Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Johnny Depp
Discover the career path of Johnny Depp, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
John Christopher Depp II is an American actor and musician recognized with numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe. Nominated for multiple Academy Awards and British Academy Film Awards, Depp is renowned for his portrayals of eccentric characters. His films have collectively grossed over $8 billion globally, establishing him as one of Hollywood's most commercially successful actors.
1935: Peter Lorre in Mad Love influenced Depp
In 1935, Peter Lorre's performance in "Mad Love", influenced Johnny Depp's role as Sweeney Todd.
1984: Release of A Nightmare on Elm Street
In 1984, A Nightmare on Elm Street was released, marking an early commercially successful film for Johnny Depp, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
1990: Release of Edward Scissorhands
In 1990, Edward Scissorhands was released, which is considered one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
1993: Depp Co-Owned The Viper Room
In 1993, Johnny Depp co-owned The Viper Room nightclub in Los Angeles.
1993: Filming of What's Eating Gilbert Grape?
In 1993, Johnny Depp filmed What's Eating Gilbert Grape?, during which he later acknowledged abusing alcohol, as revealed in a 1997 interview.
1994: Release of Ed Wood
In 1994, Ed Wood was released, another critically and commercially successful film for Johnny Depp, as per Rotten Tomatoes.
1997: Release of Donnie Brasco
In 1997, Donnie Brasco was released, and is considered one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
1999: Release of Sleepy Hollow
In 1999, Sleepy Hollow was released, recognized as one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
2000: Release of Chocolat
In 2000, Chocolat was released, marking another critically and commercially successful film for Johnny Depp, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
2000: Film releases: The Man Who Cried, Before Night Falls, Chocolat
In 2000, Johnny Depp starred in "The Man Who Cried", a British-French drama. He also had a supporting role in "Before Night Falls". His final film of the year was "Chocolat", where he played a Roma man.
2001: Filming of Blow
In 2001, Johnny Depp filmed the movie Blow, directed by Ted Demme. Years later, in January 2024, actress Lola Glaudini, who was also in the movie, recounted an incident of verbal abuse from Depp during the movie shooting on the Powerful Truth Angels podcast.
2001: Starring roles in Blow and From Hell
In 2001, Johnny Depp starred as George Jung in "Blow", a film about cocaine smuggling. He also portrayed inspector Frederick Abberline in "From Hell", a comic book adaptation about the Jack the Ripper murders, set in 1880s London. Both films received mixed reviews.
2003: Depp No Longer Co-Owned The Viper Room
In 2003, Johnny Depp ceased to co-own The Viper Room nightclub in Los Angeles.
2003: Starring in Pirates of the Caribbean and Once Upon a Time in Mexico
In 2003, Johnny Depp starred as Captain Jack Sparrow in "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl", a major box office success. Also that year, he played a corrupt CIA agent in "Once Upon a Time in Mexico".
2003: Release of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
In 2003, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl was released, and is considered one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
2004: Release of Finding Neverland
In 2004, Finding Neverland was released, and is considered one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
2004: Depp Founded Infinitum Nihil
In 2004, Johnny Depp founded the film production company Infinitum Nihil, where he serves as CEO. His sister, Christi Dembrowski, serves as president.
2004: Starring in Secret Window, The Libertine, Finding Neverland, Happily Ever After
In 2004, Johnny Depp starred in "Secret Window", based on a Stephen King short story, and "The Libertine", where he portrayed the Earl of Rochester. He also starred in "Finding Neverland" as J.M. Barrie. Depp made a cameo appearance in the French film "Happily Ever After". He founded his film production company, Infinitum Nihil, under Warner Bros. Pictures in 2004.
2005: Release of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
In 2005, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was released, and is considered one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
2005: Starring in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Corpse Bride
In 2005, Johnny Depp starred as Willy Wonka in "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", directed by Tim Burton. He also voiced the main character in Burton's stop-motion animation, "Corpse Bride".
2006: Reprising Jack Sparrow in Dead Man's Chest
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: Jack Sparrow in At World's End and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
In 2007, Johnny Depp reprised his role as Jack Sparrow in "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End", another major box office success. He also starred as Sweeney Todd in "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street", directed by Tim Burton.
