Johnny Depp costumed as Captain Jack Sparrow from Pirates of the Caribbean paid a visit to a children’s hospital in Vancouver, Canada.

Depp is seen shaking hands with and hugging kids presently being treated at the British Columbia hospital in a video recorded on the special day.

A representative for BC Children’s Hospital told CBS News that “The charismatic character charmed patients and their families alike, leaving smiles and laughter in his wake.  He was at the hospital for more than five-and-a-half hours, never once breaking character.”

Patient Logan Johnson-Lay told CTV Vancouver, “He really took time with all the kids and he didn’t rush.” Johnson-Lay had the opportunity to be Depp’s hospital guide.

With a giggle, she continued, “He’s basically my boyfriend. He, like, kissed me five times!”

The actor was in Vancouver filming Richard Says Goodbye, a new comedic drama, when he stopped by to see the young patients.

In the afternoon, the actor helped organize a pirate party for a group of kids before continuing his hours-long visit, which culminated in one-on-one talks with patients on the cancer, general pediatrics, and neurology wards.

Even hospital personnel were taken aback.

Debora Sweeney, the hospital’s vice-president and chief strategy officer, said, “He was Captain Sparrow the whole time — he didn’t take a break. He spent time really talking to the patients, to their families.”

Actor Johnny Depp pretends to challenge a young patient at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver to a sword fight.
BC CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

The 54-year-old spent his time taking photos, amusing kids and their families, and engaging in foam sword fights with some of the patients.

Depp quips in the footage when greeting fans, “I have no sword, I come in peace.”

Pamela Smith, a hospital spokesperson, said Depp’s representatives called a few weeks ago to ask if he might stop by in between filming a movie in town.

“We got the wheels in motion,” she said. “And wanted to make it as quiet as possible … Some of the people on my team didn’t even know about it.”

According to the hospital, “Captain Jack” spent valuable one-on-one time with over 70 youngsters.

Depp also said some encouraging remarks in hushed tones.

“’Be brave,’ ‘Keep going,’” Sweeney said. “Just really these messages of strength.”

On their Facebook page, the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation posted photographs from the occasion.

The hospital wrote: “Patients at BC Children’s Hospital were delighted by a visit today with one of the world’s most famous pirates, Captain Jack Sparrow. Actor Johnny Depp showed he has a heart of gold by spending more than 5 hours meeting one-on-one with every patient, from newborns to teens.”

Patients and relatives appeared to appreciate the presence of the renowned pirate, with some even describing it as a “dream come true.”

After meeting with her 7-year-old daughter, Madison, Sarah Kertcher stated, “He never broke character once and was so generous with his time.” “He was truly here for the kids and it brought tears to my eyes to see how special he made each one feel.”

“I didn’t wake up in the morning knowing that I was going to see Johnny Depp today,” patient Kendra MacLeod said.

BC Children’s Hospital is the only full-service paediatric acute care hospital in the province. They look after critically ill or wounded children. Over 86,600 children were treated at the Children’s Hospital last year.