In a rare and heartfelt interview with The Sunday Times, Hollywood icon Johnny Depp has opened up about his experiences raising his two children, Lily-Rose and Jack, with his former partner Vanessa Paradis. The 62-year-old actor, best known for his roles in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, shared candid reflections on fatherhood, the passage of time, and the bittersweet transition from “Papa” to “Dad” as his children grew up. This rare glimpse into Depp’s personal life comes at a time when the actor has largely stepped back from the public eye, making his comments all the more poignant.
Depp, who shares Lily-Rose, now 26, and Jack, now 23, with French singer and actress Vanessa Paradis, spoke warmly of the years spent raising his children on an estate near St. Tropez in the south of France. The couple, who were together for 14 years before parting ways in 2012, chose to shield their children from the Hollywood spotlight, opting for a more anonymous life in France. “Truly, the first time I felt I had a home was the place in the south of France where Vanessa and I raised the kiddies,” Depp told the publication. “That’s the only place that ever felt like home.” This sentiment underscores the deep connection he feels to those early years and the stability the French countryside provided for his family.
The actor’s nostalgia was evident as he reminisced about being called “Papa” by his young children. “Oh man, my kids growing up in the south of France in their youth? I was Papa. I cannot tell you how much I loved being Papa,” he said. The transition to life in Los Angeles, however, marked a shift in his role. “Then, suddenly, Papa was out the window. I was Dad,” he explained, noting the natural evolution as his children matured and the family adapted to a new environment. Despite this change, Depp injected humor into his reflections, adding, “But Papa was awesome, and I’m getting old enough for Papa to possibly come back. Some motherf—er’s going to have to call me Papa!” This lighthearted remark hints at his longing for the days when his children were young and dependent on him.
The interview also revealed Depp’s current emotional state as he grapples with “empty-nest syndrome.” With Lily-Rose establishing herself as an actress and model, and Jack maintaining a low profile, Depp admitted to missing the active role he once played in their lives. “Years get away from us, don’t they?” he mused, a sentiment that resonated with many parents who have watched their children grow and leave home. During the conversation, he pointed to a painting behind him—a portrait of Lily-Rose when she was 10 years old, which he never finished. “She was 10 then, and 25 now,” he said, highlighting the rapid passage of time that has transformed his little girl into a successful young woman.
Lily-Rose Depp has indeed carved out her own path in the entertainment industry, following in her father’s footsteps. Born on May 27, 1999, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, she made her acting debut with a minor role in the 2014 film Tusk, which also featured her father. Since then, she has starred in notable projects such as The Dancer (2016), The King (2019), and the HBO series The Idol (2023), earning critical acclaim for her performances. Her modeling career, particularly as a Chanel ambassador since 2015, has further solidified her status as a rising star. Despite her success, Lily-Rose has spoken publicly about the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, crediting her parents for protecting her and her brother as much as possible during their childhood.
Jack Depp, born John Christopher Depp III on April 9, 2002, has taken a markedly different approach, preferring to stay out of the public eye. Unlike his sister, Jack has rarely been photographed or discussed in the media, a choice that aligns with his mother Vanessa Paradis’ early efforts to keep her children away from cameras. In a 2007 interview with Weekend Knack magazine, Paradis explained, “I indeed keep them away from the cameras, because I don’t want our children to be forced to share in our fame against their will. They didn’t ask for that. Not yet.” This philosophy seems to have shaped Jack’s life, as he has pursued a quieter existence, reportedly working as a bartender at a trendy Lebanese restaurant in Paris’s Bastille quarter until 2024. Despite his low profile, Jack’s close bond with Lily-Rose has been evident through her social media tributes, such as the heartfelt birthday post she shared for his 18th birthday in 2020.
Depp’s reflections on fatherhood also touched on the challenges of raising bilingual children in two distinct cultures. The family raised Lily-Rose and Jack to speak both English and French, a decision that allowed them to navigate life between France and the United States seamlessly. Lily-Rose has recalled using French as a private language with her brother during their school years in the U.S., a practice that strengthened their sibling connection. This bilingual upbringing, facilitated by Paradis’ French heritage and Depp’s international lifestyle, reflects the couple’s commitment to providing their children with a rich, multifaceted identity.
The actor’s comments come amid a period of personal and professional transition. Following his highly publicized defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, which concluded in 2022, Depp has distanced himself from Hollywood, spending time between the Bahamas and the United Kingdom. The trial, which centered on Heard’s allegations of domestic violence, saw Depp emphasize his desire to clear his name for the sake of his children. He told the jury, “Since I knew there was no truth to [the allegations] whatsoever, I felt it my responsibility to stand up not only for myself in that instance but stand up for my children, who at the time were 14 and 16.” Paradis also supported Depp during the legal battle, releasing a statement in 2020 that described him as a “kind, attentive, generous, and non-violent person and father” based on her 25 years of knowing him.
Despite the turmoil of the trial, Depp’s focus remains on his children. He has expressed pride in Jack’s artistic talents, noting in a 2014 interview with The Philippine Daily Inquirer that his son is a skilled draftsman and musician. Similarly, he has supported Lily-Rose’s career while offering cautious advice. “Sometimes kids say to me, ‘I want to be an actor, what’s your advice?’ And I say, ‘Don’t be!’” he told The Sunday Times. “I know what’s coming for them… Don’t let anybody choose for you.” This advice reflects his own complex relationship with fame, which he admitted still feels unfamiliar after nearly 40 years in the industry.
The decision to raise his children in France rather than Hollywood was a deliberate one, influenced by Paradis’ preference for a more private life. In the same 2007 Weekend Knack interview, she said, “For my children, I secretly choose France. Even though Los Angeles is great too… Only, in the south of France you can live much more anonymously. And that’s a bliss, especially when the children are still young.” This choice allowed Lily-Rose and Jack to enjoy a relatively normal childhood, away from the paparazzi that often followed Depp after the success of Pirates of the Caribbean in 2003. Depp himself recalled the chaos of that period, describing how people dressed as Captain Jack Sparrow would try to climb his Los Angeles gates, underscoring the need for a retreat to France.
As Depp navigates his current phase of life, his thoughts often return to his children. The actor hinted at the possibility of becoming a grandfather, a prospect that seems to excite him despite his empty-nest status. His bond with Lily-Rose and Jack remains strong, evidenced by their occasional public appearances together and the pride he takes in their individual journeys. For a man who has lived much of his life in the public eye, these rare comments offer a window into a more private side—one defined by love, nostalgia, and a deep commitment to family.
The interview with The Sunday Times has sparked widespread interest, with fans and media alike praising Depp’s vulnerability. Posts on social media platforms like X have highlighted his emotional candor, with many expressing admiration for his dedication as a father. This openness contrasts with his usual reticence about his personal life, making the moment a significant one for those who have followed his career. As Lily-Rose continues to rise in Hollywood and Jack carves out his own path, Depp’s reflections serve as a reminder of the enduring impact of parenthood, even amidst the glitz and glamour of fame.
In conclusion, Johnny Depp’s recent comments about raising Lily-Rose and Jack offer a rare and intimate look at the man behind the iconic roles. From the idyllic days in the south of France to the challenges of adapting to life in Los Angeles, his journey as a father has been one of joy, adjustment, and unwavering support. As he embraces the next chapter of his life, Depp’s love for his children remains a constant, a testament to the values he and Paradis instilled during those formative years.
