A New Chapter in London: Why the Move?

Johnny Depp’s extended stay in London has been a subject of fascination since reports first surfaced in July 2024 that the Pirates of the Caribbean star had rented a townhouse in the city’s West End to pursue his passion for painting. At the time, sources claimed that Depp was drawn to the city’s vibrant art scene and its relative anonymity compared to Los Angeles, where his every move is scrutinized. “He really feels at home in London,” a source told a magazine in May 2024, noting that Depp had been prioritizing his well-being and creative ventures following his highly publicized defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard in 2022. The trial, which Depp won, awarded him $10 million in damages but left his reputation and finances in tatters, prompting a retreat from the Hollywood spotlight.

However, The London Gazette’s investigation has revealed that Depp’s move to London was motivated by more than just a desire for artistic expression. Sources close to the actor disclosed that Depp was facing mounting financial pressures in the US, including a $10 million loan he took out in 2022 to save his cluster of penthouses in Los Angeles from foreclosure. These properties, located in a wildfire-prone area with significant vegetation, have been a financial burden, with maintenance costs and the risk of natural disasters adding to Depp’s woes. The decision to rent a townhouse in London, rather than purchase a permanent residence, was reportedly a strategic move to minimize expenses while maintaining a foothold in a city where he feels he can “just be me,” as he told a local magazine in 2023.

The West End townhouse, described as a modest but elegant four-story building with an art studio, has been Depp’s primary residence since July 2024. Contrary to initial reports that painted it as a luxurious retreat, the property is relatively understated, with a monthly rent of £15,000—far less than the cost of maintaining his sprawling 7,000-square-foot gothic castle in West Hollywood, which he has owned since 1995. The townhouse’s art studio has been a focal point of Depp’s time in London, where he has been honing his skills as a painter, a passion that has become a significant source of income. His 2023 collection of prints, titled Five, sold out over a 13-day period at Castle Fine Art, with the gallery’s website crashing due to overwhelming demand from his 27 million Instagram followers.

Financial Strain and a Desire for Privacy

While Depp’s painting career has provided a financial lifeline, The London Gazette uncovered that his London stay is also a reflection of his precarious financial situation. Between 2003 and 2016, Depp earned an estimated $650 million, but much of that fortune was depleted by extravagant spending—14 properties, a 156-foot yacht, and a $3 million expense to launch Hunter S. Thompson’s ashes from a cannon—as well as a $25 million lawsuit against his former business managers in 2017, whom he accused of fraud and mismanagement. The defamation trial against Heard further drained his resources, with legal fees and settlements costing millions.

Depp’s decision to rent rather than buy in London suggests a cautious approach to his finances, a stark contrast to the lavish lifestyle he once led. Sources revealed that Depp has been living a “cleaner lifestyle” in the UK, cutting back on the excesses that defined his earlier years. “He’s lost weight, he’s looking healthier,” a friend told a publication in April 2024, noting that Depp had recently cut his long hair and adopted a more polished look for a Dior campaign shoot. This transformation, however, is not just physical—it’s a reflection of Depp’s desire to distance himself from the chaos of his past and rebuild his life on his own terms.

Privacy has been a key factor in Depp’s decision to settle in London. The city offers a level of anonymity that Los Angeles cannot, with British locals often greeting him as a neighbor rather than a celebrity. “British people are cool and will greet you as if you are a neighbor—without going over the top,” Depp told a local magazine in 2023, contrasting this with the intense scrutiny he faces in the US. His London townhouse, located in a quiet corner of the West End, is a far cry from the paparazzi-laden streets of Hollywood, allowing Depp to focus on his art and personal well-being without constant media attention.

The Art Studio: A Creative Sanctuary or a Financial Necessity?

