Johnny Depp electrified a crowd of Comanche Nation members by showing up unannounced to an advanced screening of The Lone Ranger in which he plays a Native-American named Tonto.
Depp became a member of the Comanche Nation Indian Tribe last year when he announced his latest role as Tonto the Native-American sidekick in the reboot film The Lone Ranger, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
LaDonna Harris – who is a Comanche and the president of Americans for Indian Opportunity – facilitated Depp joining her people’s community.
She explained, “I reached out and Johnny was very receptive to the idea. He seemed proud to receive the invitation and we were honored that he so enthusiastically agreed.”
Depp repaid this gesture in kind by making a surprise appearance at an advanced screening of The Lone Ranger in Lawton, Oklahoma on Friday, reports the Daily Mail.
Members of the Comanche Nation looked on as the actor walked arm-in-arm with Harris down the red carpet.
Before the screening began, Depp spoke about his role and told the crowd, “If I can help in any way to pass the message along to the children, to understand that where they came from, they are warriors and nothing less.”
Harris previously said of Depp, “Welcoming Johnny into the family in the traditional way was so fitting. He’s a very thoughtful human being and throughout his life and career, he has exhibited traits that are aligned with the values and worldview that Indigenous peoples share.”