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, known as Johnny Depp, is an American actor and musician celebrated for his versatile and often eccentric character portrayals. He has received numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award, and has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards and British Academy Film Awards. Depp's films have collectively grossed over $10.8 billion globally, establishing him as a major figure in the entertainment industry.
1984: Release of A Nightmare on Elm Street
In 1984, A Nightmare on Elm Street, one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, was released.
1990: Release of Edward Scissorhands
In 1990, Edward Scissorhands, one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, was released.
1993: Depp co-owns The Viper Room
In 1993, Johnny Depp became a co-owner of The Viper Room nightclub in Los Angeles.
1994: Release of Ed Wood
In 1994, Ed Wood, one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, was released.
1997: Release of Donnie Brasco
In 1997, Donnie Brasco, one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, was released.
1999: Honorary César Award
In 1999, Johnny Depp received an Honorary César Award.
1999: Release of Sleepy Hollow
In 1999, Sleepy Hollow, one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, was released.
2000: Release of Chocolat
In 2000, Chocolat, one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, was released.
2003: Depp no longer owns The Viper Room
In 2003, Johnny Depp relinquished his co-ownership of The Viper Room in Los Angeles.
2003: Starring in Pirates of the Caribbean and Once Upon a Time in Mexico
In 2003, Johnny Depp starred in "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" as Captain Jack Sparrow, receiving widespread acclaim and several award nominations. He also starred in "Once Upon a Time in Mexico" as a corrupt CIA agent, with his performance receiving praise. Both films were released in 2003.
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 film in the Pirates series was released. This was seen as marking a new era for Depp, solidifying his status as a mainstream star.
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, one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, was released.
2004: Release of Finding Neverland
In 2004, Finding Neverland, one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, was released.
2004: Depp founds Infinitum Nihil production company
In 2004, Johnny Depp founded the film production company Infinitum Nihil to develop projects where he would act or produce. His sister, Christi Dembrowski, serves as president.
2004: Starring in Several Films and Founding Infinitum Nihil
In 2004, Johnny Depp starred in "Secret Window", based on a story by Stephen King, and "The Libertine", which received negative reviews. He also starred in "Finding Neverland", earning him an Academy Award nomination, and made a cameo in "Happily Ever After". In 2004, Depp founded his film production company, Infinitum Nihil, under Warner Bros. Pictures.
2005: Release of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
In 2005, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, was released.
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", receiving a Golden Globe nomination. He also voiced Victor Van Dort in Tim Burton's stop-motion animation "Corpse Bride" in 2005.
2005: People's Choice Award: Favorite Male Movie Star
In 2005, Johnny Depp was named "Favorite Male Movie Star" at the People's Choice Awards. This marked the start of an eight-year winning streak in this category.
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.
2006: Depp receives Courage to Care award
In 2006, Johnny Depp was given the "Courage to Care" award from Children's Hospital Los Angeles due to his advocacy for children and children's charities.
2007: Starring in At World's End and voicing in the Legend of Jack Sparrow
In 2007, Johnny Depp reprised the role of Jack Sparrow in "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End", which was a major box office success. He also voiced the character in the video game "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Legend of Jack Sparrow" in 2007.
2007: Starring in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
In 2007, Johnny Depp starred as Sweeney Todd in "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street", which was a commercial and critical success. Depp won a Golden Globe for his role and was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in 2007.
2009: Starring in Public Enemies and The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
In 2009, Johnny Depp portrayed John Dillinger in "Public Enemies". Also in 2009, Depp starred in "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus", sharing the role initially portrayed by Heath Ledger with Jude Law and Colin Farrell.
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, solidifying his status as a major star.
2009: Release of Public Enemies
In 2009, Public Enemies, one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, was released.
2010: Release of Alice in Wonderland
In 2010, Alice in Wonderland, one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, was released.
2010: Alice in Wonderland becomes Depp's biggest commercial hit
In 2010, Depp starred in Alice in Wonderland, which became the biggest commercial hit of Depp's career.
