Johnny Depp reflects on family life in a candid interview, revealing that his years raising children with Vanessa Paradis in the south of France remain the most fulfilling period of his life. Speaking with intensity and a sense of longing, Depp describes the emotional impact of fame and the isolation he currently experiences while living in London.
Depp Remembers Family Years in France as His True Home
The actor, now 62, spent 14 years with Vanessa Paradis, sharing two children: Lily-Rose Depp, now 26, and Jack Depp, 23. Depp explained that nurturing his family in the south of France gave him a sense of home he had never felt before. He recalled feeling pure happiness as “Papa” while his kids grew up in their childhood home with Paradis. Depp stated that bringing up his children was the happiest period of his life and emphasized the deep connection he still feels to that time and place.
Reflecting further, Depp admitted,
“That’s the only place that ever felt like home.”
—Johnny Depp, Actor
Fame’s Cost: Isolation and Reluctance for Public Life
In his interview with the Sunday Times, Depp addressed the challenges he faces since entering the public eye. Now residing in a rented London property, he avoids going out in public, citing concerns over being recognized and a desire for privacy. He confessed that his current lifestyle has left him feeling disconnected from the outside world and said he rarely goes out.
Explaining his situation, Depp said,
“I’m stuck with my thoughts; just thinking, writing or watching weird s–t on YouTube. It can’t be healthy.”
—Johnny Depp, Actor
While Depp acknowledged attempts to disguise himself, he believes that fame is impossible to hide from.
“I’ve tried hats or I can grow a beard. But there is never any way to hide, and I just feel uncomfortable causing this weird form of attention I do, because I’m really shy.”
—Johnny Depp, Actor
Discussing how fame has affected his personal life, Depp stated,
“Fame is an occupational hazard – but if I spout off about how upset I am, people will say, ‘Sweetheart, take a job pulling trash bags.’”
—Johnny Depp, Actor
Social Retreat and Candid Thoughts on Attention
Depp described how he typically refuses social invitations, often declining outings even with close friends. He acknowledged,
“To this day I just rarely go out,”
—Johnny Depp, Actor and elaborated on how his presence can overshadow simple get-togethers due to the unwanted attention it generates. He shared his struggle with nearly four decades in the public eye, stating that fame is still something he finds uncomfortable and cannot grow used to.
He explained,
“If friends invite me out for a Mexican, I say, ‘Dude, that’s sweet of you but I will ruin your night.’ My presence will bring attention and, Jesus, I have had almost 40 years of fame but I’m still not used to it. And I’m glad I’m not.”
—Johnny Depp, Actor
Advice to the Next Generation: Lessons for Lily-Rose Depp
As his daughter Lily-Rose Depp pursues a path in the same industry, Depp has consistently warned her of the consequences that come with fame. He revealed that when young people ask him for advice about acting, he’s quick to warn them:
“Sometimes kids say to me, ‘I want to be an actor, what’s your advice?’ And I say, ‘Don’t be!’ I know what’s coming for them.”
Depp cautioned about the pressures to conform within the entertainment industry and highlighted the importance of staying true to oneself, drawing from his own experiences on the road. He offered,
“And if that’s the direction you want? Go for it. But don’t let anybody choose for you.”
—Johnny Depp, Actor
The Ongoing Personal Impact of Fame
As Depp continues to confront the realities of a life shaped by public attention, his reflections reveal both the comfort he found in family life and the strain caused by celebrity. Mentioning key entities such as Vanessa Paradis, Lily-Rose Depp, and Jack Depp, his remarks underscore the costs and sacrifices that can come with fame. The significance of these experiences is evident in Depp’s preference for cherished memories in France over his current reclusive lifestyle in London, emphasizing how the search for genuine belonging has shaped both his past and present choices.
