Rumors of the actor’s alleged demise gained traction on Sunday after a ‘R.I.P. Johnny Depp’ Facebook page attracted nearly one million of ‘likes’. Those who read the ‘About’ page were given a believable account of the American actor’s passing:
“At about 11 a.m. ET on Sunday (May 05, 2013), our beloved actor Johnny Depp passed away. Johnny Depp was born on June 9, 1963 in Owensboro. He will be missed but not forgotten. Please show your sympathy and condolences by commenting on and liking this page.”
Hundreds of fans immediately started writing their messages of condolence on the Facebook page, expressing their sadness that the talented 49-year-old actor and musician was dead. And as usual, Twittersphere was frenzied over the death hoax.
Where as some trusting fans believed the post, others were immediately skeptical of the report, perhaps learning their lesson from the huge amount of fake death reports emerging about celebrities over recent months. Some pointed out that the news had not been carried on any major American network, indicating that it was a fake report, as the death of an actor of Johnny Depp’s stature would be major news across networks.
Johnny Depp Death Hoax Dismissed Since Actor Is ‘Alive And Well’
On Monday (May 06) the actor’s reps officially confirmed that Johnny Depp is not dead. “He joins the long list of celebrities who have been victimized by this hoax. He’s still alive and well, stop believing what you see on the Internet,” they said.
Some fans have expressed anger at the fake report saying it was reckless, distressing and hurtful to fans of the much loved actor. Others say this shows his extreme popularity across the globe.