Look To The Stars News: Johnny Depp

Peter Jackson Helps West Memphis Three Receive Pardon

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson has brought one of the West Memphis Three inmates freed from prison after 18 years to New Zealand, to help him work on receiving a full pardon.

Damien Echols was one of three men convicted of killing three 8-year-old boys in Arkansas in 1993. He and the other two men – Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley Jr. – were released in August after pleading guilty to lesser charges. Echols was the only one of the three to face the death sentence.

“There are all sorts of emotive headlines about Damien Echols, killer, coming to New Zealand, but the reality is that Damien Echols is an innocent man who has spent 18 years incarcerated in a tiny cell,” Jackson said at a press conference. “He’s come here to work with us on a couple of things. We’re doing investigative work, we’re doing forensic work with the purpose of getting a complete pardon.”

Stars Rejoice Over West Memphis Three Release

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines and Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder were in Arkansas in the weekend to support family and friends of the West Memphis Three, who were freed from prison after 18 years.

The pair have been vocal supporters of the West Memphis Three – Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols and Jessie Misskelley Jr., three men charged with the murder of three 8-year-old boys in 1993 – for a number of years. A host of celebrities have been behind the release of the men, including Peter Jackson, Johnny Depp, Jack Black, Ben Harper and Patti Smith.

“Beautiful things went down in Arkansas today,” tweeted Maines. “Beautiful beautiful things… I’m sitting in a holding room at the courthouse about to see three men walk free!”

Stars Donate Items To Celebrity Charity Auction To Help Joplin

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:00:00 +0000

A number of stars – including Johnny Depp, Yoko Ono, Patricia Arquette, Bono, Jeff Probst, Justin Timberlake, Eminem and Jack Johnson – have donated items to a great auction raising money for the people of Joplin, the Missouri town where an estimated 30% of the buildings were destroyed and over 150 people were killed by a tornado on May 22.

Items going under the hammer include an book about U2 signed by Bono, a script signed by the cast of General Hospital, a rare Lady Gaga Born This Way picture disc, posters signed by Ry Cooder and Martina McBride, a basket ball signed by the Lakers, a guitar signed by Foreigner, the chance to meet Coldplay, Maroon 5 and Uncle Cracker, the chance to Skype with OneRepublic and much more. Sean Lennon has donated a signed guitar, while Yoko Ono has signed a photo of her with John Lennon.

Proceeds from the auction will go to United Way of Southwest Missouri and Southeast Kansas. Last week, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt donated $500,000 to the people of Joplin in the wake of the tornado.

Johnny Depp Raises Bids In Celebrity Charity Auction For Christchurch

Tue, 24 May 2011 14:00:00 +0000

The first round of celebrity charity auctions to benefit two schools damaged in the devastating Christchurch earthquake ended last night, with a new round starting today.

Stars 4 Kids has been set up to raise funds for two Christchurch schools, Shirley Primary and Avonside Girls’ High, both badly damaged in the February 22nd earthquake that killed over 160 people and left thousands without homes and jobs. The auction will be run through New Zealand’s #1 auction site – Trade Me – and can also be accessed by Australia.

The auction that just ended saw a signed photo of Johnny Depp go under the hammer for over NZ$500, a rugby league hat signed by Russell Crowe go for NZ$266, a book signed by British Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson sell for NZ$102, while DVDs and a hat signed by The Mentalist star Simon Baker brought in NZ$200. Other items included a calendar signed by Kylie Minogue, which reached NZ$103, and items from Colin Firth (Best Lead Actor in The King’s Speech), Geoffrey Rush, Donald Trump, Sir Ian McKellen, Guy Pearce and Status Quo.

Stars Unite For Japan With Charity Videos

Fri, 13 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Two months ago, Japan experienced a massive 9.0 earthquake and the devastating tsunami that followed. In response to this tragedy, actor Ken Watanabe launched www.uniteforjapan.org to rally people to donate funds for Japan’s relief effort through key organizations like the American Red Cross, Japan Society & Global Giving.

