Peter Hedges describes Johnny Depp as "... a character actor trapped inside the leading man's body." Johnny says you can not figure out who you are unless you indulge in a little self-destructive behavior. He is described as a very gracious, respectful person with slow and soft speech, and lunar movements. A person who doesn't like his picture taken, doesn't like to be the center of attention, and doesn’t like being in front of the camera.

Johnny's father, John Depp, left when Johnny was 15. His mother, Betty Sue, a waitress, raised him and his siblings alone. Johnny describes his father's leaving as a relief, as if a cloud of violence had been lifted from their heads.

Born on June 9, 1963 in Kentucky, Owensboro the family moved in his seventh year to Florida where his father got a job as director of public works in Miramar. Upon moving to Florida the family moved almost 30 times before his father left. Just prior to their move, Johnny's grandfather passed away. A man Johnny spent most of his time with. The lost of his grandfather and the constant changing of homes created a surly, uninterested student by the time he was in high school. It was at this time he found music.

Johnny is a self-taught guitarist who began after watching his cousins' shine during a gospel performance. He took up the electric guitar and before he became was old enough to enter bars, he was performing in them with a band called Flame. The band later changed its name to the Kids and toured as the opening act for a punk rocker Iggy Pop. Two years later they relocated to Los Angeles and due to the flood of talent in the market they had to take day time jobs to make ends meet. Eventually they disbanded.

During the time his band was struggling, his then wife Lori Allison (a makeup artist) introduced him to Nicolas Cage who liked his look and arranged for him to meet his agent. One thing lead to another and Johnny got his first acting job. He played a snack for a ravenous bed in Nightmare on Elm Street. His next role in Private Resort proved to Johnny that he needed help if he was going to make it as an actor. Hence he enrolled in LA's Loft Studio where upon graduation he won a part in Platoon. His career took off.

Johnny is selective regarding which parts he chooses to accept. In fact, originally he passed up on the 21 Jump Street role that made him famous. He was persuaded by his agent to take the role after the second offer as his agent said it probably wouldn't survive the season. Three years later, Johnny left 21 Jump Street. Currently Johnny is working on the film Sleepy Hollow that is due to release in '99.

Aside from his acting Johnny owns a bar called The Viper Room with Sal Jenco. It is described as an intimate nightclub styled in the fashion of Harlem's great jazz clubs of the 1920's. He also has a new band called the Rockcity Angels that is sometimes featured at the Club. The Viper Room is the same club where River Phoenix overdosed and met his death, causing Johnny more than a little concern.

Johnny is currently delving into new territory with the birth of his daughter Lily-Rose Melody Depp. His companion Vanessa Paradis (singer-actress) is described as the best thing in his life. He met her in Paris and not long afterwards experience the joy the birth of his daughter brought to him.