| Human Profile | |
| Name: | John Christopher Depp II |
| Birthday: | June 9, 1963 (age 62 years), Born in Owensboro, Kentucky |
| Height: | 5'10" (178 cm) |
| Education: | Miramar High School (Dropped Out) Loft Studio (No Degree), Acting |
Overview
Johnny Depp is an American actor and musician recognized for his diverse and often eccentric film roles, his long-standing collaboration with director Tim Burton, and his iconic portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, having initially gained prominence as a teen idol on 21 Jump Street and also being a member of the rock supergroup Hollywood Vampires.
Latest News (Feb 2, 2026): Johnny Depp was recently photographed looking unrecognizable in heavy prosthetics and period costume while filming on location in London for Ti West’s upcoming Paramount Pictures film, *Ebenezer: A Christmas Carol*. These first-look set photos, which surfaced on February 1, 2026, show the actor portraying a weathered Ebenezer Scrooge alongside co-star Andrea Riseborough as the Ghost of Christmas Past in his first major Hollywood studio production in years.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
John Christopher Depp II was born on June 9, 1963, in Owensboro, Kentucky, the youngest of four children to Betty Sue Palmer (née Wells), a waitress, and John Christopher Depp, a civil engineer. His family moved frequently during his childhood, eventually settling in Miramar, Florida, in 1970. His parents divorced in 1978 when he was 15 years old.
At the age of 12, his mother gave him a guitar, which sparked his interest in music. He played in various garage bands. At 16, he dropped out of Miramar High School to pursue a career as a rock musician. Although he attempted to return to school two weeks later, the principal encouraged him to follow his musical aspirations. In 1980, he joined a band called The Kids. The band achieved modest local success in Florida before relocating to Los Angeles in search of a record deal, where they changed their name to Six Gun Method. The group split up before securing a record contract. He also co-wrote the song “Mary” for the band Rock City Angels.
Transition to Acting
While pursuing a music career, John Christopher Depp II took on various odd jobs, including telemarketing. His then-wife, Lori Anne Allison, a makeup artist, introduced him to actor Nicolas Cage. Cage saw potential in him and suggested he pursue acting, leading to an introduction to a Hollywood agent. This connection helped him secure an audition with director Wes Craven.
With no prior acting experience, he landed his first film role in the 1984 horror movie A Nightmare on Elm Street, playing the main character’s boyfriend. He continued to be cast in films, including a starring role in the 1985 comedy Private Resort and an appearance in the 1986 war film Platoon.
Rise to Prominence
His professional breakthrough came in 1987 when he was cast as Officer Tom Hanson in the television series 21 Jump Street. The show was a success and made him a teen idol, a label he reportedly resented. After his contract expired, he left the series in 1990 to pursue more complex film roles.
In 1990, he starred in John Waters’ Cry-Baby and Tim Burton’s fantasy-romance Edward Scissorhands. The latter marked the beginning of a long and successful collaboration with director Tim Burton. Throughout the 1990s, he took on a variety of roles in films such as What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993), Benny & Joon (1993), Ed Wood (1994), Donnie Brasco (1997), and Sleepy Hollow (1999).
Global Stardom and Varied Roles
In 2003, John Christopher Depp II achieved immense international stardom with his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in the Walt Disney Pictures film Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. The film was a major box office success and led to a multi-film franchise. His performance earned him a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Actor.
His collaboration with Tim Burton continued with roles in films like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), the animated Corpse Bride (2005), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)—for which he won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor—and Alice in Wonderland (2010). Other notable films include Finding Neverland (2004), for which he also received an Academy Award nomination, Public Enemies (2009), the animated feature Rango (2011), and Black Mass (2015). He also portrayed Gellert Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts film series.
In addition to his acting career, he remains active in music. He has played guitar on soundtracks and with artists like The Pogues and Oasis. He is a member of the rock supergroup Hollywood Vampires, alongside Alice Cooper and Joe Perry.
Personal Life
In 1983, he married makeup artist Lori Anne Allison; they divorced in 1985. He had a long-term relationship with French singer and actress Vanessa Paradis from 1998 to 2012, with whom he has two children, Lily-Rose Melody Depp and John Christopher “Jack” Depp III. In 2015, he married actress Amber Heard. Their marriage ended in a widely publicized divorce in 2017.