OK! Interview: Johnny Depp Is So in Love!
May 23 2011, Published 5:40 a.m. ET
Johnny Depp is 47, but looks a dozen years younger. The dashing star of the fourth film in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, On Stranger Tides, spoke with OK! about his work, his long-term relationship with singer/actress Vanessa Paradis — which remains strong, though they have no plans to wed — and his adoration for their two children, Lily Rose and Jack.
What’s your greatest achievement?
If you call meeting Vanessa an “achievement,” it was certainly that. It came at the right time. We were both ready for children, and she’s given me Lily Rose, who is now 11 years old, and Jack, who’s 9. I saw Vanessa across a room — and I first saw only her back! But I immediately thought: “That’s the woman for me.” That was nearly 12 years ago.
But you and Vanessa never married.
Yes, and that’s how it is going to stay — for now. As one of our presidents once said, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” We just haven’t done the big public vow thing. It doesn’t seem necessary for us. Others may want to go down that road — we don’t.
What do your children think of Daddy the movie star?
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Jack just thinks, “That’s what Daddy does, so, er, what’s the deal?” And Lily Rose would far rather be listening to or watching Justin Bieber. I am absolutely no contest for that guy.
Your greatest pleasure?
Seriously? Playing with my kids.
Do you feel secure with your career?
Me? Never. It could all end tomorrow. Hey, don’t forget that the suits at Disney — the executives who have the right to hire or fire — didn’t want me to play Jack Sparrow at first. They thought I was “too dangerous.”
You have played some weird characters.
Hmm. True. And Jack Sparrow is no conservative conformist either! But then I think everyone in the human race is a little bit weird, and that’s the key to us all.
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