In the 1980s
Johnny Depp became a teen idol in America for his role in TV show 21 Jump Street. The 51-year-old is now an international superstar, known throughout the world for his unique characters in films such as
Edward Scissorhands and the
Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
The star has spoken publicly of how
21 Jump Street made him feel forced into becoming a product, and from then on he decided to only take on roles which he loved.
In 1990 he teamed up with director Tim Burton for
Edward Scissorhands, which followed Edward, a creation who looked human but was left with scissors in the place of hands due to the untimely death of his creator.
The film was a box office success and began a lifelong collaboration between Johnny and Tim. Johnny's career has often been defined as iconic and his characters as "loners". In 2003
he played one of his most memorable roles, starring in Pirates of the Caribbean as the rambling, often-drunk pirate Captain Jack Sparrow. The character quickly became a fan favourite and was a big part of the draw of the film. Modelled after drummer Keith Richards, the part garnered Johnny his first of three Academy Award nominations.
He reprised the role for three sequels, each of which was a commercial success.
The actor married his childhood sweetheart in 1983, but their marriage ended in 1985. He went on to become engaged to Winona Ryder, before later dating Kate Moss. In 1998 Johnny met French singer Vanessa Paradis and the pair have two children together, a daughter Lily, and a son John "Jack" Christopher.
In 2012 following months of speculation,
Johnny and Vanessa announced they had separated.
Johnny is now engaged to his Rum Diary co-star Amber Heard.