The impact of this natural disaster continues to be felt today by the people of Japan. Unite for Japan has launched two PSA videos featuring a special group of celebrities that came together to convey a very simple message: Unite for Japan.

Some of the stars who are featured in the PSAs are Paula Abdul, Ben Affleck, Zac Brown, Jamie Lee Curtis, Matt Damon, Ellen DeGeneres, Johnny Depp, Cameron Diaz, Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood, Ayako Fujutani, Mikael Hafstrom, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Muramasa Kudo, Sharon Lawrence, John Legend, Richard Lewis, Rob Marshall, Hideki Matsui, Julian McMahon, Jennifer Morrison, Cillian Murphy, Amaury Nolasco, Apolo Ohno, Masi Oka, Robert Patrick, Katy Perry, Maggie Q, Zoe Saldana, William Shatner, Jake Shimabukuro, Cobie Smulders, Steph Song, Ben Stiller, Charlize Theron, John Travolta, Aisha Tyler and Mark Wahlberg.

Johnny Depp And Friends Stand Up For West Memphis Three

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Johnny Depp, Ben Harper, Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder, the Dixie Chicks’ Natalie Maines and punk legend Patti Smith were in Little Rock, Arkansas, in the weekend to take part in a rally that called on authorities to free the West Memphis Three.

The West Memphis Three are Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols and Jessie Misskelley Jr., three men charged with the murder of three 8-year-old boys in 1993. New evidence suggests the three men are innocent, and the stars are demanding a retrial.

“Three innocent people are losing years of their life on a wrongful conviction on a crime they didn’t commit,” said Maines. “It makes me scared. It could happen to any of us.”

The Best Of Brits For Charity

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 11:30:00 +0000

An celebrity charity auction is presently being held on eBay benefiting the War Child charity.

This auction, titled the “Best of Brits Auction,” begins on March 25th and will last until April 4th. The items featured in this auction include valuable memorabilia from award winning British music artists including Lily Allen, JLS, and Kasabian. All of these items come with certificates of authentication to assure the bidders that these items are credible.

Among these coveted items are eight Silver Cross prams and various stage costumes, which were used on stage during a recent performance by award winning music artist Lily Allen. The Silver Cross prams, which usually are marketed for approximately £1,000, are used by members of the royal family, and celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Nicole Kidman.

Johnny Depp Sends Video To British Comedy's Charity Night Out

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +0000

A huge number of British stars turned out at the O2 Arena in London last night for the Channel 4 Comedy Gala to benefit the Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Hosted by Jonathan Ross – who led with a controversial performance – the night featured a special video message from longtime GOSH supporter Johnny Depp, and appearances by Jo Brand, Alan Carr, Rob Brydon, Jack Dee, Lee Evans, Katie Price, Michael McIntyre, Sean Lock, Christine Bleakley and many more.

The event raised funds for two new anesthetic rooms that will allow parents to stay with their children right up until they enter the operating theaters.

Johnny Depp Rumored To Work On Charity Single

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:30:00 +0000

It is being reported that Johnny Depp is to contribute to a charity single to benefit Haitian earthquake victims.

Organized by former Pogues singer Shane MacGowan, the version of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ 1956 classic I Put A Spell on You will also feature Depp’s partner Vanessa Paradis, Primal Scream singer Bobby Gillespie and Nick Cave. British paper The Sun also reports that Simply Red singer Mick Hucknell may also be involved.

A release date has yet to be confirmed.

Toronto Film Festival To Host Cinema Against AIDS

Mon, 07 Sep 2009 15:00:00 +0000

On September 15, 2009, amfAR – The American Foundation for AIDS Research – and Dignitas International will partner on the first-ever Cinema Against AIDS event during the Toronto International Film Festival.

Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, and amfAR Ambassador Michelle Yeoh will serve as chairs of the evening, along with amfAR Chairman Kenneth Cole, John Demsey, Milutin Gatsby, Trudy Grant, amfAR Founding Chairman Dr. Mathilde Krim, Dignitas co-founder Dr. James Orbinski, and Kevin Sullivan. Grammy Award-winning musical artist Sarah McLachlan will deliver a special performance.

