Depp had been a "huge Dylan Thomas fan since he was a young boy", according to the family who own the birthplace in Swansea and run it as an attraction to visitors.

The actor, who has appeared in films including Pirates of the Caribbean, said he was "dumbfounded" to walk where Thomas once had.

The owners said Depp was "warm and generous with his enthusiasm" for Thomas and his birthplace.

Last year, Depp was cast in his first movie role since a high-profile defamation case with ex-wife Amber Heard.

Depp visited the birthplace on Friday ahead of a gig in Swansea with his band the Hollywood Vampires.

Thomas wrote two-thirds of his published work, which includes drama Under Milk Wood, at the house which was restored from a student bedsit to its 1914 condition by Geoff Haden in 2005.

The house was officially opened by Thomas' daughter in 2008 on the 94th anniversary of his birth.

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During his visit, Depp spoke with Mr Haden about the times they had met President Jimmy Carter, who is also reportedly a fan of Thomas' work.

Before he left, Depp wrote a comment in the visitors' book which ended with: "All respect always, Johnny".