Gallant Johnny to Nic Cage's rescue

The 'Pirates of the Caribbean' hunk was horrified to hear the actor has ran into difficulties over a $6million tax bill and has pledged to support the 'Con Air' hunk through his plight because of the assistance he gave Johnny when he was first trying to make it in Hollywood.

A friend of the pair told Britain's Daily Express newspaper: "Johnny called Nicolas and basically told him not to worry and he'd help him and sort everything out.

"Johnny feels he owes his career to Nicolas and now wants to repay him - if Nicolas agrees.

"Johnny has never forgotten what Nic did for him."

Nicolas met Johnny in the 80s when the 'Sleepy Hollow' star was a struggling musician.

The 'Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans' actor linked Johnny up with his agent, a move which eventually secured him his breakthrough role in 'A Nightmare On Elm Street'.

Nicolas - whose films have grossed GBP3.9billion - is facing financial ruin after getting landed with his staggering tax bill.

He owes $6 million in back taxes from 2007 and is suing his former manger for bad financial advice.