8 Actors Who Completely Defy Type-Casting

7. Johnny Depp

Before he exploded into the forefront of mainstream pop culture with his role as the eccentric Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean, Deep was a known, but not overly commercial actor. His career was made from his uncanny ability to dive head first into any role he took on, regardless of whether or not it was an outlandish one. Edward Scissorhands is one of his most iconic parts, but he's thrived just as much in understated parts such as the title character in What's Eating Gilbert Grape and J.M. Barrie in Finding Neverland. While he and Tim Burton need to cool their obsession with playing dress up and seeing how goofy he can act, his recent work with Gore Verbinksi has led him to some interesting places such as playing a chameleon in 2011's Rango and Tonto in the upcoming Lone Ranger remake (I must admit that while Verbinski's name attached is promising, nothing kills my movie boner like seeing that Jerry Bruckheimer tree). The Burton/Depp quirk factor may have lost its novelty, but look at any consecutive films in which he's appeared and you'll see wildly different performances.
 
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I am a writer based in Salt Lake City, UT. I am currently revising a novel and maintain a feverish, certifiable obsession with all things film, literature and politics.