Celebrity Superlatives: Johnny Depp gets raw

USA TODAY’s Jaleesa Jones digs through the latest celebrity news for highlights ... and lowlights. Think high school yearbook superlatives — if J.K. Rowling and Johnny Depp were classmates.

Most thoughtful reveal: J.K. Rowling

In the epilogue of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the final book in the Harry Potter franchise, Harry honors benevolent headmaster Albus Dumbledore and abusive professor Severus Snape by naming his second son Albus Severus. Eight years later, fans of the series still don’t understand why. So, on Nov. 27, one fan decided to ask Rowling directly. In a series of expository tweets, the British author acknowledged Snape’s vindictive ways but argued that his ultimate act of martyrdom at the Battle of Hogwarts saved Harry’s life and revealed the depth of his love for Harry’s mother, Lily. Rowling added that Harry forgave Snape and paid tribute to his sacrifice through the name.

Most intimate interview: Johnny Depp

During an appearance Nov. 27 on The Graham Norton Show, Depp revealed “the darkest period” of his life. The Black Mass actor explained that, in 2007, his daughter, Lily-Rose, contracted E. coli and was hospitalized at London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital for kidney failure. Depp — who would often visit families at Great Ormond Street in his Pirates of the Caribbean costume — said the nine-day ordeal inspired him to visit the hospital more often. “I’d always kind of done these visits, but after that, the visits became more and more important,” he said. “To be able to bring a smile or a giggle to these people, it means everything in the world to me.”

Best birthday bash: Chrissy Teigen 

Teigen may not have turned 30 until Nov. 30, but given the details of her party Nov. 29, we wouldn't have been able to wait either! The FABLife co-host and model eschewed a ritzy dinner for an evening of pork buns and Korean fried chicken wings at the Momofuku Noodle Bar in New York City. The birthday crew then hit the renowned Comedy Cellar, where Teigen was serenaded by husband John Legend and treated to a stand-up routine from comedy great Dave Chappelle.

Emerging philanthropist: Justin Bieber

What’s better than free alcohol? How about free alcohol, courtesy of the Biebs? In his latest surprise appearance, the Sorry singer hit 901 Bar and Grill, a local watering hole near the University of Southern California’s campus. Apparently Bieber was moved by the plight of cash-strapped students there, so much so that he bought shots for the crowd.

Greatest Iggy diss of all time: Erykah Badu

In perhaps the shadiest moment of the 2015 Soul Train Awards, host Badu came for rapper Iggy Azalea’s neck. The original hotline queen and Phone Down singer took the stage, whipped out her cellphone and pretended to take a call before the audience. “Who is this? Iggy Azalea — yeah, hey!” she exclaimed. “Oh, no, no, no, no, no, you can come because what you’re doing is definitely not rap.” Mic drop.