Depp's Character Ambition

Actor Johnny Depp hates being a Hollywood pin-up, insisting his ambition was always to become a character actor.

The Pirates Of The Caribbean actor claims he became a star by accident and has always taken on roles because the characters interested him.

Depp says, "I never wanted to be a movie star. I take roles because I fall in love with the character. It was never my goal to become a big box-office star."

And he points at some of his early roles - Edward Scissorhands and BENNY + JOON - as proof of his motivation.

He adds, "The constant theme in things I do seem to be with people who are considered 'freaks' by so-called 'normal' people.

"I've never been bothered with the way I look as long as it's right for the character.

"Ugliness is better than beauty. It lasts longer and in the end, gravity will get us all."

The 41-year old also claims he is not motivated by money, adding, "It was never my goal to be a big box-office star. Before now, my movies never seemed to make any money.

"It's been tempting to accept a big paycheck, but I never saw the point of doing something that has been done thousands of times."