2007: Starring as Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
In 2007, Johnny Depp starred as Sweeney Todd in the musical "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street". The film was a commercial and critical success and Depp won the Golden Globe for Best Musical or Comedy Actor for the role.
2007: Release of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
In 2007, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street was released, and is considered one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
2009: Portraying John Dillinger in Public Enemies and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
In 2009, Johnny Depp portrayed John Dillinger in "Public Enemies". Also in 2009, he starred in "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus", sharing the role initially portrayed by Heath Ledger with Jude Law and Colin Farrell.
2009: Release of Public Enemies
In 2009, Public Enemies was released, another critically and commercially successful film for Johnny Depp, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
2010: Release of Alice in Wonderland
In 2010, Alice in Wonderland was released, recognized as one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
2010: Alice in Wonderland success
In 2010, Alice in Wonderland, a film featuring Depp, became the biggest commercial hit of Depp's career and one of the highest-grossing films in history.
2010: Starring in Alice in Wonderland and The Tourist
In 2010, Johnny Depp played the Mad Hatter in "Alice in Wonderland", directed by Tim Burton. Depp also starred opposite Angelina Jolie in "The Tourist" in 2010.
2011: Co-starred with Amber Heard in The Rum Diary
In 2011, Depp co-starred with Amber Heard in The Rum Diary.
2011: Infinitum Nihil's First Film Releases
In 2011, Infinitum Nihil's first two film releases were The Rum Diary and Hugo.
2011: Releases: Rango, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, The Rum Diary, Hugo
In 2011, Johnny Depp voiced the title character in the animated film "Rango". He also starred in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides". Additionally, Depp released "The Rum Diary", a film adaptation of the novel by Hunter S. Thompson, and co-produced "Hugo", directed by Martin Scorsese, through his company Infinitum Nihil. Depp made a cameo in "Jack and Jill" also in 2011.
2012: Highest paid American actor
In 2012, Depp became the highest-paid actor in the American film industry, earning as high as $75 million per film.
2012: Performance at Revolver Golden Gods Awards
In 2012, Johnny Depp performed with Marilyn Manson at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards.
2012: Highest-paid actor and starring in Dark Shadows
In 2012, Johnny Depp was listed by the Guinness World Records as the world's highest-paid actor. He also starred in and co-produced "Dark Shadows" with Tim Burton in 2012.
2012: Dark Shadows underperformance
In the 2010s, Depp's films were less successful, with many big-budget studio films such as Dark Shadows (2012) underperforming at the box office.
2013: House of Earth Published
In 2013, Johnny Depp and Douglas Brinkley edited folk singer Woody Guthrie's novel House of Earth, which was published.
2013: Starring in The Lone Ranger and Lucky Them
In 2013, Johnny Depp starred as Tonto in "The Lone Ranger". Also in 2013, he had a brief cameo in the independent film "Lucky Them".
2013: The Lone Ranger underperformance
In 2013, The Lone Ranger, a big-budget studio film starring Depp, underperformed at the box office.
2014: Tusk was released in 2014
In 2014, Johnny Depp had a more substantial appearance as eccentric French-Canadian ex-detective in Kevin Smith's horror-comedy Tusk, in which he was credited by the character's name, Guy LaPointe.
2014: Starring in Transcendence, Into the Woods and Tusk
In 2014, Johnny Depp starred in "Transcendence" as an AI-studying scientist. He also had a minor supporting part in "Into the Woods", and a more substantial appearance in "Tusk".
September 2015: Hollywood Vampires Release Debut Album and Make Live Debut
In September 2015, Hollywood Vampires, formed by Johnny Depp, Alice Cooper, and Joe Perry, released their self-titled debut studio album and made their live debut at The Roxy in Los Angeles.
2015: Release of Black Mass
In 2015, Black Mass was released, adding to Johnny Depp's list of critically and commercially successful films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
2015: Appearing in Mortdecai, Black Mass, and London Fields
In 2015, Johnny Depp appeared in "Mortdecai" and "Black Mass", both produced by Infinitum Nihil. He also made a cameo appearance in "London Fields". Additionally, in 2015, Depp was signed as the face of Dior's men's fragrance, Sauvage, and inducted as a Disney Legend.
