Johnny Depp admits using Hunter S. Thompson as role model
(CBS/AP) LOS ANGELES -- Johnny Depp is not only playing Hunter S. Thompson in his upcoming movie "The Rum Diary," he also claims he's a little similar to the late author and journalist.
Depp admitted he'd done "stupid things" like Hunter -- including trying to breathe fire.
According to the 48-year-old actor he "very, very dumbly chugged a little bit of gasoline and blew it into a torch." He then said his head caught on fire and his friend saved his life by putting out the flames.
Depp's character in "The Rum Diary" is based on a younger version of Thompson than the one he played in "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas."
"So he's not as wild," Depp told the Associated Press.
"The Rum Diary" is an adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's novel and is set to hit theaters on Friday.
