“SOMERSET is famous all over the world,” says Johnny Depp.
“In modern times it is because of Glastonbury, which is very well known as one of the biggest annual music festival gigs on the planet. I think that is the first thing that comes to mind.”
This A-lister knows a bit more about the county than the music festival, though.
“I know that Somerset is also famous for its caves, its countryside and it has a great history – oh yes, and cider, of course,” Johnny said.
“I think it is a really nice part of Britain and that is why I have spent a lot of time here.”
It has been claimed that he also bought an estate of 850 acres near Kingston St Mary which includes what is known as Somerset Mansion, but his publicity team has denied this.
“I just love places with character,” he says.
“I have various houses in various places and they all mean something special.
“I don’t have them just to say I own them, I have them for use and because they are a bit special.
“That’s one of the many things I love about Britain,” Johnny reveals.
“Everywhere you go there is history and buildings with great character.
“I have been to Bath many times and always love it. Bath has an incredible history and you can see it all around you when you walk through the city.
“There are so many iconic buildings, bridges and unusual places that it is just a thrill to be able to walk there.
“The people are so friendly too and I can go into shops without being surrounded by people wanting selfies.
“I don’t mind that up to a point but sometimes it gets a little too crowded.
“That doesn’t happen nearly as much in Bath. British people are cool and will greet you as if you are a neighbour without going over the top.
“I don’t think of what I do as stardom, I just happen to do a job that makes me well-known.
“I don’t mind if people want an autograph or a brief chat but not when I am having some private time with my family.
“I also don’t like walking out of a restaurant and finding professional photographers waiting for me. I don’t see a need for that.”
Nicolas Cage found exactly the same friendliness when he bought a property not far from Glastonbury, but Johnny also particularly likes the sense of humour of British people.
“I think that is one of the most appealing traits of British people, they don’t panic about anything but just find something funny in everything that might go wrong,” he says.
“The British sense of humour is legendary.”
Of course, being just down the road from Glastonbury is a big bonus for someone who is not just an actor but also a rock star.
“I have been to Glastonbury Festival,” he reveals.
“I was there in 2017 as part of a movie promotion and I just loved being on stage and looking out at that mass of fantastic people.
“Glastonbury is just a crazy experience where people flock to take part in a great celebration of music and have some fun, meet up with friends and just be a part of the whole party.
“I dropped out of school at 16 to pursue a career in music, having played clubs in Miami from the age of 13 to try to help pay the rent, and in 1983 moved to Los Angeles in search of a record deal.
“Acting was never my intention but after a stint selling pens over the phone then I got a break appearing in a TV show called 21 Jump Street and that was it.”
Johnny is in constant demand for films, promotions, personal appearances and anything else that has made him such a huge international star.
He will turn 60 in June this year and is as energetic as ever.
“I like going places, seeing things and meeting people, but I am not the great extrovert that people think.
“I am an actor and try to give people what they expect but, in truth, I am quite a shy person and I like to wander around places and just enjoy being.
“That is one of the great things about Britain and especially Somerset. I can just be me – and that’s nice.”
This article first appeared in the April issue of Somerset Life magazine. For more great stories, visit www.greatbritishlife.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel