Johnny Depp, the enigmatic Hollywood icon, has spent over four decades in the spotlight, crafting a career as diverse as his eccentric roles—from the swashbuckling Captain Jack Sparrow to the haunting Edward Scissorhands. But beyond the screen, Depp’s personal relationships with fellow celebrities paint a vivid picture of a man who inspires both fierce loyalty and deep animosity. Known for his quirky charm, old-school values, and a life marked by both triumph and turmoil, Depp’s inner circle—and his list of adversaries—reveal much about his character. Here’s a look at nine celebrities Depp is close to, and six he reportedly can’t stand, as of May 22, 2025.
Celebs Johnny Depp Is Close To
1. Tim Burton: The Creative Soulmate
Depp’s bond with director Tim Burton is legendary, a partnership that birthed cinematic gems like Edward Scissorhands (1990), Sweeney Todd (2007), and Alice in Wonderland (2010). Their collaboration spans eight films, each showcasing Depp’s ability to embody Burton’s quirky, gothic vision. Burton has praised Depp’s warmth and humor, describing him as a “warm guy” despite the media’s often harsh portrayal. Their friendship, rooted in mutual respect for each other’s artistry, has weathered Depp’s public scandals, with Burton remaining a steadfast ally.
2. Vanessa Paradis: The Loyal Ex
Vanessa Paradis, Depp’s partner of 14 years and the mother of his two children, Lily-Rose and Jack, has been a pillar of support. Despite their 2012 split, Paradis defended Depp during his legal battles with Amber Heard, stating in 2020 that the allegations of abuse didn’t align with the “kind, attentive, generous” man she knew. Her loyalty underscores a deep, enduring bond, one that transcends their romantic past and highlights Depp’s role as a father and friend.
3. Marilyn Manson: The Rebel Brother
Depp and shock-rocker Marilyn Manson have been friends since the 1990s, sharing a love for music and nonconformity. Manson has stood by Depp through thick and thin, vouching for his character during the Heard controversy. The duo’s friendship includes musical collaborations—Depp has joined Manson on stage and even appeared in his music videos. Their bond, often described as surprisingly wholesome, reflects Depp’s affinity for fellow outsiders who challenge societal norms.
4. Doug Stanhope: The Fierce Defender
Comedian Doug Stanhope and Depp have been pals for decades, a friendship forged through shared experiences and mutual loyalty. Stanhope fiercely defended Depp during his divorce from Heard, claiming in 2016 that Heard’s allegations were motivated by financial gain due to the lack of a prenup. Stanhope’s unwavering support, even at the risk of legal backlash, highlights the depth of their camaraderie.
5. Ellen DeGeneres: The Industry Ally
Depp and Ellen DeGeneres have maintained a professional friendship since her talk show debuted in 2003. Depp has been a frequent guest, their interactions marked by lighthearted banter and mutual respect. DeGeneres, known for staying neutral in Hollywood scandals, has remained a consistent presence in Depp’s life, offering him a platform to connect with fans even during his most tumultuous periods.
6. Winona Ryder: The Nostalgic Bond
Depp and Winona Ryder’s romance in the early 1990s was a Hollywood fairy tale, complete with a “Winona Forever” tattoo that Depp later altered to “Wino Forever” after their breakup. Despite their split, Ryder has remained a vocal supporter, stating in 2020 that the allegations of violence against Depp were “the furthest thing” from the man she knew. Their enduring friendship reflects a shared history of navigating fame’s highs and lows.
7. Paul Bettany: The Trusted Co-Star
Depp and Paul Bettany forged a close friendship while working on films like The Tourist (2010) and Transcendence (2014). Bettany has publicly supported Depp, tweeting in 2016 that Depp is “the sweetest, kindest, gentlest man” he’s ever known. Bettany even testified in Depp’s favor during the 2022 defamation trial against Heard, refuting claims about incriminating text messages. Their bond, strengthened by shared projects and personal trust, remains solid.
