Health
Johnny Depp visits children’s hospital dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow in ‘magical moment’
An impromptu visit from Captain Jack Sparrow was a surprise treasure for some young cancer patients.
Actor Johnny Depp, who was in Spain for the San Sebastian Film Festival, dressed as the famous character from the popular “Pirates of the Caribbean” film series and dropped into the Osakidetza Donostia University Hospital.
Depp visited the pediatric and oncology wards, where he interacted with the delighted children and their families.
CHILDREN ONCE HELD HOSTAGE STILL WORKING THROUGH TRAUMA: ‘ARE THEY COMING FOR US AGAIN?’
A spokesperson from the hospital described the actor’s visit as “exciting, endearing and unforgettable.”
Depp visited the pediatric and oncology wards, where he interacted with the delighted children and their families. (Osakidetza Donostia University Hospital /TMX)
“Both the children admitted to the hospital and their families and professionals who were working at that time welcomed him with great enthusiasm and affection,” the spokesperson said.
“In a situation of illness, anyone, but especially children, greatly appreciates a distraction of this magnitude. It was a breath of fresh air, a magical moment in which they forgot about their illness and were transported to the magical world of pirates.”
A spokesperson from the hospital described the actor’s visit as “exciting, endearing and unforgettable.” (Osakidetza Donostia University Hospital /TMX)
The entire hospital team, the admitted children and their families are all “enormously grateful” for Depp’s visit, the spokesperson said.
“It has been a pleasure and an honor to have Jack Sparrow with us, a great pirate.”
‘Meaningful impact’
Harpreet Pall, MD, chair of pediatrics at K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, confirmed that a celebrity role model visiting a children’s hospital can have a “meaningful impact” on the patients’ emotional health.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
“Some of the psychological benefits include improved self-esteem and confidence, distraction from illness, improved optimism and a morale boost,” Pall told Fox News Digital.
Actor Johnny Depp arrives for the world premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales” in Shanghai on May 11, 2017. (Getty Images)
“A celebrity visit can create excitement and decrease some of the stress of being in the hospital.”
The visit can also increase children’s engagement with their health care team, the doctor said, leading to better adherence to the treatment plan.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health
Pall added, “In addition, having a positive outlook and social interaction promotes healing for hospitalized children.”
Health
The Best Weight Loss Medications and Supplements in 2026
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
Health
Nutrition experts react to new food pyramid, and more of this week’s biggest health stories
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Top stories
→ Health experts react to the Trump administration’s newly revamped food pyramid
→ Deadly superbug spreads across US as drug resistance grows
→ Common pain relievers may raise heart disease and stroke risk, doctors warn
The Trump administration announced on Wednesday the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, putting “real food” back at the center of health. (Chance Yeh/Getty Images for HubSpot; iStock)
On the lookout
→ Flu cases spiked in New York State again this week, sparking warnings from health officials
→ Not all cancers should be treated right away, medical experts say
Conversation starters
→ The shape of your butt is an indicator of key health risks — what does yours say about you?
→ Trending “analog bags” are being touted as replacements for smartphones
Healthy living
→ Experimental vaccine could save thousands of lives per year, scientist claims
→ Little-known prescription pill is helping Americans drink less alcohol
Quote of the week
“This is a big deal.”
→ Elon Musk announced that Neuralink — the brain implant chip that allows users to communicate using their minds — will start “high-volume” production this year, calling the step a “big deal”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Health
‘Weight Loss Has Never Been About Calories’: How This Low-Insulin Diet Helped Lillie, 58, Drop 70 Lbs!
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
-
Detroit, MI6 days ago2 hospitalized after shooting on Lodge Freeway in Detroit
-
Technology4 days agoPower bank feature creep is out of control
-
Dallas, TX5 days agoDefensive coordinator candidates who could improve Cowboys’ brutal secondary in 2026
-
Health6 days agoViral New Year reset routine is helping people adopt healthier habits
-
Iowa3 days agoPat McAfee praises Audi Crooks, plays hype song for Iowa State star
-
Dallas, TX1 day agoAnti-ICE protest outside Dallas City Hall follows deadly shooting in Minneapolis
-
Nebraska3 days agoOregon State LB transfer Dexter Foster commits to Nebraska
-
Nebraska3 days agoNebraska-based pizza chain Godfather’s Pizza is set to open a new location in Queen Creek