The Truth About Johnny Depp And Vanessa Paradis' Relationship
Even though they ultimately parted ways, there's no question that Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis' relationship is one romantic tale definitely worth revisiting. As noted by the Evening Standard, the American actor and the French star initially met in 1998 while Depp was in Paris filming a movie. Likewise, according to the actor, the couple's meeting was truly love at first sight, and Depp stated that Paradis' presence changed everything for him. Though they were never married, both Depp and Paradis had their reasons for not getting hitched. As the Daily Mail noted, Paradis previously stated in an interview, "I can't picture it for me. I know so many married people who tear each other apart. Ceremonies don't matter to me, love is all I need."
During their 14 years together, Depp and Paradis had two children: Lily-Rose Depp and John Christopher Depp III, aka Jack. While the couple's son generally avoids the spotlight, his sister Lily-Rose has followed in her parents' footsteps, and currently boasts a successful modeling and acting career. With a seemingly enviable relationship, the stars shocked their fans in 2012 when it was officially announced that they had called it quits. While both moved on to other partners, Paradis' marriage to Samuel Benchetrit appeared to fare better than Depp's relationship with Amber Heard. Still, even amid Heard's allegations, Paradis publicly offered her support to her ex. With a lengthy history between the pair, fans will definitely want to reexamine Depp and Paradis' relationship.
They met in Paris in 1998
As recounted by the Daily Mail, Johnny Depp's life took a sudden turn after he first spotted Vanessa Paradis. It was 1998, and Depp was in France working on Roman Polanski's "The Ninth Gate." The actor said it was love at first sight when he spotted the French star at the Hotel Costes. "She was wearing a dress with an exposed back and I saw that back and that neck, and then she turned around and I saw those eyes, and — boom!" Depp stated before clapping his hands. "My life as a single man was done."
Additionally, it's noted that once he was with Paradis, Depp moved away from his former partying lifestyle by cutting back on drinking and smoking to instead focus on healthier living. Depp also praised the singer for her talents and for being extremely supportive and kind. Likewise, an article from the Mirror recalled Paradis' recollection of her experience meeting the "Sleepy Hollow" star. Previously, Paradis had told the Times that she'd had feelings for Depp even before the two were together. She remarked that she could still remember their first meeting, when Depp shook her hand. "He didn't only look good, everything was good," Paradis said. She then added, "He was so sweet, so different. He just seemed like a good person. I just knew ... there was no one better."
Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis never tied the knot
While they were ultimately together for 14 years, Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis never chose to make things official and get married. During a chat with Extra in 2010 (12 years into his relationship with Paradis), Depp gave the entertainment outlet his reasoning for why the then-longtime couple had never gotten hitched. "I never found myself needing that piece of paper," Depp stated. The actor then explained his feelings on marriage and how he saw his relationship with the mother of his children. "Marriage is really from soul to soul, heart to heart," he said. Then, continuing to state his case for why an official piece of paper wasn't necessary, he added, "You don't need somebody to say, okay you're married."
Still, regardless of his feelings on marriage, the star voiced that he wasn't opposed to the idea, saying that if the French singer wanted the couple to tie the knot, he was more than open to the idea. However, Depp jokingly added that there was one downside to the possibility of the pair getting married. He stated, "I'd be so scared of ruining her last name. She's got such a good last name." Furthermore, the Evening Standard noted that Depp was always mindful of making sure that his relationship and family with Paradis wasn't a reflection of his parent's relationship or own upbringing, which, according to Express, involved abusive behavior from Depp's mother towards the rest of the family.
They had their first child, Lily-Rose, in 1999
From its beginnings, Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis's relationship moved quickly. The happy couple welcomed their first child on May 27, 1999. Lily-Rose was born in her mother's native country of France, and it soon became clear that the daughter of the famous couple similarly had her own acting ambitions. In 2014, Lily-Rose appeared in the horror-comedy "Tusk" alongside her father, and has since starred in films like "The Dancer," "Yoga Hosers," and "The King." Depp's daughter has also built up an impressive resume as a model and has worked for brands like Chanel.
As reported by the Daily Mail, the "Alice in Wonderland" star is very proud of his daughter and her accomplishments. "Lily's really together — she's a sharp kid and one of the smartest human beings I have ever met," Depp stated. He also affirmed that he was very close to his daughter, and said he was pleased that they had such a good relationship. Likewise, even after Depp and Paradis split, a separate article from the Daily Mail reported that the "Dark Shadows" star and his ex reunited to celebrate their daughter's 16th birthday. While the star never wanted his daughter to follow in his acting footsteps, Depp said that Lily-Rose's smarts would lead her to make good choices. "She's got a sensible head on her shoulders, and I trust her to lead a sensible, responsible life," he said.
