ARTS AWARDS

Johnny Depp: The Spirit of Bozeman

By Nancy Mahoney, 10-10-05

If you didn’t make it to HatcH this year, don’t worry, you didn’t miss your chance to see Johnny Depp in the flesh. Bozeman seems to have a love-affair with this actor—which is both understandable (he is as talented as he is gorgeous) and puzzling (he is not particularly “of the West�). Upon arrival here several months ago I heard rumors that Depp was looking at purchasing a ranch near-by...(where?) Failure to produce him as a part-time resident has not stopped Bozeman from attempting to lure him here by making him this year’s recipient of the Gary Cooper Spirit of Montana award at Hatch Fest.

Though Depp failed to show up on the red carpet, or at any of the after-parties, it seems clear that most Bozemanians believe he would have liked to be here, and that is good enough. Those of us who live here, and love it here, just know that Depp would also be happy living here. Perhaps it is because we view Depp as an individual who bucks the system, shuns the glitz and glamour of Hollywood for a more culturally rich and manageable life. After all, we have a very quaint Main Street and downtown theatres, ballet and opera, and Old Victorian neighborhoods surrounded by picturesque farms and stunning mountains. Bozeman could offer Depp a life in a corner of the U.S. where he might not be hounded by the Paparazzi. Sure it’s not France… but it’s Montana after all…the last best place.

While Oprah and others are shelling out for strangely denuded property at the Yellowstone Club, all agree that Depp would choose a more understated private ranch with an old restored farmhouse. He would undoubtedly become a regular at coffee shops downtown, and his children would attend our wonderful local schools. In my own fantasy version of “Depp Moves to Bozeman� – our children (who are the same age) would grow up to be best friends, and naturally Depp and his wife would be regulars at our birthday parties.

Ah well, perhaps he will show up for next year’s Hatch Fest, when he will give the Gary Cooper Spirit of Montana Award to…..Salma Hayek (my husband’s choice).

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