March 2016: Depp Cuts Ties with The Management Group
In March 2016, Johnny Depp ended his relationship with his management company, The Management Group (TMG). This event preceded a lawsuit against TMG in January 2017.
November 2016: Depp Joins Imprisoned for Art Campaign
In November 2016, Johnny Depp joined the Imprisoned for Art campaign, advocating for the release of Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov, who was being held in custody in Russia.
2016: Alice Through the Looking Glass underperformance
In 2016, Alice Through the Looking Glass, a big-budget studio film starring Depp, underperformed at the box office.
2016: Starring in 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
In 2016, Johnny Depp appeared in "Yoga Hosers", and played Donald Trump in "Donald Trump's The Art of the Deal: The Movie". He also reprised the role of the Mad Hatter in "Alice Through the Looking Glass", and appeared in "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them".
2016: Hollywood Vampires World Tour
In 2016, Johnny Depp's band Hollywood Vampires went on their first world tour.
2017: Appearing in The Black Ghiandola, Dead Men Tell No Tales, and Murder on the Orient Express
In 2017, Johnny Depp appeared in "The Black Ghiandola", a short film made through the Make a Film Foundation. He also reprised his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales", and starred in "Murder on the Orient Express".
September 2018: City of Lies pulled from release schedule
In September 2018, City of Lies, starring Johnny Depp as Russell Poole, an LAPD detective investigating the murders of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G., was pulled from its release schedule after a crew member sued Depp for assault.
October 2018: Richard Says Goodbye Premieres at Zurich Film Festival
In October 2018, the comedy-drama Richard Says Goodbye, starring Johnny Depp as a professor with terminal cancer and produced by Depp's company Infinitum Nihil, premiered at the Zurich Film Festival.
2018: Settlement with TMG
In 2018, Johnny Depp settled the lawsuit with his former management company, TMG. This concluded one of the legal battles that began in January 2017.
2018: Hollywood Vampires World Tour
In 2018, Johnny Depp's band Hollywood Vampires went on their second world tour.
2018: City of Lies Scheduled for Release
In 2018, the film City of Lies, starring Johnny Depp as an LAPD detective, was originally scheduled for release.
2018: London Fields release delayed until 2018
The general release of "London Fields", in which Johnny Depp made a cameo appearance, was delayed by litigation until 2018.
June 2019: Hollywood Vampires Release Rise
In June 2019, Hollywood Vampires released their second studio album, Rise, featuring original material and a cover of David Bowie's "Heroes" sung by Johnny Depp.
2019: Waiting for the Barbarians Premieres
In 2019, Depp's independent drama Waiting for the Barbarians, based on a novel by J. M. Coetzee, premiered at the 76th Venice International Film Festival.
2019: Settlement with Bloom Hergott
In 2019, Johnny Depp settled the lawsuit with his lawyers, Bloom Hergott. This concluded the second legal battle that began in January 2017.
2019: Settlement of Bodyguards' Lawsuit
In 2019, the lawsuit filed by Johnny Depp's former bodyguards in 2018, alleging unpaid wages and unsafe working conditions, was settled.
November 2020: Depp Resigns from Fantastic Beasts Franchise
In November 2020, Johnny Depp resigned from his role as Grindelwald in the Fantastic Beasts franchise after losing his UK libel case against The Sun. He was subsequently replaced by Mads Mikkelsen.
November 2020: High Court ruling and resignation from Fantastic Beasts
In November 2020, the High Court of Justice ruled against Depp in his libel case against The Sun, and he resigned from the Fantastic Beasts franchise after being asked to do so by Warner Bros.
2020: Tenth highest-grossing actor worldwide
As of 2020, 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.
2020: Depp and Beck Release Cover of Isolation
In 2020, Johnny Depp and Jeff Beck released a cover of John Lennon's "Isolation".
2020: Release of Minamata
In 2020, Minamata was released, and is considered one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, according to Rotten Tomatoes.
2020: Minamata Premieres at Berlin International Film Festival
In 2020, Minamata, starring Johnny Depp as photographer W. Eugene Smith, premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival.
March 2021: City of Lies is Released
In March 2021, City of Lies, a film starring Johnny Depp that was originally scheduled for release in 2018, was released in theaters and on streaming services.
