by Johnny Depp has been a household name for over three decades, captivating audiences with his portrayal of unique and eccentric characters. From Edward Scissorhands to Captain Jack Sparrow, Depp has continuously challenged himself and evolved as an actor.
With a career spanning over 30 years, Depp has undoubtedly learned many lessons along the way. In a rare vulnerable moment, he opened up and shared advice he wished he could give to his younger self when he was first starting out in Hollywood. While intended for his younger self, his wisdom can benefit any rising actor, musician or artist trying to navigate the turbulent waters of fame.
#1. Don’t Take Anything for Granted
When Depp first landed his breakout role in the 1980s TV series 21 Jump Street, he became an instant teen heartthrob. The overnight success and fame was thrilling but disorienting for the young Depp.
“It was all so strange to me,” he reflects. “One minute I was a musician, the next I was on a TV show, then magazines and teen idol status. It all happened so fast.”
This meteoric rise to fame left Depp constantly needing to prove himself and living in fear that his success could disappear in an instant. “I had this crippling fear in the beginning of my career that it would all be taken away from you. That someone can just come and take it all away,” he confesses.
Looking back, he urges his younger self to appreciate the extraordinary opportunities coming his way. “Don’t take anything for granted. Appreciate every moment and every opportunity. The things you have now that feel so solid can be fleeting. Find joy in the amazing ride ahead of you, but don’t cling too tightly to things that won’t truly last.”
#2. Nurture Your Curiosity and Creativity
Early in his career, Depp gained a reputation for taking on eccentric and deeply weird roles, from playing Hunter S. Thompson to Edward Scissorhands. But the oddball roles started to typecast him in Hollywood.
He wishes he told his younger self to listen to his creative spirit and never stop exploring its boundless creativity. “Don’t let anyone tell you that your creative dreams are too weird or unrealistic. The things that make you different are your strengths. Stay curious, stay dreaming, and keep finding characters and stories that speak to your soul.”
By boldly following his creative instincts, Depp reinvented himself through constantly challenging roles. He went on to create one of Hollywood’s most iconic and offbeat characters, Captain Jack Sparrow. Depp attributes the character’s uniqueness and lasting impact to the creative risks he took in shaping the unpredictable pirate.
“If I could speak to my younger self, I’d say – trust your curiosity and creativity, protect that child inside you. Never stop looking for the next adventure that ignites your imagination.”
#3. Surround Yourself with Trusted Friends and Mentors
As Depp rapidly rose to stardom, he found himself surrounded by people trying to latch onto his newfound fame and fortune for their own gain. Looking back, he regrets not building a stronger inner circle of people he could truly trust.
“When you suddenly find yourself in the spotlight, there can be so many people around you saying what you want to hear but not what you need to hear. Don’t get caught up in hanging around with people treating you like a golden ticket,” he advises.
He urges his younger self to be careful and discerning with his inner circle. “Surround yourself with friends and mentors who knew you before you were famous – people who will be real with you. You need people who will call you out on your mistakes and call you up to your best self.”
Depp says with the pressures of fame, it’s important to find grounded, trusted friends to instill confidence while still keeping your ego in check. “Build relationships that go beyond the surface. It’s lonely at the top without real people who have your back.”
#4. Stay Grounded in Who You Are
As his star power grew, Depp admits he started putting on heirs and pretending to be someone he wasn’t. Underneath the cool movie star image, he felt like a shy, insecure kid from Kentucky.
Looking back, he wishes he told his younger self to never compromise who he was:
“Don’t ever lose sight of that kid from Kentucky. Fame and fortune can seduce you into thinking you need to become someone else, but that won’t make you happy. Even on the days when you feel like an outsider, stay true to yourself – your quirks, your values, your roots. That’s where you’ll find lasting happiness.”
Remaining humble and protecting his sense of self could have saved Depp from many pitfalls he encountered at the height of his fame. “When you make it big someday, always stay grounded in who you really are. Don’t let success go to your head or make you forget your roots.”
#5. Cultivate a Spirit of Gratitude
As Depp’s fame grew exponentially with hits like Pirates of the Caribbean, so did his ego. He admits entitlement and arrogance crept in, which led him to take his insane success for granted.