Stars Support Indie Filmmaking And Social Causes At Los Angeles Film Festival

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 11:30:00 +0000

There was no shortage of stars out to support independent film at this year’s Los Angeles Film Festival in Westwood Village.

Having the festival in the area despite these trying economic times helps restaurants and other businesses reap the benefits. The film festival began on June 18 with the world premiere of The Paper Man starring Jeff Daniels and Ryan Reynolds and ended June 28th. The world premieres of Transformers and Public Enemies also took place at the festival. Fans lined the streets to see Megan Fox, Michael Bay, Christian Bale and Johnny Depp.

Despite the bigger budget film debuts, the heartbeat of the Los Angeles Film Festival is independent movies. Film Independent is a non-profit arts organization. Their mission is to champion the cause of independent film and support a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision.

Johnny Depp Visits Children's Hospital

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Johnny Depp made a special visit to a children’s hospital in London on Wednesday, July 1, and surprised patients by dressing as one of his most well-loved characters.

The actor had been in London to attend the premiere of Public Enemies, and visited several wards at the Great Ormond Street Hospital dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean.

“Johnny was so friendly with all the children on the ward and they absolutely loved his pirate outfit,” a source told contactmusic.com. “He spoke to lots of the youngsters and staff – and made their day by posing for pictures with them all.”

GOSH, What Auctions!

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:26:00 +0000

The Great Ormond Street Hospital is set to benefit from many current and recent celebrity charity auctions, including a date with Orlando Bloom, which brought in £9,000 ($14,600) just last week.

The Pirates of the Caribbean star was on hand at the Victoria and Albert museum with Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton, British TV presenter Vernon Kay and Jade Jagger to help raise over £450,000 ($730,000) for the children’s charity.

Hamilton and other F1 stars, such as Jenson Button, Rubens Barrichello, Sebastian Vettel, Jarno Trulli and Kimi Raikkonen have all signed unique displays for an auction benefitting the children’s hospital. The auction will run at Starcards.org until June 30th.

Win A T-Shirt Signed By Johnny Depp

Fri, 15 May 2009 12:30:00 +0000

Johnny Depp will celebrate his 46th birthday on June 9, and to celebrate, you can win a signed T-shirt simply by donating to the Children’s Hospice & Palliative Care Coalition – one of the charities he endorses.

Johnny’s Angels is a group set up by fans of Johnny Depp who were inspired by the many good deeds the actor does, including his words of kindness for young cancer sufferers and his attempts to wake up young coma patients. The group now hopes to inspire others to help children, especially young cancer patients, by performing acts of kindness.

As part of their annual birthday celebrations, Johnny’s Angels are giving away a T-shirt signed by the birthday boy. For every $500 you donate to the charity through the Johnny’s Angels website, you will be entered in the draw to win the shirt.

LTTS Exclusive: An Interview With Raul Julia-Levy

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Starring alongside Damon Whitaker and Danny Venegas, Raul Julia-Levy has played the leads of a positive role model in film.

In real life, Julia-Levy plays the role of a philanthropist, actor, producer and activist with a heart. He grew up in a prominent family in Mexico City and met his famous father for the first time in Hollywood when he was 17. Despite any life challenges he has faced, he has remained dedicated to his passions and his cause.

I had the opportunity of meeting of Raul and asking him a few questions on why philanthropy is so important to him.

Hollywood Steps Out For World Kidney Day

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:30:00 +0000

A host of celebrities will come out for World Kidney Day tomorrow to encourage people get blood tests to check for early signs of kidney disease.

Mario Lopez, Hilary Duff, Brooke Burns, Kevin Sorbo, Constance Marie, Deana Carter, Lou Gossett Jr, Courtney Hansen, Eva Tamargo, Stacy Keibler, George Lopez, Phillip Palmer, Andy Garcia and Anthony Anderson are just some of the stars who will attend KEEP It Hollywood on Thursday, March 12.

