As a cultural studies expert with a focus on film and ethnicity, I've delved deeply into the representation of various ethnic groups in Hollywood, including Native Americans. The question about Johnny Depp's heritage is a complex one, involving both personal claims and public perception.

Johnny Depp, a renowned actor known for his diverse and often eccentric roles, has indeed played characters of Native American descent. Notably, he portrayed Tonto in "The Lone Ranger," a film that was both a commercial and critical disappointment but also a subject of controversy regarding the representation of Native Americans in media.

Depp has made public statements about his connection to Native American heritage. He has claimed that his great-grandmother was of primarily Cherokee descent, which would make him of partial Native American ancestry. However, genealogical research and public records have not conclusively confirmed this claim. The Cherokee Nation itself has not recognized Depp as a member, which adds another layer of complexity to the discussion.

In an interview with MTV.com, Depp expressed his desire to pay tribute to Native Americans through his work in "The Lone Ranger." He has also stated that he hopes to correct years of misrepresentation of Native Americans in Hollywood. This indicates a personal commitment to honoring and accurately portraying Native American culture, whether or not he is of Native American descent.

The debate around Depp's heritage and his portrayal of Native American characters is part of a larger conversation about cultural appropriation and representation in the media. It's important to consider the impact of such portrayals on the perception of Native American communities and the importance of consulting with and respecting the voices of those communities when depicting them in film and other media.

It's also worth noting that the entertainment industry has a long history of casting non-Native actors to play Native American roles, which has contributed to a lack of authentic representation. Depp's involvement in such roles, whether as an actor of disputed heritage or as an advocate for better representation, is part of this ongoing dialogue.

In conclusion, while Johnny Depp has claimed Native American ancestry and has expressed a desire to honor and accurately represent Native American culture, the veracity of his claims and the impact of his portrayals are subjects of ongoing discussion and debate within the cultural and film studies communities.

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For his part, Depp told MTV.com that the film is --an opportunity for me to salute Native Americans.-- The actor has said he hopes to fix years of Indian misrepresentations in Hollywood and has repeatedly stated that his great grandmother had mostly Cherokee blood.Jun 17, 2013read more >>