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Johnny Depp once again stepped into his iconic role as Captain Jack Sparrow, bringing joy and surprise to young patients at Niño Jesús University Children’s Hospital in Madrid, Spain, on June 16, 2025. The 62-year-old actor, known for his beloved portrayal of the eccentric pirate in Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, made the special appearance while on location filming his latest movie, Day Drinker.
Photos from the visit show Depp fully costumed as Sparrow, touching pinkies with smiling children and engaging with them in their hospital rooms, never once breaking character. The actor’s visit was met with warmth and gratitude, as his presence offered a much-needed moment of magic and laughter for the children and their families.
This is not the first time Depp has used his Jack Sparrow persona to lift spirits in children’s hospitals. Less than a year ago, in September 2024, he made a similar visit to Donostia University Hospital in San Sebastián, Spain, while attending the San Sebastián Film Festival. According to local outlet El Diario Vasco, he spent time with patients in the Pediatrics and Oncology wards, staying in character and sharing laughs with the children.
Depp’s dedication to making a difference through his most famous role has taken him to hospitals around the world, including visits in Vancouver, Paris, London, Brisbane, and several cities across the U.S. Over the years, he’s become known for these unannounced appearances, which are deeply appreciated by hospital staff and families alike.
Depp first brought Captain Jack Sparrow to life in 2003’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, alongside co-stars Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley. He went on to star in four sequels, with the most recent, Dead Men Tell No Tales, released in 2017.
While the future of the Pirates franchise remains uncertain, longtime producer Jerry Bruckheimer has voiced strong support for Depp’s return. Speaking to Entertainment Weekly in May 2024, Bruckheimer called Depp “an amazing artist” and credited him for creating the unique character of Jack Sparrow, inspired in part by Keith Richards and Pepé Le Pew.
As Depp continues his film work with Day Drinker, his surprise visit in Madrid is another reminder of how powerful a single act of kindness — especially when delivered by a beloved character — can be.
