Johnny Depp Wins ‘Favorite Movie Icon’ at People’s Choice Awards

The people declared Johnny Depp their Favorite Movie Icon at the 2017 People’s Choice Awards Wednesday, cementing his status as one of the most versatile actors in film.

Depp began his acting career in 1984, but his run on the popular television series 21 Jump Street (1987-1990) made him a household name. He then appeared in early-90s cult classics such as Edward Scissorhands, Benny and Joon, and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape. Depp has since worked steadily in cinema, starring in Donnie Brasco, Sleepy Hollow, Chocolat, Finding Neverland, and Sweeney Todd, to name only a few. During that time he also accepted what has come to be known as his most iconic role, Captain Jack Sparrow.

Depp portrayed Jack Sparrow for the first time in 2003, starring in the first installment of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, The Curse of the Black Pearl. His performance was a fresh and unexpected take on the stereotypical pirate, famously modeling the character on the Rolling Stones guitarist, Keith Richards. Three more Pirates films followed, with the fifth now in post-production.

Jack Sparrow was not the only memorable role he took on, however. He also played Tonto in the Lone Ranger remake, Willy Wonka in the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory remake, the Wolf in the film adaptation of the hit musical, Into the Woods, and the Mad Hatter in two live-action adaptations of the Alice in Wonderland tales. Most recently, he surprised fans by appearing in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them as the infamous dark wizard, Gellert Grindelwald.

This latest turn ensures that long-time Depp and Harry Potter fans alike will see him grace the silver screen for years to come. The film is only the first of five in our re-entry to the wizarding world. So, Depp will have the distinction of participating in two long-running blockbuster franchises, inhabiting a character who may soon overtake the world-wide renown of Sparrow. The role will undoubtedly be an exciting one, as we see the rise and fall of Grindelwald over the course of almost two decades. The second film is already in pre-production, and details about the plot and main characters are being released bit by bit, to the delight of eager fans.

And Depp was quick to recognize his supportive and devoted fans last night, acknowledging their part in his continued success. According to MSN.com, Depp told the cheering crowd:

“I came here tonight for one reason and one reason only: For you the people, [who] through whatever good times or bad, have stood by me and trusted me. You very, very graciously invited me here once again tonight, so I appreciate that very much. You have no idea how much I appreciate it.”

He faced strong competition in the category, contending with Hollywood heavyweights Tom Cruise, Tom Hanks, Samuel L. Jackson, and Denzel Washington, so the honor was not lost on him. Here is the full speech:

Depp looks to maintain his icon status, remaining quite busy by industry standards. Though we’ll have to wait another year for the Fantastic Beasts sequel, he is currently voicing Sherlock Gnomes in the animated Gnomeo & Juliet: Sherlock Gnomes. He’s also filming Labyrinth, an investigation into the murders of Tupac Shakur and Notorious BIG, and the Kenneth Branagh-helmed Murder on the Orient Express.

This spring he can be seen in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, which opens in theaters May 26th. View the trailer below.