Johnny Depp reprises Jack Sparrow character to surprise young cancer patient for Christmas

By Deputy Chief EditorDecember 29, 2018

128 2 minutes read

Jack Sparrow meeting staff as he visits the hospital and research center against the cancer Curie Institute in Paris — Johnny proved to have a big heart this Christmas (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

Johnny Depp gave some of his young fans the best Christmas present they could ask for.

The 55-year-old actor briefly reprised his role as Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean, to surprise young cancer patients at the Curie Institute in Paris, France on Thursday.

What a big heart.

Fully kitted out in the captains famous scraggly long hair and shabby clothes, Johnny looked completely at home in the shoes of the character hes played since 2003.

Photos of the sweet visit show Johnny hugging the young patients, chatting to nurses, signing autographs on a notepad and sharing laughs with other staff members at the hospital.

This handout photo taken by the Curie Institute on December 27, 2018 shows US actor Johnny Depp (R) dressed as his character Jack Sparrow, meeting a child during his visit at the hospital and research center against the cancer Curie Institute in Paris. (Photo by HO / Institut Curie / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / INSTITUT CURIE" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS ---HO/AFP/Getty Images — The actor gives a warm hug to one very excited fan (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

The Curie Institute is both a hospital and one of the worlds top research centers for cancer, known for housing some of the best experts in the field.

Grateful to Johnny for taking time out of his Christmas break to visit the children, the Curie Institute tweeted: Surprise visit by Jack Sparrow. The most famous pirate to children & teens of our # pediatrics service!

A gift that gave joy to the patients, families, caregivers, doctors and researchers. Huge thanks to Johnny Depp for his time, his comfort & his energy.

It comes just weeks after a Disney executive appeared to confirm that Johnny will no longer play Captain Jack Sparrow after 15 years and five blockbuster movies.

This handout photo taken by the Curie Institute on December 27, 2018 shows US actor Johnny Depp (R) dressed as his character Jack Sparrow meeting staff as he visits the hospital and research center against the cancer Curie Institute in Paris. (Photo by HO / Institut Curie / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT "AFP PHOTO / INSTITUT CURIE" - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS ---HO/AFP/Getty Images — Even the nurses couldnt resist Jack Sparrows friendly charm (Picture: AFP/Getty Images)

Sean Bailey explained that the movie studio were keen to take the story in a new direction and, unfortunately, it doesnt involve Johnny.

Bailey told The Hollywood Reporter: We want to bring in a new energy and vitality.

I love the [Pirates] movies, but part of the reason Paul and Rhett are so interesting is that we want to give it a kick in the pants. And thats what Ive tasked them with.

More: Johnny Depp

In October, it was first claimed that Johnny had been axed from the role amid concerns about his career and health.

Nonetheless, it seems hell always be Jack Sparrow.

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