Johnny Depp, the legendary Hollywood actor known for his iconic roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and Edward Scissorhands, has long captivated audiences with his on-screen charisma and off-screen mystique. Yet, beneath the glitz of his four-decade career lies a deeply personal story of fatherhood, one marked by a commitment to his children, Lily-Rose and Jack Depp, whom he shares with former partner Vanessa Paradis. While Lily-Rose has embraced the spotlight as an actress and model, Jack, the lesser-known Depp offspring, has chosen a strikingly different path, opting for a quiet life away from Hollywood’s glare. In a rare glimpse into their relationship, sources close to the family reveal that Depp continues to support his 23-year-old son’s decision, reportedly expressing pride with the words, “That’s a very right choice, son!” This article explores the dynamics of their bond, Jack’s unconventional journey, and Depp’s subtle yet steadfast support as of July 1, 2025.
Early Life and Family Choices
Jack Depp, born John Christopher Depp III on April 9, 2002, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, grew up far from the Hollywood hustle, a deliberate choice by his parents. Depp and Paradis, who were together from 1998 to 2012, raised their children in the south of France, valuing privacy over publicity. In a 2007 interview with Belgium’s Weekend Knack magazine, Paradis explained, “For my children, I secretly choose France… in the south of France you can live much more anonymously. And that’s a bliss, especially when the children are still young.” This upbringing shaped Jack’s preference for a low-profile life, a stark contrast to his sister Lily-Rose, who has followed in their father’s footsteps with roles in films like Nosferatu (2024) and the controversial series The Idol (2023).
Jack’s Path Away from Hollywood
Unlike Lily-Rose, who made her acting debut at 15 and became a Chanel face, Jack has shown little interest in the entertainment industry. In a 2014 interview with The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Depp expressed relief, saying, “Aside from school plays and things, he hasn’t shown any desire to become an actor. Whew!” Instead, Jack has pursued his passions privately, excelling as a draftsman and musician. Depp has often praised his son’s talents, noting in the same interview, “My boy Jack has always been a very talented craftsman. He draws really super well, and he’s got a good feel for music.” This artistic inclination led Jack to form a band initially called Clown Boner, a name that amused his father, who quipped to Rolling Stone in 2018, “We don’t need a paternity test. That’s my kid.” The band later evolved into Along Came Tragedy, though Jack’s current involvement remains unclear.
Jack’s decision to step away from fame became more evident in recent years. Since 2022, he has worked as a bartender at L’Area, a trendy Lebanese restaurant in Paris’s Bastille district, a job that reflects his desire for normalcy. Restaurant owner Edouard Chueke told MailOnline in December 2024, “Jack is a great guy; he keeps out of the limelight, but worked here behind the bar and in the kitchen.” Chueke noted Jack’s skill in preparing mezze dishes and his popularity with regulars, including Lily-Rose, who was once seen mixing caipirinhas behind the bar. Jack left the job a few months ago but is expected to return later in 2025, further cementing his commitment to a life outside Hollywood.
Depp’s Quiet Support
Depp’s support for Jack’s choice is subtle but unwavering. Despite his own high-profile struggles, including the 2022 defamation trial against Amber Heard, where he fought to clear his name for his children’s sake, Depp has respected Jack’s privacy. During the trial, he testified, “I felt it my responsibility to stand up not only for myself in that instance but stand up for my children.” Sources suggest Depp has privately encouraged Jack’s independence, with the phrase “That’s a very right choice, son!” attributed to him in conversations with close confidants. This support aligns with Depp’s philosophy of letting his children forge their own paths, as he told The Daily Mail in 2015, “The kids are going to make the decisions. It’s what they want to do.”
The father-son bond, though rarely publicized, is evident in small gestures. Depp has a tattoo of a sparrow flying over the ocean with Jack’s name beneath it, a nod to his son’s free-spirited nature, reminiscent of his own Pirates character. Jack’s rare public appearances, such as supporting Lily-Rose at Paris Fashion Week in 2015, hint at their closeness. Lily-Rose has also highlighted their sibling bond, telling Interview magazine in 2021, “My brother and I are super close… when we wanted to say something just between us, we could say it in French and nobody would understand.” This bilingual connection, nurtured by their French upbringing, underscores the family’s tight-knit dynamic.
Challenges and Resilience
Jack’s life has not been without challenges. In 2018, at age 16, he faced a serious health issue that forced Paradis to miss the premiere of her film A Knife in the Heart. Details remain scarce, but the incident echoed Lily-Rose’s 2007 near-fatal E. coli infection, which left Depp describing it as “the darkest period ever” on The Graham Norton Show in 2015. These health scares likely strengthened Depp’s resolve to support Jack’s quieter lifestyle, shielding him from additional stress. The 2012 parental separation, though amicable, also impacted Jack, though Depp told Rolling Stone in 2013, “It wasn’t easy on the kids,” but they prioritized their well-being.
Depp’s Career Context
Depp’s own career trajectory adds context to his support. After the Heard trial, where he won a partial victory but faced backlash, he stepped back from Hollywood, returning with Jeanne du Barry in 2023 and preparing for Day Drinker with Penélope Cruz in 2025. In a Joblo interview, he dismissed a “comeback” narrative, saying, “I didn’t go anywhere. If I actually had the chance to split, I would never come back.” This introspection may reflect his admiration for Jack’s choice to avoid the industry’s pitfalls, a decision that mirrors Depp’s own early rebellion against teen idol status on 21 Jump Street.
Family Dynamics and Future
Jack’s relationship with Paradis further shapes his life. Living in Paris, he remains close to his mother, who has always championed his autonomy. In 2007, she told Weekend Knack, “The day that they will decide for themselves to do things that might bring them into the spotlight, then I won’t stop them.” This philosophy has allowed Jack to explore a normal life, from bartending to rumored past links with French model Camille Jansen, though their current status is unclear. His low profile contrasts with Lily-Rose’s rising star power, yet their sibling bond endures, as seen in her 2020 Instagram tribute for his 18th birthday.
Depp’s financial support, though not overtly detailed, is implied through his efforts to secure his children’s future. During the TMG lawsuit in 2017, he expressed concern over lost earnings “for my kids,” suggesting a behind-the-scenes role in ensuring Jack’s stability. This aligns with his 2006 Associated Press comment, “Having kids gave me a real foundation, a real strong place to stand in life.” As Jack navigates adulthood—splitting time between France and the U.S.—Depp’s quiet pride in his son’s independence shines through.
Conclusion
Public sentiment often highlights Jack’s resemblance to a young Depp, with some speculating he might one day enter Hollywood. However, current evidence suggests otherwise, with Jack content in his Parisian life. Depp’s support, encapsulated in “That’s a very right choice, son!” reflects a father’s acceptance of a son who defies the family legacy, choosing authenticity over fame. As of 09:48 AM +07 on July 1, 2025, this understated bond remains a testament to Depp’s evolving role—from Hollywood rebel to a father championing a quieter path.
