Johnny Depp: Hollywood Rebel

As USA TODAY, The Nation's No. 1 Newspaper, puts it, Johnny Depp "clearly has a blast transforming his handsome self into some strange cinematic characters." Depp's career took off in 1987 when he signed up to play a cop on the television series 21 Jump Street.

His good looks earned him plenty of attention-and plenty of money.

But Depp had no interest in being a TV star or a teen idol.

He wanted interesting roles in challenging films. He disappeared into the title roles in Edward Scissorhands, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Donnie Brasco, and Ed Wood.

Then in 2003, a new Depp character introduced the actor to a new generation of moviegoers.

He became Captain Jack Sparrow-the gold-toothed, swaggering, and completely untrustworthy leader of the Pirates of the Caribbean.

In his third decade as an actor, Depp is respected by critics and popular with a wide range of fans.

He's at the top of his career-and still having a blast.