Johnny Depp and other Famous Hollywood Stars Who Paint

actors who paint I believe anyone can pick up a brush and learn to paint – but becoming a good artist certainly requires lots of practice. As the saying goes “art is 90% hard work and 10% talent”. Even some famous Hollywood celebrities have tried their hand at painting. Obviously, many of these already have real talent, from acting in countless television shows, theatre and movies. But where do they find the time to paint? Some actually do find the time, and have shown they have a real talent for art as well as acting.

This is a roundup of 4 Hollywood stars who paint (plus a long list of more at the end). Some of them have become very skilled at painting, and some have displayed in galleries and sold their art for huge amounts.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp is one of the most diverse actors in Hollywood. Most recognize him from Edward Scissorhands.. and lets not forget Jack Sparrow of Pirates of the Caribbean.

It has been long known that Depp had a musical talent, and can play various instruments. Before becoming an actor, he was a member of a few rock bands. But, what is lesser known is that Mr. Depp has a talent for painting.

Johnny has painted portraits of many celebrities and famous people, including Marlon Brando, Patti Smith, Keith Richards and more. More famous is his cover art for Vanessa Paridis’ album Divinidylle.
Sylvester Stallone

I could not imagine Rambo or Rocky painting – but guess what, in real life Sylvester Stallone paints beautiful watercolors. His style is colorful abstract expressionist artwork.

He showed artworks at Art Basel Miami Beach (2009), and even sold one piece for a whopping $40,000.
Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell is a versatile celebrity, and is an actress, talk show host (Rosie), comedienne, author, blogger, and producer. She has also taken on the role of artist – abstract painter to be exact. Rosie began painting after 9/11 and said “only real artists used canvas”. Rosie has sold her paintings via Ebay (2012) in support of one of her favorite causes - Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation.
Pierce Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan is well known for his Remington Steele and James Bond roles. Before pursuing theatre, Pierce Brosnan went to Central St. Martins College of Art and Design where he learned commercial illustration.

His wife’s battle with ovarian cancer compelled him to return to painting in the later 1980’s, as an emotional release. “Sometimes dramatic moments affect the way you see yourself in the world ... from a very hard time in my life, I started painting again and out came every color I could imagine.” (Pierce Brosnan) His wife eventually succumbed to the dreadful disease.

Just this past week, another tragedy has struck the Brosnan family – his daughter (42) also passed away from Ovarian cancer. Our hearts go out to his family during this sad time.

Like Rosie O’Donnell, Brosnan donates his earnings from art sales and giclee prints to various charities. Check out some of his artwork at PierceBrosnan.com