Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Johnny Depp
Discover the career path of Johnny Depp, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Johnny Depp is a highly acclaimed American actor and musician recognized with Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards, along with multiple Academy Award and BAFTA nominations. Known for portraying eccentric characters, his films have generated over $10.8 billion globally, establishing him as a box-office success and a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
1984: A Nightmare on Elm Street Release
In 1984, Johnny Depp appeared in 'A Nightmare on Elm Street'.
1990: Edward Scissorhands Release
In 1990, Johnny Depp appeared in 'Edward Scissorhands'.
1993: Filming of 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape?'
During the filming of 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape?' in 1993, Johnny Depp acknowledged past alcohol abuse in a later interview.
1997: Donnie Brasco Release
In 1997, Johnny Depp appeared in 'Donnie Brasco'.
1999: Sleepy Hollow Release
In 1999, Johnny Depp appeared in 'Sleepy Hollow'.
2003: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl Release
In 2003, Johnny Depp appeared in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl'.
2003: Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Once Upon a Time in Mexico releases
In 2003, Johnny Depp starred in Walt Disney Pictures' "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" as Captain Jack Sparrow, earning critical acclaim and award nominations. Also in 2003, he played a corrupt CIA agent in Robert Rodriguez' "Once Upon a Time in Mexico", which received positive reviews particularly for Depp's performance.
2003: Named "World's Sexiest Man" by People
In 2003, Johnny Depp was named "World's Sexiest Man" by People magazine, the same year the first "Pirates" movie was released.
2004: Finding Neverland Release
In 2004, Johnny Depp appeared in 'Finding Neverland'.
2004: Secret Window, The Libertine, Finding Neverland releases, and founding of Infinitum Nihil
In 2004, Johnny Depp starred in "Secret Window," based on a Stephen King story, and "The Libertine," receiving mixed to negative reviews. He also starred in "Finding Neverland", earning an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of J.M. Barrie. Furthermore, in 2004, Depp founded his film production company, Infinitum Nihil, under Warner Bros. Pictures.
2005: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Release
In 2005, Johnny Depp appeared in 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'.
2005: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Corpse Bride releases
In 2005, Johnny Depp starred in Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" as Willy Wonka, earning a Golden Globe nomination. Depp also voiced Victor Van Dort in Burton's stop-motion animation "Corpse Bride" in 2005.
2006: Dead Man's Chest release
In 2006, Johnny Depp reprised his role as Jack Sparrow in "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," which was a major box office success.
2007: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Release
In 2007, Johnny Depp appeared in 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street'.
2007: At World's End and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street releases
In 2007, Johnny Depp reprised his role as Jack Sparrow in "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," which was a major box office success. Also in 2007, Depp starred in "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street", winning a Golden Globe award and receiving an Academy Award nomination.
2009: Public Enemies Release
In 2009, Johnny Depp appeared in 'Public Enemies'.
2009: Public Enemies and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus releases
In 2009, Johnny Depp portrayed John Dillinger in "Public Enemies", which received positive reviews. Also in 2009, Depp reunited with Terry Gilliam for "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus", sharing the role initially played by Heath Ledger with Jude Law and Colin Farrell, with all three donating their salaries to Ledger's daughter.
2009: Named "World's Sexiest Man" by People again
In 2009, Johnny Depp was named "World's Sexiest Man" by People magazine for the second time. He also starred as John Dillinger in Public Enemies in 2009.
2010: Alice in Wonderland Release
In 2010, Johnny Depp appeared in 'Alice in Wonderland'.
2010: Alice in Wonderland and The Tourist releases
In 2010, Johnny Depp starred in Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" as the Mad Hatter, which grossed over $1 billion. Depp also starred in "The Tourist" opposite Angelina Jolie in 2010. He received Golden Globe nominations for both films.
2011: Co-starred with Amber Heard in The Rum Diary
In 2011, Johnny Depp co-starred with Amber Heard in The Rum Diary.
2011: Rango, On Stranger Tides releases, and Infinitum Nihil co-productions
In 2011, Johnny Depp voiced the title character in the animated film "Rango", which was a critical and commercial success. Also in 2011, he starred in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides", a box office hit. Furthermore, in 2011 Depp released the first two projects co-produced by his company, Infinitum Nihil: "The Rum Diary", and Martin Scorsese's "Hugo". He also made a cameo in "Jack and Jill" in 2011.
2012: Highest-paid actor in the American film industry
In 2012, Johnny Depp became the highest-paid actor in the American film industry, earning as high as $75 million per film. He also was named by public vote as "Favorite Male Movie Star" at the People's Choice Awards for 2012.
2012: Guinness World Record and Dark Shadows release
In 2012, Johnny Depp was listed by the Guinness World Records as the world's highest-paid actor. That year, he starred in and co-produced Tim Burton's "Dark Shadows", based on the 1960s television soap opera.
