Johnny Depp ‘shocked and very sad’ to hear his favorite Disney exec forced to walk the plank

Cook, the onetime Disneyland ride operator who rose to head the studio, is viewed as a traditionalist at a time when Iger is seeking new ways of doing business. Cook tended to be uncommunicative to the point of secretiveness -- a personal style that frustrated Iger, who emphasizes collaboration. Iger nonetheless lauded Cook’s contributions to Disney, in a tenure that included the launch of 63 movies that exceeded $100 million in domestic box office, the release of ‘Toy Story’ and the first release of a digital film, ‘Tarzan.’ ‘Dick Cook’s outstanding creative instincts and incomparable showmanship have truly enriched this company and significantly impacted Disney’s great legacy,’ Iger said. ‘We thank Dick for his tremendous passion for Disney, and his many accomplishments and contributions.’ Some of Hollywood’s most prominent figures reacted to the news with dismay. Johnny Depp, star of the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ franchise, said he was ‘shocked and very sad’ to hear about Cook’s abrupt departure. ‘He is the utmost gentleman,’ said Depp, whom Cook contacted personally in London. ‘He said, ‘I’d like you to hear it from me before you hear it from someone else or read it.’ He said today was my last day. He didn’t give me a reason.’ In a statement, Cook said he had been contemplating stepping down for some time. ‘I have loved every minute of my 38 years that I have worked at Disney . . . from the beginning as a ride operator on Disneyland’s steam train and monorail to my position as chairman of the Walt Disney Studios,’ he said. ‘To wrap up my Disney experience in a neatly bundled statement is close to impossible. But what I will say is . . . we have achieved many industry and company milestones.’