Johnny Depp spotted 84 year-old sitcom actress Rose Marie, who played Sally Rogers on “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” at a screening of Sweeney Todd. He went right over to the surprised older woman and started telling her what a great actress she is and how he watched every episode of her show when he was a boy. He spent about ten minutes talking to her, and she was thrilled:

At an exclusive screening of his movie, Sweeney Todd, the actor ditched bigwig pals Steven Spielberg, David Geffen and director Tim Burton to make a beeline for his idol… 84 year-old sitcom actress Rose Marie.

The comedian – best known as the perennial bachelorette in the 1960s series “The Dick Van Dyke Show” – is a supreme master of her craft, according to Depp.

“Johnny totally freaked when he saw Rose Marie,” a source told The Enquirer. “He hurried toward her and gave her a hug.”

“He told her he grew up watching her, that he’s seen every episode – and that he is her greatest fan.

“Rose Marie seemed incredible flattered, and Johnny made it clear he recognized her as an immense talent.

“They talked for about 10 minutes, and Johnny told her over and over how thrilled he was to meet her…

“Rose Marie got a thrill out of being praised by Johnny, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars,” said the source, “and she certainly deserves it.”

[From The National Enquirer, print edition, January 21, 2008]

I love that story! The best thing about it that Johnny probably was really excited to see Rose Marie after watching her show while he was growing up. He seems like such a genuine and kind person, and that’s so nice to hear.

Johnny wore a hot-looking black sparkly throwback suit with a wide collar to the UK premiere of Sweeney Todd last night. The Sun made fun of his attire, but I think he looks great and as one commentor on the article wrote: “Johnny Depp could wear a bin liner and still look better than 90% of men you see on the red carpet.” I love his original way of dressing as well as his very original and kind personality.

Thanks to PRPhotos and WENN for these pictures.