On Saturday, February 15th, Johnny Depp was awarded, for the first time ever, the Distinguished Artisan Award by the Make Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild. The MUAHS award ceremony was held at the Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California and hosted by comedian Tom Arnold, Jane Lynch (Glee), June Squibb (Nebraska), and Johnny Knoxville (Bad Grandpa).
Depp states, “This is a great honor, but I was occasionally glancing at the screen, I realized what a ridiculous thing I’ve done.” Depp is well known for his ability to completely change his public image to create highly unusual characters for his movies. These characters include Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean), Willy Wonka (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Edward Scissorhands (Edward Scissorhands), and Tonto (The Lone Ranger) just to name a few.
The award was presented to Johnny Depp by long time friend and makeup artist Joel Harlow. Upon receiving the award Depp acknowledged such makeup artists as Ve Neill for Pirates of the Caribbean, Patty York for Alice in Wonderland, and Joel Harlow for The Lone Ranger, Dark Shadows, and Into the Woods.
Depp is know to draw his inspiration for his characters from a variety of sources. He referred to Edward Scissorhands as “…a combination. The idea of a newborn seeing things for the first time and a dog that I’d had. This dog…with it’s unconditional love, this sort of purity in my dog.” For the part of Tonto he was inspired by a painting titled “I Am Crow” by Kirby Sattler. Depp recalls, “Sattler painted a bird flying directly behind the warrior’s head. I thought: Tonto’s got a bird on his head. It’s a spirit guide in a way. It’s dead to others, but it’s not dead to him.” In an interview, Depp once told Ellen DeGeneres that Captain Jack Sparrow was inspired by Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones and the cartoon character Pepe Le Pew. “What I loved about Pepe Le Pew was this guy who was absolutely convinced that he’s a great ladies man”, admits Depp.
Wherever he draws his inspiration, many movie goers are amazed and amused by his ability to totally immerse himself into his characters’ personas. Congratulations Johnny Depp!! You’re one of the most talented actors of our time.
