JOHNNY DEPP - DEPP: 'BURTON AND WATERS ARE MY HEROES'

JOHNNY DEPP is eternally grateful to cult movie makers JOHN WATERS and TIM BURTON, because his staggering success is all thanks to their faith in his ability.

The PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN star claims his eccentric persona made him unpopular in Hollywood, but his film-making friends made sure he broke through into the mainstream.

He says, "John went out on a limb for me with CRY-BABY and Tim's risk was quite a bit higher, and that's something I will never forget. He has fought long and hard to get me in, and won.

"Because of that there's a bond and a love and respect that will be there forever and the other side is that he happens to be one of the most interesting film-makers."