Key Points

Johnny Depp candidly discusses the emotional transition from being "Papa" to his children to experiencing empty-nest syndrome. He reminisces about raising Lily-Rose and Jack in the south of France with Vanessa Paradis, describing it as the only place that felt like home. Despite Lily-Rose's successful acting career, Depp warns against the pressures of the industry, advising her to remain true to herself. Although famous for decades, Depp remains uncomfortable with fame's attention and prefers a quieter life.

Key Points: Johnny Depp Reflects on Fatherhood and Empty-Nest Syndrome

  • Johnny Depp misses being called "Papa" by his kids
  • Reflects on raising children in France with Vanessa Paradis
  • Advises daughter Lily-Rose against acting career pressure
  • Prefers avoiding fame's spotlight despite decades in the industry
3 min read

Johnny Depp opens up about his relationship with his kids

Johnny Depp shares insights on fatherhood, his bond with Lily-Rose and Jack, and facing empty-nest syndrome.

Johnny Depp opens up about his relationship with his kids
"Years get away from us, don't they?... I'm of the empty-nest syndrome. - Johnny Depp"

Los Angeles, June 23

Hollywood star Johnny Depp is reflecting on his fatherhood. The actor has said that he has "empty-nest syndrome".

The 62-year-old actor, who has Lily-Rose, 25, and Jack, 22, with former partner Vanessa Paradis, misses the days his children were still young enough to call him "Papa" and he's amazed at how quickly they have grown up, reports 'Female First UK'.

He told 'The Sunday Times', "Years get away from us, don't they?... I'm of the empty-nest syndrome".

When asked if he misses having his kids around, he replied, "Oh man, my kids growing up in the south of France in their youth? I was Papa. I cannot tell you how much I loved being Papa. Then, suddenly, Papa was out the window. I was Dad. But Papa was awesome and I'm getting old enough for Papa to possibly come back. Some m************ going to have to call me Papa".

As per 'Female First UK', the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star is currently living in London, but admitted the only place that has ever really felt like home was France.

He said, "Well, I don't spend much time in the US. So there is the joint in the Bahamas or here. But home. Truly, the first time I felt I had a home was the place in the south of France where Vanessa and I raised the kiddies. That's the only place that ever felt like home".

Although Lily-Rose is a successful actress in her own right, Johnny would never have wanted her to follow in his footsteps.

When asked what advice he has given her, he said, "Sometimes kids say to me, 'I want to be an actor, what's your advice?' And I say, 'Don't be!' I know what's coming for them. I was chucked on that road and the only advice that I can give is, 'Don't allow anyone to make you something you are not'. They'll want you to be a poster boy and it's tempting, a lot of money. And if that's the direction you want? Go for it. But don't let anybody choose for you".

The actor has never felt comfortable with fame and rarely even goes out with his friends because he doesn't want to bring unwanted attention their way. He said: "Well, to this day I just rarely go out. If friends invite me out for Mexican food, I say, 'Dude, that's sweet of you but I will ruin your night'. My presence will bring attention and, Jesus, I have had almost 40 years of fame but I'm still not used to it. And I'm glad I'm not".

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
It's heartwarming to see a global superstar like Johnny Depp being so vulnerable about fatherhood. In India, we deeply value family bonds, so his words about missing being "Papa" really resonate. Wishing him more time with his grown-up kids! ❤️
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Priya M.
His advice to young actors is so important - "Don't let anybody choose for you." In Bollywood too, many young stars get typecast early. More established actors should mentor newcomers like this. Respect to Depp for keeping it real!
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Arjun S.
Interesting that he considers France his true home. As Indians, we understand that emotional connection to places where we raise our children. Though I wonder - does he ever visit India? Our film industry would welcome him with open arms!
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Sneha R.
His honesty about fame is refreshing. In our culture, we have the concept of "sanyas" - renouncing worldly pleasures. Depp seems to have that wisdom about the downsides of celebrity. But I hope he finds joy in his London life now.
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Vikram J.
While I appreciate his parenting insights, I wish he spoke more about supporting his son Jack too. In India, we celebrate both sons and daughters equally. Hope both his children know how much he loves them!
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Neha P.
His empty nest syndrome reminds me of my parents when I moved cities for work! 😊 Universal parent feelings across cultures. Maybe he should visit India - our joint family system would give him plenty of kids calling him "Uncle Johnny" all day!

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