As of June 16, 2025, Lily-Rose Depp, the 25-year-old French-American actress and daughter of Hollywood icon Johnny Depp and French singer Vanessa Paradis, has been making waves in the entertainment industry with her determination to carve out her own identity. In a series of recent interviews, Depp has opened up about her approach to acting, emphasizing her commitment to seeking out scripts that resonate with her personal vision rather than relying on her father’s legendary status. This bold stance reflects her desire to be recognized for her own talent, a journey that has both challenged and inspired her amid the shadow of nepotism debates.
A Path Defined by Choice, Not Legacy
Lily-Rose Depp’s entry into the spotlight was almost inevitable given her lineage. Born on May 27, 1999, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, she grew up splitting her time between Paris and Los Angeles, immersed in a world of art and cinema thanks to her parents’ successful careers. Her acting debut came in 2014 with a minor role in Tusk, directed by Kevin Smith and featuring her father, followed by Yoga Hosers in 2016, where she again shared the screen with Johnny Depp. These early projects, while offering a platform, also fueled perceptions that her opportunities stemmed from her famous parentage rather than merit.
However, Depp has been vocal about rejecting this narrative. In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, she revealed, “I feel like people have been ready to see me fail since I was a kid. That has made me only want to work harder and prove people wrong.” This drive has led her to actively seek roles that challenge her as an actress, rather than accepting parts handed to her through familial connections. Her approach involves scouring scripts, collaborating with directors who value her vision, and choosing projects that allow her to step out from under her father’s towering legacy.
One of her most notable efforts came with her role in Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu (2024), a remake of the 1922 silent horror classic. Playing Ellen Hutter opposite Bill Skarsgård’s menacing Count Orlok, Depp delivered a performance that has earned critical acclaim, with reviewers praising her ability to convey vulnerability and intensity. This role, far removed from the lighthearted tones of her early films, showcases her intent to explore complex characters and genres, asserting her individuality in an industry often skeptical of “nepo babies.”
Overcoming the Nepotism Label
The term “nepo baby”—short for nepotism baby—has dogged Depp since her career began, a label that suggests her success is unearned due to her parents’ influence. In an Elle magazine profile, she addressed this head-on, stating, “People are going to have preconceived ideas about you or how you got there, and I can definitely say that nothing is going to get you the part except for being right for the part.” She draws an analogy to other professions, noting, “If somebody’s mom or dad is a doctor, and then the kid becomes a doctor, you’re not going to be like, ‘Well, you’re only a doctor because your parent is a doctor.’ It’s like, ‘No, I went to medical school and trained.’”
Depp’s determination to prove her worth is evident in her diverse filmography. After Tusk and Yoga Hosers, she took on the lead role of Isadora Duncan in The Dancer (2016), earning nominations for Most Promising Actress at the César Awards and Best Female Revelation at the Lumières Awards. Her portrayal of Catherine of Valois in The King (2019) alongside Timothée Chalamet further demonstrated her range, with critics noting her “delicate worldliness” that complemented the film’s historical narrative. These achievements, she argues, are the result of her own effort and talent, not a handout from her father’s name.
The Idol (2023), an HBO series where she starred alongside The Weeknd, presented another test. Despite the show’s controversial reception and eventual cancellation after five episodes due to its explicit content, Depp’s performance as Jocelyn, a troubled pop star, was singled out for bringing “tentative gravity” to the role. This willingness to tackle demanding characters, even in projects that divide audiences, underscores her commitment to growth over relying on her father’s fame.
The Challenge of Privacy and Anonymity
Depp has also spoken about the personal toll of fame, a burden she navigates while trying to maintain a sense of self. In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, she emphasized the importance of protecting her privacy, saying, “Every job comes with a set of circumstances and this [fame] is kind of one of them. The importance to me has been to maintain a sense of… privacy and groundedness.” She views anonymity as essential to her craft, explaining, “The job of an actor is to go into a character and melt into it… they’re not supposed to get to know ‘you’ that well, because you want them to believe you as other characters.”
This perspective stems from her upbringing, where her parents shielded her and her younger brother, Jack, from excessive public scrutiny. Growing up bilingual and moving between cultures, Depp developed a private inner world that she now guards fiercely. Her relationship with rapper 070 Shake, publicly acknowledged since May 2023, is one of the few personal details she shares, reflecting her selective approach to public life. This balance allows her to focus on her work without the constant noise of celebrity gossip.
A Distinct Artistic Identity
While Johnny Depp’s career is marked by iconic roles like Captain Jack Sparrow and Edward Scissorhands, Lily-Rose is forging a path that reflects her own interests. She has expressed admiration for her parents’ artistry but is keen to avoid being defined by it. “Trying to find my own identity in this world has been interesting when everybody’s thinking that you’re here for the wrong reasons,” she told Vanity Fair. This sentiment fuels her choice of projects like Wolf (2021), a psychological drama, and Voyagers (2021), a science-fiction thriller, where she explores darker, more introspective themes.
Her experience on Nosferatu was particularly transformative. Depp described it as “the most technical set I’ve ever been on,” likening it to “going to film school.” The role required physical and emotional demands, including scenes of convulsions, which she embraced to prove her capability. This dedication has led some to speculate about an Oscar nod, a testament to her growing credibility.
The Broader Conversation
Depp’s journey resonates beyond her personal story, sparking discussions about nepotism in Hollywood. While some critics argue her opportunities are a byproduct of her father’s connections—pointing to early roles facilitated by Kevin Smith—others defend her talent, citing her consistent evolution as an actress. Online forums like Reddit show a divide, with some users praising her Nosferatu performance as a “huge achievement” and others questioning her authenticity, though these opinions often lack evidence of her audition process or casting decisions.
This debate mirrors broader industry trends, where children of celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie have also faced scrutiny. Yet, Depp’s proactive approach—seeking scripts, collaborating with acclaimed directors like Eggers, and taking on risky roles—sets her apart. Her success suggests that while family ties may open doors, it is her work ethic and choices that sustain her career.
Looking Ahead
As of mid-2025, Depp’s future projects include The Governesses (2025) with Joe Talbot and a potential role in Johnny (2027), a biopic about French singer Johnny Hallyday. These ventures indicate her intent to diversify further, exploring both English and French cinema. Her father’s recent charitable act—supporting an 85-year-old restaurant worker—has kept him in the news, but Lily-Rose remains focused on her own narrative, rarely commenting on his endeavors.
In a world where fame can be a double-edged sword, Lily-Rose Depp is carving a niche that honors her roots while asserting her independence. Her story is one of resilience, a young actress determined to let her performances speak louder than her pedigree. As she continues to grow, her journey offers a compelling case study in talent triumphing over expectation, proving that with hard work, even the shadow of a Hollywood legend can be outshone.
