The first time Johnny Depp confesses about the The hidden aspects of being the father of Jack and Lily-Rose

Johnny Depp, one of Hollywood’s most enigmatic figures, is known for his versatility as an actor and his mysterious persona. But in a rare and touching confession, Depp recently opened up about a side of his life far removed from the glitz and drama of Hollywood—his deep emotional connection to fatherhood.

In an intimate interview with The Sunday Times, the “Pirates of the Caribbean” star reflected on raising his two children, Lily-Rose Depp and Jack Depp, with former partner Vanessa Paradis in the serene surroundings of southern France. Depp, now 61, spoke candidly about “empty-nest syndrome” and the bittersweet memories of watching his children grow up.

“I Was Papa”: Depp on Raising Kids in France

Depp painted a nostalgic picture of his years raising Lily-Rose and Jack away from the public eye. “Oh man, my kids growing up in the south of France in their youth?” Depp recalled wistfully. “I was Papa. I cannot tell you how much I loved being Papa.”

The south of France, where Depp and Paradis owned a countryside estate, was more than just a getaway—it was a sanctuary where their children could grow up surrounded by nature, creativity, and family love, free from the pressures of fame.

The actor expressed a heartfelt longing for those times, adding, “Years get away from us, don’t they?”—a sentiment every parent can relate to. His words highlighted the emotional depth behind the pirate persona that made him a global icon.”

Home Is Where the Heart Is: Not in Hollywood or the Bahamas

Although Depp owns luxurious properties, including a private island in The Bahamas and an estate in Somerset, England, he admits none of them ever truly felt like 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,” he shared.

That powerful admission reveals how deeply Depp connected with fatherhood and family life, far from the tabloids and movie sets. For Depp, “home” wasn’t about luxury—it was about love, laughter, and parenting.

Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis: A Bond Beyond Marriage

Depp and French actress-singer Vanessa Paradis began their relationship in 1998. Though they never officially married, their bond was profound. They welcomed two children—Lily-Rose in 1999 and Jack in 2002—during their 14-year relationship.

Paradis once stated in an interview with Weekend Knack magazine,

“Can you be more married than having children together?”

It was a powerful sentiment reflecting the depth of their commitment, emphasizing that parenting bound them more deeply than any piece of paper ever could.

In a 2010 interview with Extra, Depp echoed the same sentiment:

“Marriage is really from soul to soul, heart to heart. You don’t need somebody to say, ‘Okay, you’re married.’”

Their relationship may have ended in 2012, but the respect, love, and lifelong connection remained intact.

A Touching Artistic Tribute: Depp’s Painting of Vanessa

In 2024, Johnny Depp unveiled a painting that stirred both fans and art critics—a portrait inspired by Vanessa Paradis.

Speaking to Sky News, Depp shared:

“We’ve been very, very close for almost a few decades. I know her and I know who she is inside. She’s kind of everything that I could never be…”

The quote illustrates not only the lingering affection Depp holds for Paradis but also his respect for her strength and character. For someone often described as elusive and guarded, this rare moment of vulnerability gave fans a deeper look into the man behind the myth.

Lily-Rose Depp and Jack Depp: Two Very Different Paths, One Strong Bond

Lily-Rose: A Rising Star with Deep Roots

Lily-Rose Depp, now 26, has carved out a successful path in the entertainment world, starring in films such as Nosferatu and making waves in the fashion industry as a Chanel muse. Her rising fame and high-profile projects have made her a darling of modern cinema and fashion.

Despite growing up under the spotlight, Lily-Rose has often spoken about how her upbringing in France shaped her grounded worldview. She once said that being bilingual gave her and her brother a secret language:

“When my brother and I were at the same school, whenever we wanted to say something that was going to stay just between us, we could say it in French and nobody would understand.”

Jack Depp: The Private Soul

Unlike his sister, Jack Depp, 23, has maintained a low profile, choosing to avoid the media spotlight. Though fans catch rare glimpses of him through family accounts or paparazzi shots, Jack remains a mystery—and perhaps that’s exactly how he prefers it.

What’s clear, though, is that Jack and Lily-Rose share a strong sibling bond. While they drifted apart during their teen years, as Lily-Rose explained in Interview, their relationship today is rock-solid.

“…we’re best buds now.”

Parenting Outside the Hollywood Norm

Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis raised their children in an environment that was remarkably free of Hollywood excess. Far from the constant glare of cameras, Lily-Rose and Jack grew up playing in French gardens and exploring quiet villages—worlds away from movie premieres and red carpets.

This deliberate choice helped instill in them a sense of normalcy, grounding them despite their parents’ fame.

Johnny Depp’s Legacy Beyond the Screen

Though he’s been the face of beloved characters like Captain Jack Sparrow, Edward Scissorhands, and Willy Wonka, Johnny Depp may view his greatest role as that of a father.

His recent comments have reminded the world that beneath the headlines and controversies lies a man who simply treasures the time he had as “Papa” to his kids. His eyes light up when speaking about his children’s youth—a period he describes as the only time he ever truly felt at home.

Will We See a Creative Collaboration Between Depp and His Kids?

With Lily-Rose now a prominent figure in cinema and fashion, and Jack reportedly showing interest in music and visual arts, some fans speculate about a future Depp family collaboration. While nothing official has been announced, the possibility remains exciting.

Given Johnny Depp’s multifaceted talents—actor, painter, musician—it wouldn’t be a surprise if one day he shared a creative space with either of his children.

From “Pirate” to “Papa”: A Transformation of a Lifetime

Johnny Depp’s evolution from Hollywood’s rebel heartthrob to reflective father is a narrative that fans have only recently begun to fully appreciate. His confession about fatherhood and the special years spent in France with Jack and Lily-Rose offers an entirely new perspective on his journey.

For Depp, fatherhood was not a chapter—it was the defining story. And though those early years have passed, the memories remain etched in his heart, as evident from his art, interviews, and quiet reflections.

Final Thoughts: A Side of Johnny Depp Fans Are Just Discovering

In a world quick to judge public figures based on headlines, Johnny Depp’s reflections on fatherhood offer a powerful reminder of the human side of celebrity. His vulnerability, honesty, and affection for Jack and Lily-Rose Depp not only reveal a devoted father but also a man who has found his truest identity not in fame, but in family.

As Lily-Rose continues her rise and Jack stays comfortably under the radar, one thing is certain: they were raised with love, creativity, and the kind of freedom that money can’t buy.

And behind it all was Johnny Depp—the artist, the actor, and most importantly, Papa.