July 2021: Director Accuses MGM of Burying Minamata
In July 2021, Andrew Levitas, the director of Minamata (2020), accused MGM of attempting to bury the film because of Johnny Depp's involvement. Depp claimed he was being boycotted by Hollywood.
August 2021: Minamata Released in the UK and Ireland
In August 2021, the film Minamata, starring Johnny Depp, was released in the UK and Ireland, receiving positive reviews.
September 2021: Depp Describes Himself as Victim of Cancel Culture
In September 2021, Johnny Depp described himself as a victim of cancel culture and launched IN.2, a London-based sister company to his production company, Infinitum Nihil. IN.2 and A Contracorriente Films also started a new development fund for TV and film projects.
September 2021: Launch of IN.2, a sister company to Infinitum Nihil
In September 2021, Johnny Depp's film production company Infinitum Nihil launched IN.2, a European sister-company. Depp stated that IN.2 will build a space where artists can be artists.
December 2021: Minamata Released in North America
In December 2021, Minamata was released in North America and received positive reviews, with Depp's performance being praised.
2021: Pirates of the Caribbean franchise earnings
As of 2021, the five films in the Pirates of the Caribbean series have earned US$4.5 billion.
2021: Depp Painted Auto Portrait "Five"
In 2021, Johnny Depp painted an auto portrait, entitled "Five", linked to a dark phase in his life.
May 2022: Depp Joins Jeff Beck Onstage
In May 2022, Johnny Depp joined Jeff Beck onstage for a number of concerts in the United Kingdom. Beck announced they had recorded an album together.
May 29, 2022: Surprise Appearance at Jeff Beck Gig
On May 29, 2022, while awaiting a verdict in his defamation trial, Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance at a Jeff Beck gig in Sheffield, playing guitar alongside Beck.
July 15, 2022: Depp and Beck Release Album 18
On July 15, 2022, Johnny Depp and Jeff Beck released their joint album, titled 18.
July 2022: Tentative Settlement Reached in City of Lies Assault Lawsuit
In July 2022, a tentative settlement was reached between Johnny Depp and a crew member regarding the dismissal of a lawsuit alleging Depp hit and verbally insulted the crew member on the set of City of Lies in 2018.
July 2022: Depp's Art Sells Out
In July 2022, artwork made by Johnny Depp sold out less than a day after debuting at Castle Fine Art in London, earning 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: Release of "Friends & Heroes II" Collection
In March 2023, Johnny Depp released a second installment in the "Friends & Heroes" collection, entitled "Friends & Heroes II".
May 2023: Performs at Jeff Beck Tribute Concerts
In May 2023, Johnny Depp performed at the Jeff Beck tribute concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in London, alongside Eric Clapton and others.
July 2023: Depp Unveils Auto Portrait "Five"
In July 2023, Johnny Depp unveiled an auto portrait, entitled "Five" which he had painted in 2021.
September 2023: Principal photography commenced for Modì
In September 2023, Principal photography commenced in Budapest, Hungary for Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness (2024), Johnny Depp's first directorial effort in over 25 years. The film is about 72 hours in the life of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani.
2023: Depp Stars in Jeanne Du Barry
In 2023, Johnny Depp starred as King Louis XV in Maïwenn's period film Jeanne Du Barry, his first French-speaking role. It was seen by many critics as his comeback role.
2023: Hollywood Vampires World Tour
In 2023, Johnny Depp's band Hollywood Vampires went on their third world tour.
July 17, 2024: Depp Performed With Andrea Bocelli
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. Depp played the guitar, while Bocelli sang.
September 24, 2024: Modì Premieres at San Sebastián International Film Festival
On September 24, 2024, Modì, Three Days on the Wing of Madness, directed by Johnny Depp, premiered at the 72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival. It was warmly received by the audience with a lengthy standing ovation.
September 30, 2024: Preview Event for Depp's Art Exhibition
On September 30, 2024, a preview event took place for Johnny Depp's art exhibition, with Depp and his friends and family members present.
October 4, 2024: Depp Opened his first Art Exhibition
On October 4, 2024, Johnny Depp opened his first art exhibition A Bunch of Stuff at the Starrett–Lehigh Building in New York City.
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