Johnny Depp, a name synonymous with Hollywood’s most enigmatic and versatile talents, has long captivated audiences with his on-screen performances and off-screen persona. Known for his eclectic roles in films like Pirates of the Caribbean and Edward Scissorhands, Depp’s life has often been as dramatic as the characters he portrays. In early 2025, Depp sat down for a rare and unforgettable interview with renowned journalist Vanessa Cross, a moment that peeled back layers of the actor’s life, revealing raw emotions, personal reflections, and unexpected insights. This article delves into the details of that interview, exploring the context, the revelations, and the impact it had on Depp’s public image.

Setting the Stage: A Rare Appearance

The interview took place in February 2025, shortly after Depp’s surprise performance at the People Have the Power: A Celebration of Patti Smith tribute event in New York City, where he performed alongside artists like Bruce Springsteen. Depp, who had been keeping a relatively low profile following his 2022 defamation trial against ex-wife Amber Heard, agreed to the sit-down with Vanessa Cross, a journalist known for her incisive yet empathetic interviewing style. The setting was intimate—a cozy studio in London, where Depp has been spending much of his time since his legal battles. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, as fans and media outlets alike speculated about what the reclusive star might reveal.

Vanessa Cross, a seasoned reporter with a reputation for getting celebrities to open up, began the interview with a nod to Depp’s recent artistic endeavors. In July 2024, Depp had unveiled his Tarot art collection, which included a piece inspired by his former partner Vanessa Paradis, the mother of his two children, Lily-Rose and Jack. Cross asked Depp about the collection, setting the tone for a deeply personal conversation. “Your art seems to be a window into your soul,” Cross noted. “What does it mean to you to share that with the world?” Depp, dressed in his signature bohemian style with layered necklaces and a fedora, smiled softly and replied, “It’s a way to process things I can’t always say out loud. It’s my truth, in colors and shapes.”

A Journey Through the Past

The interview quickly moved into more personal territory, with Cross gently probing Depp about his tumultuous life in the spotlight. Depp reflected on his early days in Hollywood, a time when he was a struggling actor trying to make ends meet. He shared a previously untold story about his brief encounter with Scientology in the 1980s, a detail that had surfaced in other contexts but was elaborated on here with new depth. “I was broke, sleeping on couches, and they offered me a place to stay,” Depp admitted. “I didn’t stay long—it wasn’t for me—but I understood why people might cling to something that gives them hope.”

This revelation set the stage for a broader discussion about Depp’s relationship with fame. Cross asked about the impact of his highly publicized legal battles with Amber Heard, which culminated in a 2022 trial where Depp sued Heard for defamation over a 2018 Washington Post op-ed she wrote about domestic abuse. The trial, which was televised and heavily covered on social media, painted a messy picture of their relationship, with both parties accusing each other of abuse. Depp won the case, with the jury awarding him $10 million in damages, but the ordeal left a lasting mark on his career and public image.

“I never wanted that to define me,” Depp said, his voice tinged with regret. “It was a soap opera, but it was my life. I lost a lot—roles, friends, privacy—but I gained clarity. I learned who I am when the world is watching.” Cross, sensing the weight of his words, asked how he coped with the fallout. Depp paused, then shared a surprising insight: “I went back to painting. I’d lock myself in my studio for days, just me and the canvas. It was the only place I felt safe.”

Reflections on Family and Love

One of the most poignant moments of the interview came when Cross asked Depp about his relationship with Vanessa Paradis, his partner of 14 years and the mother of his children. The couple split in 2012, shortly before Depp began dating Heard, but they have remained close, often co-parenting their children in France. Depp’s Tarot collection included a piece titled The Empress, inspired by Paradis, whom he described as “everything I could never be.” In the interview, he elaborated on this sentiment, his eyes softening as he spoke.

“Vanessa is the love of my life,” Depp said, echoing a sentiment he had shared in a 2004 interview with Oprah Winfrey. “We didn’t need a piece of paper to make what we had real. She gave me our kids, and they’re my everything. I’ll always be in awe of her strength.” Cross asked if he regretted the end of their relationship, a question that had lingered in the public’s mind since Depp’s romance with Heard began. Depp hesitated, then replied, “I regret the pain it caused, but I don’t regret the journey. It brought me to where I am now.”

