiet, family life in southern France.

Also, Depp oozes sexuality, but does so effortlessly. He dresses how he wants, and clearly doesn't feel the need to adhere to the Hollywood glitz and glamor profile of his peers.

If you are looking for a film to watch, I'd recommend it star Johnny Depp, the greatest acting talent of the modern times.

Learn more about this author, Aj Brady.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Favorite actors?
We want to hear your view. Write now!