He may play a homicidal barber in his newest film but in real life Johnny Depp is sweet as can be, according to an annual survey of best and worst celebrity autograph signers.
The Sweeney Todd star was named best signer for the third year in a row by Autograph magazine, which for the past 15 years has ranked the stars according to how nice or mean they are when asked for an autograph.
"It's the third consecutive year Depp has topped the list of the 10 best signers. Whether at a premiere, in a restaurant or on location, Depp may just be the best Hollywood autograph signer of all time," Steve Cyrkin, the magazine's editor and publisher, said in a statement.
Bourne Ultimatum star Matt Damon was also high on the list. As for the worst autograph signers - Will Ferrell and Tobey Maguire. It's an ever-changing list, the editors admit, considering star behaviour changes from year to year.
One actor who went from bad to good is Aussie star Russell Crowe. Crowe, who in 2005 pleaded guilty to throwing a faulty telephone at a hotel concierge, was on the worst list in 2006, but made it onto the best list this year.
"He may still be a bit grumpy at times, but now he signs pretty much anytime someone asks," said Cyrkin.
"What's so frustrating about Will Ferrell being the worst autograph signer this past year is that he used to be so nice to fans and collectors, and a great signer. What makes him so bad is that he'll taunt people asking for his autograph."
The selections are based on the notes of judges in Europe, New York and California, and appear in the magazine's December issue:
The Best
1. Johnny Depp
2. Matt Damon
3. George Clooney
4. Jack Nicholson
5. Rosario Dawson
6. John Travolta
7. Katherine Heigl
8. Jay Leno
9. Dakota Fanning
10. Russell Crowe
The Worst
1. Will Ferrell
2. Tobey Maguire
3. Joaquin Phoenix
4. William Shatner
5. Renee Zellweger
6. John Malkovich
7. Julie Andrews
8. Bruce Willis
9. Teri Hatcher
10. Scarlett Johansson