2010: Starring in Alice in Wonderland and The Tourist
In 2010, Johnny Depp starred as the Mad Hatter in "Alice in Wonderland", which earned over US$1 billion. Depp also starred in "The Tourist" opposite Angelina Jolie in 2010. He received Golden Globe nominations for both films.
2011: Infinitum Nihil releases The Rum Diary and Hugo
In 2011, Infinitum Nihil, Johnny Depp's production company, released its first two films: The Rum Diary and Hugo.
2011: Co-starred with Amber Heard in The Rum Diary
In 2011, Johnny Depp co-starred with Amber Heard in The Rum Diary. Following the end of his relationship with Vanessa Paradis, Depp began dating Heard.
2011: Releasing Multiple Films and Projects Through Infinitum Nihil
In 2011, Johnny Depp voiced the title character in the animated film "Rango", and starred in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides". Depp released "The Rum Diary", a film adaptation of the novel by Hunter S. Thompson and Martin Scorsese's "Hugo" in 2011, both co-produced by his company, Infinitum Nihil. He also made a cameo in the Adam Sandler film "Jack and Jill" in 2011.
2012: Depp listed as world's highest-paid actor
In 2012, Depp was listed by the Guinness World Records as the world's highest-paid actor, with earnings of US$75 million in a year.
2012: Highest-Paid Actor in American Film Industry
In 2012, Johnny Depp became the highest-paid actor in the American film industry, earning up to $75 million per film.
2012: Depp performs with Marilyn Manson at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards
In 2012, Johnny Depp performed with Marilyn Manson at the Revolver Golden Gods Awards.
2012: Recognized as 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. Depp also starred in and co-produced "Dark Shadows" with Tim Burton, based on the 1960s television soap opera in 2012.
2012: Dark Shadows Underperforms at the Box Office
In 2012, Johnny Depp's film Dark Shadows underperformed at the box office, marking the beginning of a period of less successful big-budget films for the actor.
2013: Depp co-edits Woody Guthrie's novel
In 2013, Johnny Depp co-edited folk singer Woody Guthrie's novel, House of Earth, with Douglas Brinkley, and the novel was published.
2013: Starring in The Lone Ranger
In 2013, Johnny Depp starred as Tonto in "The Lone Ranger". The film was not well received, causing Disney to take a US$190 million loss.
2013: The Lone Ranger Underperforms at the Box Office
In 2013, Johnny Depp's film The Lone Ranger underperformed at the box office, contributing to a series of less successful big-budget films for the actor.
2014: Starring in Transcendence, Into the Woods and Tusk
In 2014, Johnny Depp starred in "Transcendence", which was a commercial failure. He also had roles in "Into the Woods" and "Tusk", in which he was credited as Guy LaPointe.
2014: Tusk sequel, Yoga Hosers
In 2016, Depp appeared in "Yoga Hosers", a sequel to Tusk (2014), which he starred in with his daughter, Lily-Rose Depp.
September 2015: Hollywood Vampires release debut album and make live debut
In September 2015, Johnny Depp's supergroup, Hollywood Vampires, released their self-titled debut studio album, featuring rock covers and original songs. They also made their live debut at The Roxy in Los Angeles in September 2015.
2015: Release of Black Mass
In 2015, Black Mass, one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, was released.
2015: Appearing in Mortdecai and Black Mass
In 2015, Johnny Depp appeared in "Mortdecai" and "Black Mass", produced by Infinitum Nihil. "Black Mass" was better received, earning Depp a SAG award nomination. Dior signed Depp as the face of their men's fragrance, Sauvage, and he was inducted as a Disney Legend in 2015.
March 2016: Depp cuts ties with The Management Group (TMG)
In March 2016, Johnny Depp severed ties with his management company, The Management Group (TMG), before later suing them in January 2017.
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 being detained in Russia.
