In her memoir You With the Sad Eyes, Christina Applegate reveals a deep, longstanding childhood affection for actor Johnny Depp, describing herself as “madly in love” with him during her teenage years. The actress, now 54, reflects on her early experiences in Hollywood, including her close friendship with Depp and their shared time in the late 1980s, while documenting her personal journey, which also encompasses her 2021 multiple sclerosis diagnosis. The revelation sheds light on a quietly emotional chapter from her youth, illustrating the intensity of her feelings through candid diary entries.
Early Journal Entries Reveal Intense Emotions Toward Depp
Applegate’s memoir includes excerpts from her private journals, kept from age 13 until she chose to stop writing, which chronicle her evolving thoughts and complex emotions surrounding Depp. At just 15, she secured a guest appearance on Depp’s breakthrough show, 21 Jump Street, a moment that clearly influenced her feelings. She explains that Depp was part of her close-knit circle of friends, a group that featured her lifelong friend Sam Sarkar. Referring to her teenage writings, Applegate says they are
“filled with complicated and ever-changing feelings”
for Depp, emphasizing the depth and sincerity of her adolescent crush.
Memories of Dreams and Longing in Adolescence
Among the journal entries reproduced in the memoir, one stands out where the young Applegate writes about “really strange dreams” involving Depp, lamenting her inability to remember the dreams’ details beyond his presence. She admits a bittersweet wish to connect with Depp on a deeper level despite recognizing that she cannot change him. These reflections offer a glimpse into her youthful vulnerability and the challenges she faced managing intense emotions.
Shared Experiences on Set and in Canada
Applegate recalls Depp inviting her to visit Vancouver while filming 21 Jump Street. Her journals from this period describe numerous trips to Canada, where she cherished spending time with Depp and their friends. The closeness of their relationship during those years is evident, with Applegate portraying those moments as a highlight of her teenage life. These experiences further solidify the significance Depp held for her during her formative years in Hollywood.
Christina Applegate’s Advocacy and New Projects
Beyond her memoir, Applegate continues to engage with her personal journey publicly. She co-hosts the podcast MeSsy alongside fellow actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler, who also lives with multiple sclerosis. Additionally, she is launching an online community called Next in MS, designed to allow others affected by MS to share their stories and find support. You With the Sad Eyes is now available in bookstores and through various retailers.
“In my closet there is a locked box of all my journals from the age of 13 to the time I stopped wanting to write, Lucky you — the box is open.”
– Christina Applegate, Actress and Author
“Was part of my friend group growing up, a group that included my still‑best friend, Sam Sarkar.”
– Christina Applegate, Actress and Author
“Was in love with Johnny Depp for years… my journals are filled with complicated and ever-changing feelings.”
– Christina Applegate, Actress and Author
“I’ve been having really strange dreams about Johnny of all people. I can’t really analyze them because I don’t remember what they are once I wake up. I can only remember who’s in them … Johnny.”
– Christina Applegate, Actress and Author
“I can’t sit here and wish he was something that he’s not. I can’t change him. But yet I wish I could get through to him.”
– Christina Applegate, Actress and Author
“Would invite Applegate up to Vancouver to hang out amid filming 21 Jump Street. There are lots of entries about my trips to Canada in my journals; mostly, I loved it up there with the guys.”
– Christina Applegate, Actress and Author
