Johnny Depp, the enigmatic actor celebrated for his roles in Pirates of the Caribbean and his resilience amid personal trials, has navigated a colorful and often tumultuous love life that spans decades. As of June 25, 2025, at 09:32 AM +07, the 62-year-old star’s romantic history—marked by two marriages, multiple engagements, and high-profile relationships—continues to fascinate fans and spark debates about who holds the deepest place in his heart. From his early days as a fledgling actor to his recent rumored romances, Depp’s journey through love reflects a man drawn to passion but often left grappling with its complexities. This article explores his dating timeline and ponders the elusive question: who does Johnny Depp love the most?

Early Romances and First Marriage

Depp’s love story began in 1983 when, at just 20 years old, he married makeup artist Lori Anne Allison. The union, which lasted until 1985, was brief but pivotal. Allison, the sister of one of Depp’s bandmates in The Kids, introduced him to Nicholas Cage, leading to his debut role in A Nightmare on Elm Street. Despite the divorce, Allison has spoken fondly of Depp, calling him a “soft person” during his 2016 legal battles with Amber Heard, suggesting a lingering respect. This early marriage set the stage for a pattern of intense, short-lived romances.

Following his split from Allison, Depp embarked on a three-and-a-half-year relationship with Twin Peaks actress Sherilyn Fenn, starting in 1985. Meeting on the set of the student film Dummies, the pair were briefly engaged. Fenn, who called Depp her “first love,” has defended him against abuse allegations, reflecting a bond that endured beyond their breakup in 1988. Their relationship, marked by youthful passion, hinted at Depp’s tendency to form deep connections quickly.

Hollywood Romances and Engagements

Depp’s entry into Hollywood brought a string of notable romances. In 1989, he dated Dirty Dancing star Jennifer Grey, with rumors of an engagement after just two weeks. Grey later described their bond as a “fucking bonfire” in her 2022 memoir, though their relationship fizzled out within nine months, possibly due to Depp’s rising fame. This brief but intense fling underscored his attraction to strong, independent women.

The following year, Depp met Winona Ryder at a 1989 premiere, and their love story became a ‘90s icon. Co-starring in Edward Scissorhands, they got engaged in 1990 after five months. Depp famously tattooed “Winona Forever” on his arm, a symbol of devotion later altered to “Wino Forever” after their 1993 split. Ryder, who called him her “first everything,” defended him during his legal troubles, suggesting a lasting affection despite their breakup, attributed to public pressure and youthful incompatibility.

From 1994 to 1998, Depp dated supermodel Kate Moss, a relationship defined by passion and turbulence. Their public arguments, including a 1994 hotel room destruction incident that led to Depp’s arrest, made headlines. Moss later told Vanity Fair that Depp’s care during their time together left a void she struggled to fill, hinting at a profound emotional impact. Their split, though, marked another chapter of love unfulfilled.

The Longest Love: Vanessa Paradis

Depp’s longest relationship began in 1998 with French singer and actress Vanessa Paradis, whom he met in Paris. Their 14-year partnership, which produced children Lily-Rose (1999) and Jack (2002), was a period of relative stability. Living in a self-contained village near St. Tropez, Depp described those days as “the most beautiful” of his life in a 2024 Elle Magazine Spain interview. He praised Paradis’s support and talent, and even after their 2012 split, he told Rolling Stone in 2013 that their bond persisted due to their children. This relationship stands out as a cornerstone of his life, blending love with family.

The Amber Heard Chapter

Depp’s marriage to Amber Heard, met on the set of The Rum Diary in 2009, marked a dramatic shift. They began dating in 2012 after his split from Paradis, marrying in 2015. Heard described falling “head over heels,” but the union ended in May 2016 when she filed for divorce, alleging abuse. A $7 million settlement and a joint statement citing a “passionate and volatile” love followed. Depp’s 2025 comments to The Sunday Times, calling himself a “sucker” for loving Heard and feeling like a “crash test dummy for #MeToo,” reveal a mix of regret and defiance. The 2022 defamation trial, where he won $10.35 million and she $2 million, left their love story bitterly contested.

Recent Rumors and Current Status

Post-Heard, Depp’s love life has been speculative. Rumors of relationships with Polina Glen (2019-2020), Lisa Marie Presley (2018-2019), and his UK attorney Joelle Rich (2022) have surfaced, though none are confirmed. In 2024, sightings with Russian model Yulia Vlasova sparked interest, but no official status has emerged. As of June 2025, Depp appears single, focusing on projects like Modi and music, suggesting a retreat from romantic pursuits.

Who Does He Love the Most?

Determining who Johnny Depp loves most is subjective, given his guarded nature and the public nature of his relationships. His longest and most stable love was with Vanessa Paradis, where family and shared history created a lasting bond. His 2024 reflection on their Paris days as his “most beautiful” suggests she may hold a special place. Winona Ryder’s defense and the “Winona Forever” tattoo indicate a youthful, idealized love, while Kate Moss’s emotional aftermath hints at a passionate peak. Amber Heard, despite the fallout, elicited a complex response, with Depp acknowledging his vulnerability.

Posts on X show fans split—some champion Paradis as his true love due to their children, others mourn the Ryder era, and a few see Heard as a misunderstood chapter. Without Depp explicitly naming a favorite, his actions suggest Paradis, with whom he maintains a co-parenting relationship, may edge out others. Yet, his history of intense but fleeting romances leaves room for debate, reflecting a man who loves deeply but struggles to sustain it.

Broader Implications

Depp’s dating history mirrors the highs and lows of fame, where love often intertwines with public scrutiny. His pattern of dating younger women and engaging in volatile relationships raises questions about emotional maturity and societal influence. The #MeToo context of his Heard trial adds another layer, challenging narratives of love and accountability. His journey invites reflection on whether true love eludes him or if he finds it in fleeting moments across these relationships.

Conclusion

Johnny Depp’s love life, from Lori Anne Allison to rumored flings in 2025, is a tapestry of passion, heartbreak, and resilience. As of June 25, 2025, the question of who he loves most remains unanswered, with Vanessa Paradis emerging as a likely candidate due to their enduring bond. Yet, his reflections on being a “sucker” for love suggest a heart that continues to seek, even amid the chaos of fame. Whether in the quiet of Paris with Paradis or the storm with Heard, Depp’s romantic history remains a compelling enigma.