8. Javier Bardem: The Respectful Colleague
Javier Bardem, who worked with Depp on Before Night Falls (2000) and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017), has been a vocal supporter. In 2020, Bardem described Depp as a “true gentleman” and a “caring friend,” praising his kindness and professionalism. Bardem’s admiration, rooted in their professional collaborations, highlights Depp’s ability to inspire loyalty among peers who value his character over tabloid narratives.
9. Helena Bonham Carter: The On-Screen Soulmate
Helena Bonham Carter, another frequent Burton collaborator, has worked with Depp on multiple projects, including Sweeney Todd and Dark Shadows (2012). Depp is the godfather to her children with Burton, a testament to their deep friendship. In 2022, Carter called Depp “completely vindicated” after his trial win against Heard, expressing shock at the allegations given his “old-fashioned” nature. Their bond, built on shared creativity and family ties, is unshakable.
Celebs Johnny Depp Can’t Stand
1. Amber Heard: The Contentious Ex
Depp’s relationship with Amber Heard, his ex-wife from 2015 to 2017, is arguably the most infamous feud of his life. Their marriage ended in a storm of allegations, with Heard accusing Depp of domestic abuse, claims he fiercely denied. The 2020 UK libel trial against The Sun, which labeled Depp a “wife-beater,” ruled against him, but the 2022 U.S. defamation trial saw Depp win $10 million, with the jury finding Heard’s claims defamatory. The legal battles, filled with mutual accusations, have left their relationship irreparably hostile.
2. James Franco: The Unwelcome Intruder
James Franco’s involvement in Depp’s drama with Heard created tension between the two actors. Franco, who was linked to Heard after her split from Depp, was named in Depp’s 2019 defamation suit against Heard, with Depp alleging Heard had an affair with Franco. Franco denied the claims, but his decision to testify for Heard in the 2022 trial further strained any chance of reconciliation with Depp, who reportedly felt betrayed by Franco’s allegiance.
3. Elon Musk: The Reluctant Rival
Elon Musk, another of Heard’s ex-partners, was dragged into Depp’s legal saga when Depp accused Heard of an affair with Musk during their marriage. Musk, who dated Heard between 2016 and 2018, was listed as a potential witness for Heard in the 2022 trial. Musk denied the allegations, but Depp’s insistence on framing him as part of the drama created a rift, with Musk expressing frustration over being pulled into the conflict.
4. Amanda de Cadenet: The Vocal Critic
British media personality Amanda de Cadenet, a close friend of Heard’s, publicly criticized Depp during his divorce from Heard. In 2016, de Cadenet posted a photo from her birthday party with Heard, subtly highlighting Heard’s alleged abuse. She later blasted Depp on social media, calling his actions into question. Depp’s fans retaliated, labeling her comments “unnecessary,” but her allegiance to Heard solidified her as one of Depp’s detractors.
5. Nina Jacobson: The Disney Dissenter
Disney executive Nina Jacobson clashed with Depp during the production of Pirates of the Caribbean. Jacobson reportedly disliked Depp’s portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow, finding his performance confusing and even questioning his sexuality, according to a 2020 report. Her criticism, which Depp found dismissive, marked a professional rift that never healed, despite the franchise’s massive success.
6. David Krumholtz: The Heard Supporter
Actor David Krumholtz, who worked with Heard on The Playboy Club (2011), publicly supported her during the Depp-Heard trial. In a 2022 Instagram Story, Krumholtz called Heard a “victim of abuse by Johnny Depp,” criticizing Depp’s “smugness” in court and attributing his behavior to substance abuse. Krumholtz’s outspoken stance, contrasting with Depp’s narrative of victimhood, placed him firmly on Depp’s list of adversaries.
A Man of Contrasts
Johnny Depp’s relationships with these celebrities reflect the duality of his life—a man who inspires deep loyalty from friends like Burton, Paradis, and Manson, yet attracts fierce opposition from figures like Heard, Franco, and Krumholtz. His friendships are often rooted in shared creativity, mutual respect, and a kinship with those who, like him, defy convention. His feuds, however, stem from personal betrayals, professional disagreements, and the fallout of his highly publicized legal battles. As of May 22, 2025, Depp continues to navigate this complex web of alliances and enmities, a testament to his enduring, if polarizing, presence in Hollywood.