The couple welcomed son Jack in 2002
Soon after Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis welcomed their daughter, Lily-Rose, into the world, the couple had their second child. As stated by StyleCaster, John Christopher Depp III (known as Jack) was born on April 9, 2002. According to Vogue, the couple's baby boy was born in an American hospital in Neuilly, France. The magazine claimed that the newborn's moniker, Jack, reportedly came from Depp's fondness for his film "From Hell," which explored the murderous actions of Jack the Ripper. Though the pair's second child is rarely in the spotlight, the public has learned about Jack through his other family members.
For example, during a 2014 interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Depp praised his son, stating, "My boy Jack has always been a very talented draftsman. He draws really super-well." The actor then went on to gush about Jack's creative abilities, saying that his son was also very musically gifted. Depp also added that he was relieved that his son didn't seem interested in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.
During an interview with Belgian magazine Weekend Knack, Paradis discussed choosing to keep her then-young kids away from cameras. She said, "I don't want our children to be forced to share in our fame against their will." Still, the French star added, "The day that they will decide for themselves to do things that might bring them into the spotlights, then I won't stop them" (via People).
Johnny Depp's island pays tribute to Vanessa Paradis
While some lovebirds might buy a house together, Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis were hardly the average couple. Likewise, according to Vanity Fair, Depp's private island purchase is anything but ordinary. The actor's 45-acre tropical island, called Little Hall's Pond Cay, definitely sounds like paradise, and features plenty of personal touches to make the location feel like home. For example, Depp personalized the six beaches on the island, naming them after those important to him. One is named Paradis, while the others are named after his children (Lily-Rose and Jack) and his close friends, like Hunter S. Thompson.
A separate article by Vanity Fair detailed another way the actor and his private island have paid tribute to his family. Depp's 156-foot yacht, which he has since sold (to J.K. Rowling, no less) was called the Vajoliroja, an amalgam that takes the first two letters of Paradis' name, his name, his daughter's, and his son's. The steam-powered motor yacht featured pirate-themed decor and flew the Jolly Roger flag.
He still has the island, though. "Little Hall's Pond is my decompression," Depp told Vanity Fair in 2009. Later, he revealed how his family passed the time when on the island, recalling a memory where his daughter put a message in a bottle and let it drift into the water. "I spent the Christmas season here with Vanessa and the kids. You can feed hot dogs to the nurse sharks in the Exumas — but it's best to not swim when doing it."
Johnny Depp bought Vanessa Paradis an entire French village
As noted by SCMP, Johnny Depp has quite an impressive property portfolio worth an estimated $100 million. With numerous properties located all over the world, the "Ed Wood" star's real estate includes his aforementioned private island, as well as five Hollywood Hills homes and a horse farm in Kentucky. Still, one of his more notable purchases is the French village that Depp is said to have purchased for Vanessa Paradis. According to the outlet, the 19th-century village is located in the Cote d'Azur, approximately 10 miles away from St. Tropez. It features a bistro called Café Marcheline, a church, a large primary residence, and six guest cottages. Depp reportedly purchased the property for $55 million.
The write-up noted that Depp and Paradis had spent lots of time at the village with their children. However, per Homes and Gardens, after the actor and Paradis split, Depp decided to sell the estate and put the French village on the market in 2015 and 2016 for various prices, from $27 million to $63 million. More recently, it was re-listed for $55 million and hasn't sold as of this writing. Homes and Gardens added that the actor allegedly spent approximately $10 million on renovations during his property ownership. In addition to its other luxuries, the village has two swimming pools, a skate park, a town square, and a full gym. There's also a visually stunning wine cave that features a decorative skull reminiscent of "Pirates of the Caribbean."
The pair stayed at their daughter's bedside during her hospitalization
With plenty of touching tributes made to Vanessa Paradis and his children, it's no surprise that family is very important to Johnny Depp. Sadly, as noted by the Mirror, back in 2007, the couple's then-7-year-old daughter Lily-Rose Depp ended up hospitalized with a serious illness. The outlet stated that Depp and Paradis rarely left their daughter's bedside during that period, adding that the family only wanted Lily-Rose to recover. An insider said, "The whole family is just praying that she gets better. They are taking each day as it comes." Though her illness wasn't disclosed at the time to respect the family's privacy, since Lily-Rose's recovery, it's been revealed that she contracted E. coli poisoning that resulted in kidney failure.
The experience impacted Depp, and after his daughter's hospitalization, he visited sick children in hospitals dressed as his "Pirates of the Caribbean" character, Captain Jack Sparrow. During an interview with "The Graham Norton Show," the actor stated that being able to visit these children after Lily-Rose's recovery was a blessing. Likewise, during his acceptance speech after receiving the Rhonda's Kiss Healing and Hope Award in 2016, Depp declared his admiration for the parents and children fighting cancer. He said, "I lived in the [London] hospital for three weeks with my girl and my [daughter], not knowing if she was going to make it or not." He added, "Parents, please note that you have my utter respect" (via People).
