People Names Depp Sexiest Man

Says Eccentric Actor Has Succeeded Without Selling Out

(AP)  People magazine has named Johnny Depp the "Sexiest Man Alive 2003," saying the actor, known for his "brooding eccentricities," has mellowed since becoming a father.

Depp, star of this year's "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," has two young children with his girlfriend, French actress and pop singer Vanessa Paradis.

"Because he arrived at his new, happy place without selling out, without becoming slick or packaged or politically correct, he is a hero to his fans and an idol to his young co-stars," People says in its Dec. 1 issue.

The 40-year-old actor is known for hiding under layers of hats and blankets in his private life and behind oddball characters in his films, the magazine said. "But he is finally coming to terms with his own charisma..."

Depp also has starred in "Edward Scissorhands," "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," "Sleepy Hollow" and "Chocolat." His upcoming movies include "J.M. Barrie's Neverland."

People also picked its Top 10 sexiest men: Brad Pitt, Ashton Kutcher, George Clooney, Lenny Kravitz, Justin Timberlake, Hugh Grant, Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, Denzel Washington and Colin Farrell.