Johnny Depp presents painting to Comanche Nation Chairman

As part of his visit to the Comanche Nation Fair in Lawton, Oklahoma on Saturday, September 29, Johnny Depp had the opportunity to pay his respects to Comanche Nation Chairman Wallace Coffey and his wife Debbie. Johnny presented Chairman Coffey with a special gift — a stunning portrait of a Comanche painted by Johnny in his signature style. The unusual texture of the painting is because it has been painted on cigarette papers!

Many thanks to Gil Birmingham who posted this PICTURE on his Facebook page; it shows Comanche Nation Chairman Wallace Coffey and his wife Debbie standing beside the painting, with Johnny and LaDonna Harris on the opposite side. You can see a closeup of the painting HERE.

The Zone thanks FANtasticJD for sharing the news; you can read more about Johnny’s visit to Oklahoma on the Zone’s forums.

Johnny Depp addresses tribal youth at Comanche Nation Fair in Oklahoma–new photos!

Johnny Depp’s appearance at the Comanche Nation Fair included a speech and a question-and-answer session with young members of the tribe; the photo at left shows Johnny at the microphone. He also posed for pictures and signed autographs. “Thank you so much for having me, and thank you for accepting me,” Johnny said. Johnny was formally adopted into the Comanche Nation in a traditional ceremony held in Albuquerque on May 16, 2012, with Comanche Nation Chairman Johnny Wauqua in attendance.

At the time of the ceremony, LaDonna Harris, the president and founder of Americans for Indian Opportunity, explained why she extended the invitation to Johnny: “Welcoming Johnny into the family [. . .] was so fitting. He’s a very thoughtful human being, and throughout his life and career, he has exhibited traits that are aligned with the values and worldview that Indigenous peoples share.” Ms. Harris was at Johnny’s side throughout the Fair; Johnny also had a chance to catch up with his Lone Ranger and Rango castmate Gil Birmingham. Photos of Johnny with LaDonna Harris and Gil Birmingham open our gallery HERE, which also includes Twitter photos.

The Zone thanks Evochka, Emma, FANtasticJD, alysha trophy, Christa Taintigh, shaingramm22, biia cailini and Casey Ivanoff for sharing pictures. You can read more about Johnny’s visit to Oklahoma on the Zone’s News & Views forum.