Actor Johnny Depp

JOHNNY DEPP is well known for his quirky sense of style but he’s upped the ante on the set of his new film in which he plays the Mad Hatter - by eating his hat.

The Hollywood star portrays the famous Mad Hatter character in director Tim Burton’s new version of Alice in Wonderland, and he has been amusing crewmembers on set with his strange behaviour.

Burton, who was worked with Depp on numerous film projects, including Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, says the actor is embracing his latest role.

He says, “Nobody plays oddballs better than Johnny and he’s loving playing this one. He actually ate his hat the other day. No word of a lie he just bit into the brim and chewed.”

Matt Damon made a surprise appearance at the Escape to Miami Triathlon on Sunday.

“My brother talked me into it,” Damon told the Miami Herald of his last-minute decision to participate.

The actor joined his stepfather Jay Jones and family friend Barry Hetherington in the race’s running portion as a member of a relay team, the Herald reports.

After finishing his 6.2-mile leg in 59 minutes and 54 seconds, he was greeted by wife Luciana and newborn daughter Gia.

The actor has been trying to shed the 30 lbs. he gained for his upcoming thriller The Informant.

“I was doing this movie this summer where I had to put on all this weight and my brother told me, ‘October 5, save the date,’” said Damon, who also has been hitting the boxing ring.

Asked after the race if he was ready to trade in his gloves for a pair of running shoes, Damon joked: “I don’t think so. I knew I was in trouble when the old guy with the oxygen tank passed me.”

“Dancing with the Stars” hunk Helio Castroneves may soon be dancing to the Jailhouse Rock.

The pro race car driver was indicted today in Florida on a federal income tax case.

Castroneves, who charmed judges and the audience with his winning moves and sexy smile, is accused of siphoning millions of dollars in income to a Panamanian shell company from 1999 to 2004.

The Brazilian-born Castroneves, 3, is expected to appear in a Miami court on Friday to face charges of conspiracy and tax evasion.

If convicted of all charges, he faces a maximum penalty of 35 years in prison.

His sister and business manager Katiucia Castroneves and his attorney, Alan Miller, were also indicted.