instagram.com/lilyrose_depp. Getty Images
The world's favorite on-screen pirate has found himself in front of the camera again, but for a different reason. This time, the attention is on his personal life. One family member who has managed to stay out of the spotlight is his son, Jack.
The once-upon-a-time enigma, Johnny Depp, has become a constant source of news after suing his ex-wife, actress Amber Heard, for defamation. He is seeking $50 million in damages.
This defamation of character happened in an op-ed piece for the Washington Post. In the article, Heard claimed to be a victim of domestic abuse, thus appearing to imply that Depp was the abuser in their relationship.
Johnny Depp at the "Lone Ranger" premiere at Roppongi Hills on July 17, 2013 in Tokyo. | Source: Getty Images
The "Aquaman" actress has countersued for $100 million. This trial has become quite a spectacle with explosive testimonies, claims of personality disorders, private recordings, and unsettling texts. Or, to use Depp's words for the Hollywood industry, a "vile [expletive] circus."
The ongoing legal battle between Depp and Heard is an online sensation. People have been tuning in for the latest scoop as he and his former spouse bare their private lives for all the world to see.
Yet, sometimes we forget — because of their celebrity status — that these are real people going through a tough time, and they face significant repercussions depending on the outcome.
Amber Heard and Johnny Depp at The Art of Elysium 2016 HEAVEN Gala at 3LABS on January 9, 2016 in California. | Source: Getty Images
These repercussions are part of the reason why the "Edward Scissorhands" actor filed the defamation lawsuit in the first place. He said:
"Since I knew there was no truth to it whatsoever, I felt it my responsibility to stand up not only for myself in that instance but stand up for my children, who at the time were 14 and 16."
His kids are 22-year-old Lily-Rose Depp and 20-year-old John Christopher Depp, who goes by Jack. Depp is protective of his children and once used a wooden plank to chase away photographers taking pictures of them.
WHO IS JOHNNY DEPP'S SON?
Lily-Rose and Jack are Depp's children with his other ex-wife, French singer Vanessa Paradis. His daughter has not shied away from the limelight, but Jack appears to have inherited the "Pirates of the Caribbean" star's aversion to public scrutiny. This is not the only similarity between father and son, as the two almost look alike.
The young man appears to have a very close bond with Lily-Rose as his sister usually posts affectionate pictures of her little brother on Instagram. Many fans have been taken aback by how similar he looks to his dad.
Depp has revealed that his son is a great artist and musician – two areas that the actor dabbles in. He also noted that his son is not planning on pursuing acting in any professional capacity. He said:
"My boy Jack has always been a very talented draftsman. He draws really super-well. He also plays music very well. He's got a good feel for that. Aside from school plays and things, he hasn't shown any desire to become an actor. Whew!
According to his dad, he is also very mature for his age. Depp revealed that his son and daughter handled their parents' breakup with grace and understanding.
WHO IS JOHNNY'S DAUGHTER?
Lily-Rose is more adept in the limelight and has appeared in several movies, including "Tusk" alongside her father. She has received critical acclaim for her work, winning awards along the way. Speaking about his gifted daughter, Depp said:
"My daughter, on the other hand, is one of the smartest human beings I have ever known. She has far surpassed myself and my friends. She is just a genius."
Apart from acting, Lily-Rose is a gorgeous model. She was the face of Chanel in 2015. But while she does stand out more than her brother, Lily-Rose claims that her parents always taught her the value of privacy.
It is interesting to note that Lily-Rose did not attend her dad and Heard's private island wedding. Depp stated:
"My daughter Lily-Rose did not come to the wedding. She and Ms. Heard were not on particularly great terms for several reasons."
She has since defended her father following the initial allegations via an Instagram post in 2016. The post has since been taken down.
IS JOHNNY'S CAREER OVER?
While his family life appears to be intact, it is uncertain whether Depp's acting career will survive the allegations, the op-ed that purportedly targeted him, and the current trial. With regards to Heard's article, Depp's talent manager, Jack Whigham, said:
"With respect to Johnny, it was catastrophic 'cause it was coming from a first-person account. It was not from a journalist... it was from someone saying, 'This happened to me.'"
Whigham stated that the article cost the actor many jobs. As for his career post-trial, only time will tell what the jury, the public, and the casting directors decide.
ncG1vNJzZmimlazAb63MqKSapZFjsLC5jmtvcnBnZ3quscStZKOnmKO7unnDnqepq12cv7DDzWaqqKZdn66kt42hq6ak