2013: The Lone Ranger release
In 2013, Johnny Depp starred as Tonto in "The Lone Ranger", which was not well received and caused Disney a US$190 million loss. Depp also made a brief cameo in the independent film "Lucky Them" in 2013.
2014: Tusk release
In 2014, Johnny Depp appeared in Kevin Smith's horror-comedy "Tusk", in which he was credited by the character's name, Guy LaPointe.
2014: Transcendence, Into the Woods, and Tusk releases
In 2014, Johnny Depp starred in the sci-fi thriller "Transcendence", which was a commercial failure. Also in 2014, he had a supporting role in "Into the Woods" and appeared in Kevin Smith's horror-comedy "Tusk."
2015: Mortdecai, Black Mass releases, and Dior Sauvage endorsement
In 2015, Johnny Depp appeared in "Mortdecai" and "Black Mass", with the latter receiving better reviews and earning him a SAG award nomination. In 2015, Depp became the face of Dior's men's fragrance, Sauvage and was inducted as a Disney Legend.
March 2016: Depp Cuts Ties with The Management Group
In March 2016, Johnny Depp severed ties with his management company, The Management Group (TMG).
November 2016: Joins Imprisoned for Art Campaign
In November 2016, Johnny Depp joined the Imprisoned for Art campaign to advocate for the release of Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, who was detained in Russia.
2016: Yoga Hosers, Donald Trump's The Art of the Deal: The Movie, Alice Through the Looking Glass, and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them releases
In 2016, Johnny Depp appeared in "Yoga Hosers" and played Donald Trump in "Donald Trump's The Art of the Deal: The Movie". Depp reprised the role of the Mad Hatter in "Alice Through the Looking Glass", and he played Gellert Grindelwald in "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them". Also in 2016, one of the severed zombie heads featured in The Walking Dead season 6 episode "Not Tomorrow Yet" was based on Depp.
2017: The Black Ghiandola, Dead Men Tell No Tales, and Murder on the Orient Express releases
In 2017, Johnny Depp appeared in the short film "The Black Ghiandola". He also reprised his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" and appeared in "Murder on the Orient Express".
September 2018: City of Lies pulled from release schedule
In September 2018, the release of "City of Lies", starring Johnny Depp, was pulled from the release schedule after a crew member sued Depp for assault.
October 2018: Richard Says Goodbye premiere
In October 2018, "Richard Says Goodbye", starring Johnny Depp, premiered at the Zurich Film Festival.
2018: Settlement with The Management Group
In 2018, Johnny Depp reached a settlement with The Management Group (TMG) regarding the lawsuit filed in January 2017.
2018: London Fields delayed release
In 2018, the film London Fields, starring Amber Heard and featuring a cameo appearance by Johnny Depp, had its general release delayed due to litigation. The movie was originally planned to be released in 2015.
2019: Settlement with Bloom Hergott
In 2019, Johnny Depp settled the lawsuit against his lawyers, Bloom Hergott, which was initiated in January 2017.
2019: Waiting for the Barbarians premiere
In 2019, Johnny Depp's film "Waiting for the Barbarians" premiered at the 76th Venice International Film Festival.
2019: Settlement in Bodyguards' Lawsuit
In 2019, the lawsuit filed by Johnny Depp's former bodyguards in 2018, which alleged unpaid wages and unsafe working conditions, was settled.
November 2020: Resignation from Fantastic Beasts franchise
In November 2020, Johnny Depp resigned from his role as Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise at the request of Warner Bros., after losing his UK libel case against The Sun.
November 2020: High Court of Justice rules against Depp in libel case; Depp resigns from Fantastic Beasts franchise
In November 2020, the High Court of Justice ruled that 12 of the 14 incidents of physical violence alleged by NGN occurred and that in three of them, Depp had put Heard "in fear of her life". The court rejected Depp's claim of a hoax. Following the verdict, Depp resigned from the Fantastic Beasts franchise after being asked to do so by its production company, Warner Bros.
2020: Tenth highest-grossing actor worldwide
As of 2020, Johnny Depp is the tenth highest-grossing actor worldwide, with his films having grossed over US$3.7 billion at the United States box office and over US$10 billion worldwide.
March 2021: City of Lies Release and Petition for Pirates Return
In March 2021, the film "City of Lies" was released in theaters and on streaming services. Also in March 2021, a petition to bring Johnny Depp back to the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise reached 500,000 signatures.
July 2021: Accusations of MGM burying Minamata
In July 2021, the director of "Minamata" (2020), Andrew Levitas, accused MGM of trying to bury the film due to Johnny Depp's involvement. Depp also claimed he was being boycotted by the Hollywood industry.