Depp also spoke about his children, Lily-Rose and Jack, with a father’s pride. He mentioned Jack’s talent for drawing and music, noting that his son has no interest in acting—a detail Depp had shared in a 2014 interview with The Philippine Daily Inquirer. Of Lily-Rose, who has carved out her own career in acting with roles in films like Nosferatu (2024), Depp said, “She’s fearless, but she’s got a good head on her shoulders. I worry about her in this industry, but she’s stronger than I ever was at her age.”

Addressing the Amber Heard Saga

Cross didn’t shy away from the elephant in the room: Depp’s tumultuous relationship with Amber Heard. The defamation trial had polarized public opinion, with some viewing Depp as a victim of false accusations and others believing Heard’s claims of abuse. Depp’s victory in court was seen by many as a vindication, but it came at a cost, with both parties facing intense scrutiny. Cross asked Depp how he felt about the narrative that emerged from the trial, particularly the idea of “mutual abuse” that some observers, including psychologists testifying in court, had suggested.

“I don’t agree with that,” Depp said firmly. “I made mistakes—I’m not perfect—but I never raised my hand to her. The truth came out in court, and that’s what matters to me.” He acknowledged the toll the trial took on his mental health, admitting that he struggled with depression in its aftermath. “There were days I didn’t want to get out of bed,” he confessed. “But I had to keep going, for my kids, for myself.”

Cross then brought up a point raised in unsealed court documents from 2022, where Heard claimed Depp had denied his split from Paradis even a year into their relationship. Depp shook his head, a wry smile on his face. “That’s not how I remember it,” he said. “Vanessa and I were done before I started seeing Amber. But I get why people want to create drama—it sells papers.”

A Look to the Future

The interview wasn’t all about the past. Cross asked Depp about his recent projects, including his role in Jeanne du Barry (2023) and his upcoming film Day Drinker, where he stars alongside Penélope Cruz and Madelyn Cline. Depp’s transformation for the role, complete with silver hair and blue contacts, had earned him the nickname “Silver Fox” among fans when Lionsgate released a first-look image in April 2025. “It’s a dark story, but there’s beauty in it,” Depp said of the film. “I’m drawn to characters who are broken—it’s where I find the truth.”

Depp also hinted at a potential return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, a topic that has been the subject of much speculation. Reports in April 2025 suggested he was in “advanced talks” to reprise his role as Jack Sparrow, a character that defined much of his career. “I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss Jack,” Depp admitted. “He’s a part of me. If the story’s right, I’d love to sail again.”

The Impact: A Star Reborn?

The interview with Vanessa Cross was a turning point for Depp’s public image. Fans on social media platforms like X praised his candor and vulnerability, with many calling it one of his most authentic interviews to date. “Johnny Depp just reminded us why we love him—he’s real, flawed, and unapologetically himself,” one user wrote. Others noted the contrast between this interview and the media frenzy of the Heard trial, appreciating Depp’s focus on healing and creativity.

The interview also sparked conversations about the challenges of fame, particularly for someone like Depp, who has spent decades in the spotlight. His reflections on fatherhood, love, and resilience resonated with audiences, many of whom saw parallels between Depp’s journey and their own struggles. For Depp, the interview seemed to be a cathartic experience, a chance to reclaim his narrative after years of being defined by controversy.

Conclusion

Johnny Depp’s interview with Vanessa Cross will go down as a defining moment in his career—a rare glimpse into the heart of a man who has weathered storms both public and private. From his reflections on his relationship with Vanessa Paradis to his candid discussion of the Amber Heard trial, Depp showed a side of himself that few had seen: vulnerable, introspective, and fiercely protective of his truth. As he continues his Hollywood resurgence with new projects and a renewed sense of purpose, this unforgettable interview serves as a reminder of Depp’s enduring appeal—not just as an actor, but as a human being navigating the complexities of life in the spotlight.