2016: Portraying Donald Trump and appearing in Alice Through the Looking Glass
In 2016, Johnny Depp played Donald Trump in "Donald Trump's The Art of the Deal: The Movie". Depp also reprised the role of the Mad Hatter in "Alice Through the Looking Glass", which was not as successful as the first film. He also appeared as Gellert Grindelwald in "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" in 2016.
2016: Depp receives Rhonda's Kiss Healing and Hope Award
In 2016, Johnny Depp received the "Rhonda's Kiss Healing and Hope Award" for his work with cancer patients and his contributions to research.
2016: Alice Through the Looking Glass Underperforms at the Box Office
In 2016, Johnny Depp's film Alice Through the Looking Glass underperformed at the box office, continuing a trend of less successful big-budget films for the actor. In the same year, Depp also faced negative publicity due to allegations of domestic violence and substance abuse.
2016: Hollywood Vampires World Tour
In 2016, the Hollywood Vampires, featuring Johnny Depp, embarked on their first world tour.
2017: Appearing in Dead Men Tell No Tales and Murder on the Orient Express
In 2017, Johnny Depp reprised his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales". He also appeared in "Murder on the Orient Express" in 2017.
September 2018: Release of City of Lies Pulled
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: Premiere of Richard Says Goodbye
In October 2018, "Richard Says Goodbye", starring Johnny Depp, premiered at the Zurich Film Festival.
2018: Settlement with TMG
In 2018, Johnny Depp reached a settlement with The Management Group (TMG) regarding the lawsuit filed in January 2017.
2018: Hollywood Vampires World Tour
In 2018, the Hollywood Vampires, featuring Johnny Depp, embarked on their second world tour.
2018: Delayed Release of London Fields
The general release of "London Fields", starring Amber Heard, was delayed by litigation until 2018. The movie was initially to be released in 2015.
June 2019: Hollywood Vampires Release Rise
In June 2019, Hollywood Vampires, featuring Johnny Depp, released their second studio album, Rise, consisting mainly of original material and a cover of David Bowie's "Heroes" sung by Depp.
2019: Settlement with Bloom Hergott
In 2019, Johnny Depp reached a settlement with his lawyers, Bloom Hergott, regarding the lawsuit filed in January 2017.
2019: Settlement of Bodyguards' Lawsuit
In 2019, Johnny Depp settled the lawsuit filed by his former bodyguards regarding unpaid wages and unsafe working conditions.
2019: Starring in Waiting for the Barbarians
In 2019, Johnny Depp starred in "Waiting for the Barbarians", which premiered at the 76th Venice International Film Festival.
November 2020: Resigning 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.
November 2020: High Court of Justice Rules Against Depp in Libel Case
In November 2020, the High Court of Justice ruled against Johnny Depp in his libel case against The Sun, finding that the characterization of Depp as a "wife beater" was "substantially true". Following the verdict, Depp resigned from the Fantastic Beasts franchise after being asked to do so by 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.
2020: Depp and Jeff Beck release cover of "Isolation"
In 2020, Johnny Depp and Jeff Beck released a cover of John Lennon's "Isolation" and announced plans to release more music together.
2020: Release of Minamata
In 2020, Minamata, one of Johnny Depp's most critically and commercially successful films, was released.
March 2021: City of Lies released and online petition gains traction
In March 2021, the film City of Lies, initially slated for 2018, was finally released in theaters and on streaming platforms. Also in March 2021, an online petition advocating for Depp's return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise reached its target of 500,000 signatures.
July 2021: Director accuses MGM of burying Minamata due to Depp's involvement
In July 2021, Andrew Levitas, director of Minamata (2020), accused MGM of attempting to bury the film because of Depp's involvement. Depp claimed he was being boycotted by the Hollywood industry and described his changed reputation as an "absurdity of media mathematics."
August 2021: Minamata released in the UK and Ireland
In August 2021, Minamata was released in the UK and Ireland. The film received positive reviews, with many publications praising Depp's performance.