The art studio in Depp’s London townhouse has been widely reported as the centerpiece of his new chapter, a space where he can immerse himself in painting and escape the pressures of fame. Depp’s artwork, which often reflects his personal experiences and relationships, has been a commercial success, with collections like Five—a series of prints created during the fifth year of his legal battle with Heard—selling out rapidly. Another set of prints, featuring four stars who have inspired him (Keith Richards, Liz Taylor, Al Pacino, and Bob Dylan), also garnered significant attention, with Castle Fine Art struggling to keep up with demand.

However, The London Gazette’s investigation suggests that Depp’s focus on painting is not just a creative outlet but a financial necessity. With his acting career still recovering from the fallout of the Heard trial, Depp has turned to art as a reliable source of income. “He’s an artist in many ways,” a source told a magazine in May 2024, emphasizing that Depp’s creative ventures keep him occupied and in good spirits. But behind this optimistic narrative lies a stark reality: Depp’s Hollywood comeback, while promising, remains uncertain. His role in the French historical drama Jeanne du Barry (2023) marked his return to the screen, and his upcoming film Day Drinker with Lionsgate has generated buzz, particularly for his “silver fox” transformation. Yet, as a brand expert noted in a May 2024 interview, “It’s uncertain how bright his box office star shines right now, after being dragged through the defamation mud in front of the entire country.”

Depp’s art studio, therefore, serves as both a sanctuary and a lifeline, allowing him to generate income while he rebuilds his acting career. The West End townhouse, with its modest rent and creative space, represents a pragmatic choice for a man who is no longer the free-spending star of the early 2000s but a seasoned artist and actor navigating a new phase of life.

A Neighborly Connection: The Maggie Thompson Story

Adding a heartwarming layer to Depp’s London story is his recent act of kindness toward his 105-year-old West Hollywood neighbor, Maggie Thompson, which came to light just days before The London Gazette’s report. On May 20, 2025, a local publication revealed that Depp had been secretly paying Thompson’s rent for over a year, totaling $35,000, to ensure she could remain in her bungalow despite rising costs. This act, performed discreetly through a third party, underscores Depp’s deep connection to his community, even as he spends much of his time in London.

Thompson’s story highlights the contrast between Depp’s public persona and his private actions. While the media often focuses on his legal battles and financial woes, his generosity toward Thompson—a retired seamstress who once worked on Hollywood costumes—reveals a man who values human connection over publicity. “Maggie reminded him of his grandmother,” Thompson’s granddaughter Ellen Harper told the publication, noting that Depp would often sit on her porch and listen to her stories of Old Hollywood. This act of kindness, performed without fanfare, suggests that Depp’s move to London is not just about escaping his past but about finding meaning in the present through acts of compassion.

The Truth Behind the Glamour: A Man Rebuilding

The truth behind Johnny Depp’s London property is a far cry from the glamorous narrative often associated with Hollywood stars. Rather than a luxurious retreat, the West End townhouse is a modest rental chosen for its affordability and creative potential. Rather than a carefree artist, Depp is a man grappling with financial strain, seeking to rebuild his career and reputation after years of public humiliation. And rather than a detached celebrity, he is a neighbor who quietly supports those around him, even as he navigates his own challenges.

Depp’s time in London reflects a broader shift in his life—a move toward simplicity, privacy, and creative fulfillment. His art studio, while a financial necessity, is also a testament to his resilience, a space where he can express himself on his own terms. His act of kindness toward Maggie Thompson, meanwhile, reveals a deep empathy that has often been overshadowed by his public struggles. Together, these elements paint a picture of a man who, behind the Hollywood glamour, is working to redefine his legacy through art, compassion, and a quieter existence.

As Johnny Depp continues to rebuild his life in London, the shocking revelation about his West End property offers a rare glimpse into his true motivations. Far from the tabloid headlines and courtroom dramas, Depp is a man seeking peace, purpose, and a chance to start anew. Whether through his paintings, his films, or his acts of kindness, he is proving that there is more to his story than the scandals that have defined his past—and that the truth behind his London property is a story of redemption, resilience, and the enduring power of human connection.