by Johnny Depp is one of the most renowned actors of our time. From quirky character pieces to blockbuster franchises, he has shown incredible versatility and dedication to his craft over his decades-long career. However, his path to stardom wasn’t always clear. In the beginning, Johnny’s choice to pursue acting was met with apprehension from his parents, Betty Sue Palmer and John Depp Sr. Though hesitant at first, their faith in their talented son ultimately paid off, proving parents will almost always come around to support their children’s dreams.
Johnny was born in Kentucky and moved frequently around the country throughout his childhood. His family settled in Miramar, Florida when he was seven years old. It was here that Johnny’s creative instincts first began to bud. He was enthralled with the idea of performance from a young age, dressing up in costumes and staging amateur productions with his siblings in the family’s backyard. When he came of age, Johnny dropped out of high school against his parents’ wishes to focus entirely on making it as a musician and actor. At only 16 years old, this decision frightened Betty Sue and John Sr. They wanted Johnny to finish school and have financial stability. Pursuing acting seemed like an unrealistic dream that was destined to fail.
In a 2012 interview with Rolling Stone, Johnny reflected on his parents’ initial disapproval: “There was a moment when they were proud,” he says, “there was also a moment when they were afraid and disappointed. I just said, ‘This is it, I’m doing it.’” Though it pained them to see their son throw caution to the wind, Johnny was determined. He loved acting more than anything and wouldn’t let the odds stop him from trying to make it.
Johnny spent the early years of his career taking any part he could get. This included small roles in obscure horror films like A Nightmare on Elm Street. Though the films themselves were forgettable B-movies, they gave him the experience he needed to hone his abilities. Johnny’s big break came in 1987 when he was cast in the hit TV show 21 Jump Street alongside heartthrob actor Johnny Depp. Though he was 24 at the time, he was still playing a teenager. The show’s popularity skyrocketed Johnny to fame.
After 21 Jump Street, the roles kept coming. Johnny started getting more mature parts that showcased his talent like the lead role in Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands. Though quirky, the film was a surprise hit and displayed Johnny’s ability to take on emotionally complex characters. From there, Depp starred in a string of critical darlings including What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Don Juan DeMarco, and Donnie Brasco, proving his range extended far beyond just oddball characters.
As Johnny’s fame grew, so did his parents’ faith in his talents. In interviews, Johnny has spoken many times about the pride his parents felt once his career took off. They went from discouraging his dreams to bragging about their famous son to anyone who would listen. Their change of heart was a relief for Johnny, who never wanted to disappoint them. He knew he couldn’t achieve success without their love and support.
In a 2003 interview with CNN, Johnny credited his parents for their belief in him even when no one else did: “When I said I wanted to be an actor, they never laughed at me, they never criticized me, they never said, ‘You have to have something to fall back on.’ They believed in me and that confidence they instilled in me kept me going through a lot of hard times.”
Johnny’s mother, Betty Sue, was initially the more reluctant of the two about Johnny’s career path. As a single mom, she only wanted the best for her son which included a stable income and livelihood. However, when fame came, she embraced it wholly. Johnny brought Betty Sue as his date to many awards shows during the height of his 21 Jump Street popularity. These red carpet moments were very special to them both. After decades of pushing Johnny towards traditional jobs, Betty Sue finally saw proof of his talents and supported him 100%.
Johnny’s father, John Sr., was an engineer by trade. A logical and practical man, he too worried for his son’s future as an actor. But he was always Johnny’s biggest cheerleader and attended every play and musical Johnny performed in throughout his childhood. When the 21 Jump Street dream became a reality, John Sr. knew Johnny had made the right choice.
In multiple interviews over the years, Johnny has reiterated that his parents were the ones who made his ascent to stardom possible through their continual love and belief in him. Even when success seemed unattainable, they did all they could to lift him up.
Johnny’s acting career has spanned over 30 years with some incredible highs, like his numerous Oscar and Golden Globe nominations, as well as very public lows like his turbulent split from actress Amber Heard. But through it all, his parents have remained pillars of support keeping Johnny grounded.
In 2016, Betty Sue Palmer passed away after a long illness. Johnny was incredibly close with his mother and her loss devastated him. At the time he had this to say: “My mom was the kindest, most loving woman I’ve ever known. She instilled in me the importance of kindness, generosity, and acceptance of others. She nurtured the artistic side of me and encouraged me to follow my dreams, even when they led down unconventional paths. Her unconditional love made me the man I am today.”
John Depp Sr. is still living and maintaining a close relationship with Johnny. Johnny has him to thank for cultivating his early fascination with music. An adept guitarist himself, John Sr. taught Johnny how to play at the young age of 12. This skill would later help Johnny land a gig playing slide guitar on an Oasis album in the late 90s, fulfilling a childhood dream.
Johnny Depp’s story is one of immense success but also one of perseverance through self-doubt. In multiple interviews, Johnny has reiterated how crucial his parents’ support was early in his career before he believed in his own abilities. All children have big dreams. Like Johnny’s parents, the key for all parents is recognizing and nurturing their child’s passions. With the right encouragement, any dream can become a reality. Betty Sue and John Sr. gave Johnny the confidence he needed by believing in him wholly and unconditionally. Though initially afraid for their son’s future, they couldn’t be prouder of the accomplished actor he became.
Johnny Depp is proof that a little faith goes a long way. His talents captivate audiences the world over thanks in large part to his parents’ devotion. Their gamble on Johnny’s acting ambitions paid off in spades. After years of supporting Johnny’s dream, Betty Sue and John Sr. can rest easy knowing they played integral roles in the making of a generational talent. Johnny Depp’s remarkable career would not have been possible without their steady, unyielding love. All parents should look to them as an inspiration, remembering that sometimes the best thing you can do for your child is simply believe. With the right nurturing and support, there is no limit to what a child can achieve.
