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For the July cover story of Vanity Fair, Johnny Depp allowed the interviewer to come stay with him on private island. You remember? Fuck Off Island–the same place Johnny famously invited Lindsay Lohan to go to get away from the chaos of her life.

So that’s how journalist Douglas Brinkley–also a close friend of the late Hunter S. Thompson, like Depp–ended up getting up close and personal with the actor.

A few fun facts about Johnny, who’s currently filming scenes for his film The Rum Diary, based on a period of Thompson’s life in Puerto Rico:

He likes painting, reading, playing guitar and particularly enjoyed Tom Cruise‘s performance in Tropic Thunder. According to Depp, “That’s the best I’ve ever seen Cruise.” And I would say this is the best we’ve ever seen of Johnny, except that he keeps getting better.

Gallery Info: Johnny Depp poses for Vanity Fair and on the set of Rum Diary.