Hunter S Thompson: out with a bang

Showbiz

09:30 13 July 2005

Johnny Depp is set to fire the ashes of late writer Hunter S. Thompson from a cannon.

The Hollywood star became close friends with the 'gonzo' journalist after portraying him in the critically acclaimed film 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas'.

According to Depp, Thompson asked him to carry out the bizarre stunt before his death.

The actor will perform his friend's final wish next month.

Depp revealed: "Hunter meant a lot to me. He was a great pal, one of my best friends. We had talked a couple of times about his last wishes to be shot out of a cannon of his own design.

"All I'm doing is trying to make sure his last wish comes true. I just want to send my pal out the way he wants to go out."

Meanwhile, Depp claims he was saved from self-destruction by his children.

The former hellraiser, renowned for his love of heavy drinking, claims becoming a father put a stop to his wild ways.

The father-of-two said: "I'd go to functions and I literally had to be drunk. When I had my kids I realised there was nothing anyone could do to me anymore."

(c) BANG Media International