Young actor Freddie Highmore, who soared to fame via co-starring roles with Johnny Depp in Finding Neverland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, continues to build an impressive film resume. During an interview with the Herald Sun promoting Astro Boy, in which he voices the title character, Highmore, now 17, called Johnny Depp “a role model and a close friend,” and said he particularly admires the way Johnny varies the kinds of characters he plays. “If I was able to replicate that on a smaller level through acting, it would be fantastic,” Highmore said.

The actors have maintained their friendship despite their busy schedules. “We keep in contact and see each other whenever we’re in the same country,” Highmore said. “Everyone respects him, which I think is down to the fact that he’s such a nice guy–he’s not the typical image you have of a Hollywood actor who has it all.”

You can read more of the Freddie Highmore interview on the Zone’s Porch forum; to read it on the Herald Sun website, CLICK HERE. –Part-Time Poet