September 2021: Depp Describes Himself as Victim of Cancel Culture, Launches IN.2 Production Company
In September 2021, Johnny Depp described himself as a victim of cancel culture. Also in September 2021, Depp 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, European sister-company to Infinitum Nihil
In September 2021, Johnny Depp launched IN.2, a London-based sister company to his production company, Infinitum Nihil, with a focus on supporting artists across various media.
December 2021: Minamata released in North America
In December 2021, the film Minamata was released in North America, garnering positive reviews and praise for Depp's performance.
2021: Pirates of the Caribbean franchise earnings
As of 2021, the five films in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise earned US$4.5 billion.
2021: Depp paints auto portrait "Five"
In 2021, Johnny Depp painted the auto portrait "Five", which was displayed publicly in 2023.
February 15, 2022: Depp receives the Serbian Gold Medal of Merit
On February 15, 2022, Johnny Depp was awarded the Serbian Gold Medal of Merit by President Aleksandar Vučić for his contributions to film art and the promotion of Serbia.
May 2022: Depp joins Jeff Beck on stage for UK concerts
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 in Sheffield
On May 29, 2022, Johnny Depp made a surprise appearance at a Jeff Beck concert in Sheffield, playing guitar with Beck. Depp was awaiting the verdict in his defamation trial against Amber Heard at the time.
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 Crew Member Assault Lawsuit
In July 2022, Johnny Depp reached a tentative settlement with a crew member who alleged Depp hit and verbally insulted him on the set of 'City of Lies' in 2018.
July 2022: Depp's artwork sells out in London gallery
In July 2022, artwork by Johnny Depp, the "Friends & Heroes" collection, sold out quickly after debuting at Castle Fine Art in London, generating nearly $4 million from 780 prints.
August 2022: Cameo appearance at the 2022 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 Released
In March 2023, Johnny Depp's second art collection, "Friends & Heroes II", was released featuring prints of Heath Ledger, Bob Marley, River Phoenix and Hunter S. Thompson.
May 2023: Depp 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: Depp unveils auto portrait "Five"
In July 2023, Johnny Depp unveiled an auto portrait, entitled "Five" which he had painted in 2021 and described it as being linked to the fifth year of a dark phase in his life. The collection was hosted by Castle Fine Art gallery.
September 2023: Principal photography commences for Modì in Budapest
In September 2023, principal photography for Modì, Johnny Depp's directorial effort, commenced in Budapest, Hungary.
2023: Depp stars as King Louis XV in Jeanne Du Barry
In 2023, Depp starred as King Louis XV in Maïwenn's period film Jeanne Du Barry, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. This marked Depp's first role acting in French and was deemed a comeback by some critics.
2023: Hollywood Vampires World Tour
In 2023, the Hollywood Vampires, featuring Johnny Depp, embarked on their third world tour.
July 17, 2024: Depp performs with Andrea Bocelli
On July 17, 2024, Johnny Depp was a special guest at one of Andrea Bocelli's 30th anniversary concerts, where they performed "En Aranjuez Con Tu Amor" in honor of Jeff Beck. Depp played guitar, while Bocelli sang.
September 24, 2024: Modì premieres at the San Sebastián International Film Festival
On September 24, 2024, Modì premiered at the 72nd San Sebastián International Film Festival, receiving a warm reception.
September 30, 2024: Preview event for Depp's art exhibition
On September 30, 2024, Johnny Depp held a special preview event for his "A Bunch of Stuff" art exhibition, attended by friends and family including Jim Jarmusch and Jerry Bruckheimer.
October 4, 2024: Depp opens "A Bunch of Stuff" art exhibition
On October 4, 2024, Johnny Depp opened his first art exhibition, "A Bunch of Stuff," in New York City, showcasing decades of his artwork.
2025: Depp speaks with Jerry Bruckheimer about possible Pirates return
In 2025, Depp discussed a potential return to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise with Jerry Bruckheimer for the sixth film, contingent on script development.
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