The life of John Christopher Depp II - better known as Johnny Depp - is a tale worthy of Hollywood itself.

Depp fell into films through a twist of fate and teen-idol good looks. Born in Kentucky, he was upprooted to Florida, where he dropped out of high school to become a musician. This led him to Los Angeles and a role in A Nigtmare on Elm Street.

Over 20 years and more than 30 films, from Cry Baby to Sweeney Todd, Depp has turned from teen pin-up into cinematic icon. Along the way, he has fallen foul of the law, the paparazzi and public opinion. But with his turn as Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean, he finally arrives on the Hollywood A-list.

Now revised and updated to include the release of Pirates of the Caribbean : At World's End, Johnny Depp : A kind of illusion is blow-by-blow account of this actor's remarkable life, both onscreen and off.