Looking back on those ego-fueled years, he wishes he cultivated more gratitude for the incredible opportunities coming his way. “Never lose sight of just how lucky you are to do what you love for a living. This wild ride ahead of you is a gift. Don’t develop a sense of entitlement – remain grateful for all of it.”
He urges his younger self to see fame as a series of miracles not to be expected, but appreciated. “Always remember where you came from and how improbable all of this is. Remain humbled by the extraordinary chances you’ve been given – keep your mind and heart focused on gratitude.”
#6. Keep Your Head Down and Keep Working
As Depp became one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, with his films grossing over $10 billion worldwide, he admits he started resting on his laurels. He wrongly believed his early body of work had cemented his place in Hollywood and didn’t need to hustle as hard.
“I started coasting, just showing up and relying on my earlier work to carry me through. Don’t make that mistake – keep your head down and keep working,” he urges his younger self.
Depp realized even at the height of success, you can’t lose the work ethic that got you there. “No matter how much you achieve, stay hungry and always believe your next role can be your best yet. Never buy into your own hype or stop pushing yourself.”
Remaining disciplined and dedicated to his craft could have prevented career lulls Depp experienced later on. His advice contains wisdom for sustaining any hard-earned success. Just because you make it, doesn’t mean you can stop grinding.
#7. Own Your Mistakes
As an actor whose career depends on public perception, Depp was hyper aware of his reputation. When scandals hit, his reflex was to deny, conceal, and try to manipulate public opinion to maintain a polished image.
But he realizes owning your mistakes is far better than denying them. “Don’t waste time trying to preserve an impossible, perfect image – it will backfire. If you mess up, take responsibility and own it. Being honest about mistakes earns more respect than pretending to be flawless.”
Looking back on scandals that tarnished his reputation, Depp wishes he took accountability rather than letting negative stories spiral out of control. His advice to own mistakes applies to anyone trying to protect an image. The truth always surfaces, so get ahead of it.
#8. Open Your Heart and Give Back
Early in his career, Depp was laser focused on proving himself as an actor and lining up as many high-profile roles as possible. He didn’t make time for giving back or appreciating what his fame could do for others.
But he looks back wishing he told his young self to stay open-hearted along the journey to stardom. “Now that you’ve made it, don’t close yourself off from the world’s pain and suffering. Use your voice and influence to do good – give back, stand up for people without power, listen to those struggling.”
While it’s easy for stars to stay in a bubble of fame, Depp realizes the wasted opportunity in insulating yourself. “Success comes with responsibility – keep your heart open to those who need your help. Don’t ever lose your capacity to care.”
#9. Take Time to Appreciate Loved Ones
With Depp’s chaotic schedule filming back-to-back movies, he had little time left over for his personal life. His career put a strain on relationships with loved ones, who he took for granted.
“Don’t get so caught up in the rush of fame and busy schedules that you fail to appreciate those closest to you – the ones who loved you before you were a star,” Depp admits.
“Make time for your family and closest friends – their support means everything. Don’t lose sight of what really matters – not fame or fortune, but those who lift you up when it all falls away.”
Depp says the biggest regrets come from neglecting loved ones. Make sure to show your appreciation through time and attention – don’t lose yourself in work and personal ambition.
#10. Take Time to Reflect
Getting swept up in his rapid success, Depp lived in constant motion without coming up for air. He threw himself into back-to-back film projects, press tours and new ambitions without reflecting on how far he’d come.
He wishes he told his young self to periodically pause and reflect. “Make sure to come up for oxygen once and awhile – appreciate how much you’ve grown and all you’ve experienced. Don’t just mindlessly check off goals without ever taking time to look inward and just be.”
Depp says reflection would have helped him stay grounded amidst his whirlwind rise to the A-list. “Make time for stillness and gratitude – don’t just keep charging ahead without stopping to appreciate the journey.”
By sharing lessons he wished he could impart to his younger self, Johnny Depp reveals rare vulnerability offering sage advice. His words offer guidance for any rising star on avoiding common pitfalls and staying grounded through fame’s turbulence. Most of all, he urges his young self – and us – to stay true to yourself: the core that remains when the stardust fades.