They officially split in 2012
In 2012, People reported that Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis had officially called it quits after 14 years together. Depp's publicist told the entertainment outlet that the pair had separated on good terms and wanted privacy for themselves and their children. Later in 2013, Depp spoke with Rolling Stone about the break-up. Telling the magazine that things had been fairly rocky for the past few years, the actor said it wasn't surprising that issues had popped up. "Relationships are very difficult," he stated. Depp later added, "It wasn't easy on me. It wasn't easy on the kids." Still, Depp admitted that he and Paradis would always be connected since she is the mother of his children. "You're always gonna be in each other's lives because of those kids. You might as well make the best of it."
On the other hand, during an interview with French Elle (translated by E!), Paradis told the fashion-focused outlet that she didn't want to discuss her ex. "I don't have the recipe for happiness, but I think the engine is simply having the desire," she stated. Paradis later added that she was content with her life. Additionally, in a separate interview with Harper's Bazaar, the French star appeared to be ready for a new romance. She told the outlet that she favored a specific type of person: "Well, my type is obviously creative. Creative, with burning eyes and a pretty mouth."
Vanessa Paradis married Samuel Benchetrit in 2018
Though she and Johnny Depp called it quits in 2012, it wasn't long before Vanessa Paradis found love again. According to The Sun, the French singer met her current partner, Samuel Benchetrit, in 2016. Benchetrit, who is a French writer, actor, scenarist, and director, was previously married to Marie Trintignant, a French actress who was murdered in 2003 by French musician Bertrand Cantat. Benchetrit and Paradis first met on the set of his fifth film, "Dog." Just a few years after the pair's initial romance started up, he and Paradis decided to make things official and got married.
As stated by the Daily Mail, Paradis and Benchetrit were married in July of 2018 in France at a town hall in Saint Simeon in a low-key ceremony. For her big day, the French model wore a white fitted mesh dress along with a veil and pink and purple flowers in her curled blonde hair. Benchetrit wore a fitted navy suit. Paradis' children, Lily-Rose and Jack, also attended the wedding. Lily-Rose wore a yellow silk dress with pink and purple flowers in her hair, while her brother Jack chose a black suit. The Daily Mail added that Paradis' happy news surprised some, as she'd previously stated in a 2011 interview (before she met the French director) that she had no interest in getting married. It's clear her feelings on the matter changed over time.
Johnny Depp married and later divorced Amber Heard
Not long after he split from Vanessa Paradis, Johnny Depp moved on and began what would become a highly publicized romance with Amber Heard. At the time, Hello! Magazine reported that the French model was happy for her ex and stated that the "Sweeney Todd" star had allegedly told Paradis of his plans to wed Heard. Regarding the former couple, a source told Us Weekly, "Vanessa wished him happiness. No drama ... She's not bitter, she's happy." As noted by PopSugar, Depp and Heard later wed on his private island in 2015; however, unlike Paradis' low-key marriage to Samuel Benchetrit, the "Public Enemies" star and the "Aquaman" actress' relationship ultimately led to serious allegations and plenty of public drama.
The pair's divorce was finalized in 2017 after Heard obtained a restraining order and cited domestic abuse claims (Depp denied her allegations). But, despite their split, news regarding the pair's short-lived relationship only continued to appear in the media. As noted by the Independent, Heard's allegations eventually led to Depp suing The Sun newspaper in the U.K. for labeling him as a "wife beater." Though he would lose that case, more recently, Depp sued Heard for defamation regarding her abuse allegations. That case resulted in the highly publicized Virginia trial, where a jury found overwhelming in Depp's favor, awarding him over $10 million in damages. In comparison, Heard only won one of her counterclaims, which awarded her $2 million in damages.
Vanessa Paradis publicly defended her ex in 2020
Amid Amber Heard's allegations of domestic abuse at the hands of Johnny Depp, TMZ reported that Vanessa Paradis had spoken up in her ex's defense. In a letter that was obtained by the entertainment news source, the French star wrote that the "Black Mass" actor was a good man. She called him "a sensitive, loving and loved person." Paradis added that she genuinely believed that Heard's claims were ridiculous and said that throughout her relationship with Depp, she'd never known him to be abusive in any form. "This looks nothing like the man I lived with for 14 wonderful years," she concluded.
Deadline reported that though Paradis (along with Winona Ryder, another of Depp's exes) had planned to testify on Depp's behalf during his libel trial in the U.K., she would not actually appear in court. The aforementioned letter from Paradis had been a part of her witness statement. But, according to the outlet, Depp's case representative David Sherborne told the court that the actor's legal team no longer planned to use testimony from Depp's exes. The announcement came during the week that Paradis and Ryder were set to appear via video link. Sherborne said to the court, "There is no need to reschedule those witnesses, much as it would have been a pleasure to have them here." Sherborne added that the reason for not calling the women to testify was because the case wasn't about Depp's treatment of his former partners.