C&C

We've gotta do another comparison and contrast-kinda thing. Alright, alright. Here we go: Johnny Depp and Gary Oldman.

As an actor, I of course have role models that inspire me. Among these, I believe it was Gary Oldman and Johnny Depp that had the greatest effect on me.
In a way, the two are very similar actors in that they could both play practically anything, and play it well. I had watched The Fifth Element, Leon: The Professional, and Batman Begins long before I realized Gary Oldman had played major roles in the two former films. In the same way, it is difficult to see the same actor behind Willy Wonka, Sweeney Todd, and Jack Sparrow. The two are both very superb actors capable of tackling extremely different roles.

However, they greatly differ once publicity comes in. Ah, yes, the teeming masses whose collective opinion sadly effects so much. Johnny Depp, despite being in his forties, looks much younger and more dashing than the aging Gary Oldman. Because of this, Johnny Depp is much more widely known. While Willy Wonka and Jack Sparrow may hardly look the same at all, people still know precisely who is behind the makeup and vastly-different smiles.
Oldman, on the other hand, does not seem to garner much attention. You can practically sell a movie simply by casting Johnny Depp. Only people that actually pay attention to more than big names in their movies would even know who you were talking about with Gary Oldman (until you mention what roles he's played in several of their favorite films).

While I believe they are equally talented actors, public opinion does have its effect: Johnny Depp is much more wide-known than Gary Oldman.