The National Kidney Foundation of Southern California’s “KEEP It Hollywood” event is a pre-Kidney Early Evaluation Program (KEEP) that includes a mini-screening (blood pressure cuff, finger prick & a few health questions asked by some of the best doctors in the country) allowing numerous celebrities and influential community members to take part in the fight against Kidney Disease through early detection, evaluation, and intervention for World Kidney Day.

Bid On A Signed Johnny Depp Jersey For Charity

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:00:00 +0000

What’s better than a Johnny’s Angels jersey? A Johnny’s Angels jersey autographed by Johnny Depp himself!!

Johnny’s Angels is a group set up by fans of Johnny Depp who were inspired by the many good deeds the actor does and hopes to inspire others to help children, especially young cancer patients, by performing acts of kindness. The group is proud to announce their latest fundraising initiative – a charity auction featuring a jersey signed by the man himself.

“We have been inspired by Johnny Depp, and now we would like to inspire YOU,” says the group’s website. “Johnny’s Angels: Depp Fans for Charity is a meaningful way for Depp fans to honor an actor whose talent and humanity have inspired so many.”

Johnny Depp Fights Pirates Of The High Seas

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 15:00:00 +0000

He may have played a pirate on one of the highest grossing movies of the decade, but Johnny Depp has now raised his sword against the real-life villains of the high seas. The ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ star has backed the Environmental Justice Foundation’s ‘Save the Sea’ campaign to highlight the illegal plunder of the oceans by pirate fishing vessels.

According to the EJF, over 75% of the world’s fish stocks are fully exploited, over-exploited or depleted and 90% of the world’s large ocean species like cod, halibut and swordfish have been lost since the 1950’s – and in one 8 month period 4 illegal, “pirate”, Moroccan driftnet vessels caught 237 dolphins; 498 blue sharks; 542 short-fin mako; 464 thresher sharks; 46 loggerhead turtles and 2,990 swordfish.

In a letter in support of EJF, Depp has called for an immediate response to the crisis before it is too late.

Bid2Beat AIDS For Special Christmas Gifts

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:00:00 +0000

One of the biggest celebrity charity auction events of the year is currently gearing up for its launch on December 1.

Bid2Beat AIDS is an annual event that will feature over 1000 items from top stars such as 50 Cent, Adam Sandler, Adrian Grenier, Aerosmith, Alec Baldwin, Amy Winehouse, Antonio Banderas, Britney Spears, Cameron Diaz, Common , Death Cab for Cutie, Denzel Washington, P. Diddy, Donny Osmond, Elton John, Fall Out Boy, Foo Fighters, Good Charlotte, Green Day, Hanson, Hilary Duff, Jake Gyllenhaal, James Blunt, James Earl Jones, James Morrison, Jamie Foxx, Jay-Z , Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jeremy Piven, Jessica Alba, John Legend, Johnny Depp, Kanye West, Kirsten Dunst, Ludacris , M.I.A., Madonna, Mariah Carey, Neil Patrick Harris, Ozzy Osbourne, Phil Collins, Raven Symone, Razorlight, Rihanna , Sacha Baron Cohen, Sharon Osbourne, Victoria Beckham, Whoopi Goldberg, Will Ferrell, Wyclef Jean, and many, many more. Also up for grabs will be VIP tickets to concerts and backstage visits with stars like Bernadette Peters, Jewel, Aimee Mann, Joan Rivers, and Michael Feinstein.

The annual auction will raise money for LIFEbeat, the music industry’s AIDS fundraising and service charity. The first three BID 2 BEAT AIDS auctions raised nearly $250,000, and this year’s looks set to be the biggest yet.

Rare Queen Memorabilia Up For Grabs For Charity

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:30:00 +0000

Queen fans are in for a big treat this weekend as a special piece of merchandise goes under the hammer for charity.

As part of the Smile4Rich charity auction, a framed copy of Queen’s 1976 album A Day At The Races – signed by the entire band, including Freddie Mercury and Brian May – will be sold at a gala later tonight, October 24.

The auction will also feature a DVD of Pirates of the Caribbean 3 signed by Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom, and a framed Formula One picture and cap signed by Lewis Hamilton.