August 2021: Minamata released in the UK and Ireland
In August 2021, the film "Minamata" was released in the UK and Ireland. The film received positive reviews, with many publications praising Johnny Depp's performance as his best in years.
September 2021: Depp Describes Himself as Victim of Cancel Culture and Launches IN.2
In September 2021, Johnny Depp described himself as a victim of cancel culture. Also, in September 2021, he launched IN.2, a London-based sister company to his production company, Infinitum Nihil, and announced that IN.2 and A Contracorriente Films were starting a new development fund for TV and film projects.
September 2021: Launch of IN.2
In September 2021, a European sister-company to Infinitum Nihil, entitled IN.2, was launched.
December 2021: Minamata Released in North America
In December 2021, the film "Minamata" was released in North America. The film received positive reviews, with multiple publications praising Depp's performance as his best in years.
February 15, 2022: Depp Receives Serbian Gold Medal of Merit
On February 15, 2022, Johnny Depp received the Serbian Gold Medal of Merit from President Aleksandar Vučić for "outstanding merits in public and cultural activities, especially in the field of film art and the promotion of the Republic of Serbia in the world".
May 2022: Joins Jeff Beck Onstage
Beginning in May 2022, Johnny Depp joined Jeff Beck onstage for a number of concerts in the United Kingdom, where Beck announced they had recorded an album together.
May 29, 2022: Surprise Appearance at Jeff Beck Gig
On May 29, 2022, Johnny Depp, while awaiting a verdict in his defamation trial against Amber Heard, made a surprise appearance at a Jeff Beck gig in Sheffield, playing guitar alongside Beck.
July 15, 2022: Release of '18' Album with Jeff Beck
On July 15, 2022, Johnny Depp and Jeff Beck released their joint record, titled "18".
July 2022: Tentative Settlement Reached in Crew Member Assault Lawsuit
In July 2022, a tentative settlement was reached between Johnny Depp and a crew member regarding the dismissal of a lawsuit filed in 2018, where Depp was accused of hitting and verbally insulting the crew member on the set of 'City of Lies'.
July 2022: Artwork Sale
In July 2022, artwork created by Johnny Depp sold out in less than a day at the Castle Fine Art gallery in London's Covent Garden. The "Friends & Heroes" collection, featuring paintings of people who have inspired him, made nearly $4 million.
August 2022: Cameo Appearance at MTV Video Music Awards
In August 2022, Johnny Depp made a cameo appearance at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards.
March 2023: "Friends & Heroes II" Collection Release
In March 2023, Johnny Depp's second installment in the "Friends & Heroes" collection, entitled "Friends & Heroes II" was released. Prints of Heath Ledger, Bob Marley, River Phoenix and Hunter S. Thompson were made available for sale.
May 2023: Performs at Jeff Beck Tribute Concerts
In May 2023, Johnny Depp performed at the Jeff Beck tribute concerts held at the Royal Albert Hall in London, sharing the stage with Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, and Kirk Hammett, among others.
July 2023: Unveiling of "Five" Auto Portrait
In July 2023, Johnny Depp unveiled an auto portrait, entitled "Five", which he had painted in 2021, referring to entering the fifth year of a dark phase in his life.
September 2023: Principal Photography Commences for Modì
In September 2023, principal photography commenced in Budapest, Hungary, for "Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness", Johnny Depp's first directorial effort in over 25 years.
2023: Starring in Jeanne Du Barry
In 2023, Johnny Depp starred as King Louis XV in Maïwenn's period film "Jeanne Du Barry". The film premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival as the opening film and received a mixed reception from critics.
July 17, 2024: Special Guest at Andrea Bocelli Concert
On July 17, 2024, Johnny Depp was a special guest at one of Andrea Bocelli's 30th-anniversary concerts. Depp and Bocelli performed "En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor" in honor of Jeff Beck, with Depp playing guitar and Bocelli singing.
September 24, 2024: Modì Premieres at the San Sebastián International Film Festival
On September 24, 2024, "Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness" premiered at the 72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival, where it was warmly received by the audience.
September 30, 2024: Preview Event for A Bunch of Stuff Exhibition
On September 30, 2024, a special preview event took place for Johnny Depp's "A Bunch of Stuff" art exhibition, with Depp, Jim Jarmusch, Jerry Bruckheimer, and Justin Bartha present.
October 4, 2024: Opening of Art Exhibition A Bunch of Stuff
On October 4, 2024, Johnny Depp opened his first art exhibition, "A Bunch of Stuff", at the Starrett–Lehigh Building in New York City.
2025: Talks About Possible Return to Pirates of the Caribbean
In 2025, Johnny Depp spoke with Jerry Bruckheimer about a possible return to the Pirates of the Caribbean in the sixth film of the franchise.
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