The Secret World of Johnny Depp

A rare glimpse into the world of a superstar whose virtuoso eccentricity and willingness to take on unconventional films for a mass audience has helped him retain alternative credentials and respect from critics that most actors only dream of Not only is Johnny Depp a huge star, but his unconventional choice of movie roles has made him a fascinating and mysterious character, endearing himself to audiences as diverse as the roles he plays. With appearances in both children's and adult films such as Alice in Wonderland andPublic Enemies, Depp has a mass market cross-generational appeal. Tracing his career from his debut inNightmare on Elm Streetin 1984 through to his flamboyant turn as the voice of Victor Van Dort inCorpse Brideand the spectacular success of thePirates of the Caribbeanfranchise, this biography shows how Depp has successfully carved a niche for himself as a serious, somewhat dark, idiosyncratic performer, consistently selecting roles that surprised critics and audiences alike. Other aspects of the charismatic actor's life charted here include failed engagements to Jennifer Grey, Winona Ryder, and Kate Moss; his current relationship with French singer-actress Vanessa Paradis, with whom he has two children; and his early wild parallel career as a rock musician.

Nigel Goodall is the author of several celebrity biographies, including Demi Moore, A Life in Time and Space: The Biography of David Tennant, and Ray Winstone.