DEPP PERCEPTIONS
It's no surprise that Johnny Depp's fan base has grown since his portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow introduced a larger audience to his extraordinary talents. On a more serious note, I battled cancer in 2003, and although faith in God and supportive family and friends were vital to my recovery, multiple viewings of Pirates of the Caribbean didn't hurt. It certainly kept a smile on my face. Thank you, Johnny. Your decision to make movies that your kids can enjoy has far greater significance than you realize.
Joyce Felzke
Haslett, Mich.
Johnny Depp is a man who truly loves acting. One of the reasons I've always admired him was his decision to take roles that showcased his true talents and not just what would make him a blockbuster actor. Shame on those studios that passed him up for so many years because they considered him box office poison. I hope Mr. Depp is the one not returning their calls now.
DM
Canada
While I admire the talent of Johnny Depp, I was extremely disappointed to see him on the cover of this week's issue instead of George W. Bush. When has the entertainment industry become more important than covering the presidential election and honoring the man chosen to be our Commander-in-Chief?
Leah Gray
Durango, Colo.
I'm glad to see Johnny Depp finally getting the recognition he deserves. I was a teenager when I first saw him, and even though today I'm a married mother of two, I still swoon.
Diana Jeffries, Indianapolis, Ind.
OLD MOTHER HUBBUB
Aleta St. James, the 56-year-old who gave birth to twins, will probably be a wonderful mother. She's mature yet young at heart. And with age comes patience and wisdom. I also think that older people recognize the value of a child and the responsibilities involved. What society should be asking is why we allow 16-year-olds to become parents. They're the ones who concern me.
Lisa Fagan
Bryn Mawr, Pa.
I can't imagine becoming a mother at age 56. It's very selfish on Ms. St. James's part. I know grandmothers often raise their grandchildren, but that's different. I'm 56 and am also vital, but to become a mother? She needs to take off the rose-colored glasses and take a good look in the mirror. As a life coach, she didn't think this through very well.
Nancy Bohinski
Spring Hill, Fla.
WISHING ELIZABETH WELL
When I heard about Elizabeth Edwards's breast cancer, I cried. I'm a nearly 16-month "survivor," and I want to tell you, Elizabeth, that the day you found the lump, or the day you were diagnosed, you became a breast cancer survivor. You're a survivor now as long as you live and breathe. And you have a whole sisterhood praying for you. It's not a club any of us wanted to join, but now that you're in it, you have just that many more prayers, just that much more support. Faith, grace, courage and the love of friends and family got me through. And it sounds like you already have all of that in place. God bless you.
Valerie Blake Lower
Eden Praire, Minn.
ANGEL AMONG US
I was really inspired by Sandra LaDay and her People Supporting People organization that helps the poor in Texas. Her drive and determination amazed and humbled me. I'm due to have my second child any day now, and because I'm not working, we don't have a lot of money. After reading about LaDay, it made me thankful for all that I have and made me realize there are people that aren't as fortunate as I am. Now I plan to help out in my community. Thanks, Sandra, for being such a great role model.
Jennifer Wilson
Elk Grove, Calif.
SIZING UP RENEE
Renée Zellweger as Janis Joplin? What's next, Lara Flynn Boyle as Mama Cass? How does anyone expect her to be a realistic Janis Joplin with her goody-two-shoes rep and baby face? Producers today cast for bankability not realism. If it had been this way in 1939, David O. Selznick would have cast Jean Arthur as Scarlett O'Hara instead of waiting to find the perfect actress for the role, Vivien Leigh.
Michele Taylor
Rochester Hills, Mich.
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