Johnny Depp To Play Benefit Concert

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 15:30:00 +0000

Johnny Depp is set to reunite with his old band and play two charity concerts this weekend.

The actor – who has previously recorded a solo album and played slide guitar on Oasis’ song Fade In-Out – will appear with his band “The Kids” at the Club Cinema in Pompano Beach, Florida, on August 29 and 30 as part of a lineup that includes Critical Mass, Tight Squeeze, Slyder, The Romantics, The Reactions, Z-Cars, Mad as Birds, and Charlie Pickett.

Proceeds from the show will go to the Sheila Witkin Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises money for charities – such as the Dan Marino Foundation – through live music. Sheila Witkin – affectionately known as “Mom” – revolutionized the South Florida rock music scene in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s and was well known for supporting charitable causes. The first Sheila Witkin Memorial Concert – which also featured Depp and his band – was held in January 2007 and raised over $30,000. Their aim this year is to raise $100,000.

Stars To Donate Fees To Heath Ledger's Daughter

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:30:00 +0000

The three actors who replaced Heath Ledger in his final film are to donate their fees to the late star’s daughter.

Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, and Jude Law replaced the late actor in scenes for Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus after filming was suspended when Ledger was found dead in his New York City apartment in January. In the film, which is slated for a 2009 release, Ledger must visit three different dimensions through a paranormal mirror in a bid to rescue the daughter of a traveling showman who sold his child to the devil in exchange for everlasting life. And although Ledger’s completed scenes will be included in the film, Law, Depp and Farrell will also appear in place of the actor in scenes that had not been shot.

“The great thing about it was when Heath died those three actors came along and saved the day. It’s now four actors creating one character,” said Gilliam. “The three actors were totally heroic coming in because this doesn’t happen very often, where there is a tragedy and very famous and successful actors come in and say OK we’ll do whatever it takes to help. To be part of that is wonderful. They didn’t take money – it goes to Heath’s daughter.”

Stars To Attend Coma Patient's Gala

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:30:00 +0000

A gala to raise funds for charity in the name of a 17-year-old British coma patient will take place this Saturday.

Sophie Wilkinson has been in a coma since she was involved in a car accident last October, and her plight has attracted a wide range of celebrities to step forth and help raise the funds needed to provide her with care. Earlier this year her parents set up the Sophie’s Gift Fundraising Program on behalf of the Southampton Hospital Trust to raise the £250,000 (US$500,000) needed to provide Sophie with a Mobile CT Scanner. As well as receiving a video and words of encouragement from Johnny Depp, Sophie has also got support from the likes of Sharon Osbourne, Top Gear’s Richard Hammond, and Chris Tarrant.

Sophie’s parents, Andrew and Alison Wilkinson, have also established a database of celebrity voices to help wake up other coma patients. Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and Amanda Holden are just some of the names who have already committed to the initiative.

Naomi Judd Heads Up Exciting Auction

Mon, 26 May 2008 11:08:45 +0000

Now here’s something really exciting: Country singer Naomi Judd has teamed up with The Autograph Store, a leading online auction dealer of celebrity autographed photos and signed memorabilia, to sponsor the Huntington, West Virginia, Ronald McDonald House’s Charity Auction.

The auction, which also includes a dinner and dance, will be held on May 31 at the Bellefonte Golf and Country Club in Ashland, Kentucky, and will feature some awesome items including guitars autographed by the Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton, CDs signed by U2 and Madonna, and photos autographed by Johnny Depp and others.

The Huntington Ronald McDonald House has served more than 8,300 families from southern West Virginia, eastern Kentucky and southeastern Ohio, and the Autograph Store is proud to be the exclusive supplier of all celebrity autographed items for this fundraiser.

Johnny's Angels - When Stars Inspire Fans

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:36:32 +0000

At Look To The Stars we like to bring you news about the ways your favorite stars are making the world a better place, and we strive to inspire you to follow their examples and do what you can to help those in need. We are happy to say that there are some people out there who have been inspired to do good in the name of their idols, and the hard work is now paying off.