What was Johnny Depp Like in the 90s?
Between starring in Pirates of the Caribbean as Captain Jack Sparrow and, most recently, his legal battle with Amber Heard, Johnny Depp is no stranger to the limelight.
However, Johnny Depp has a historied past well beyond fighting zombie pirates and using his back hair and sea turtles to avoid starvation on a deserted island.
Let's take a look at what Johnny Depp's life was like in the 1990s.
When did Johnny Depp Become Famous?
It seems almost like a right of passage for Hollywood actors to get a break in a horror movie. For Johnny Depp, that movie was the first Nightmare on Elm Street. This movie came out in 1984.
Unfortunately, his character did not survive the nightmare lurking Freddy Krueger. I'd say spoiler alert but, come on - this movie is incredibly old.
But, when and how did Johnny Depp break into the industry?
As we all know, Johnny Depp is one of the most famous actors in the world today, but his fame didn't happen overnight. In fact, it took decades of hard work, dedication, and of course, a little luck to become the household name that he is today.
As we mentioned, Depp's journey to becoming famous started in the early 80s when he landed his first major role in the horror classic, A Nightmare on Elm Street.
Although the movie had a relatively small budget, it turned into a huge success and launched Depp's acting career. He went on to star in other teenage-centric films such as Private Resort, Platoon, and 21 Jump Street, which all helped to further cement his status as a teen heartthrob.
Now that we got that established, what films did Johnny Depp star in the 1990s?
Popular Johhny Depp 1990s Movies
Throughout the 90s, Johnny Depp continued to work on various projects, appearing in cult classics such as Edward Scissorhands, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Ed Wood, and Donnie Brasco.
He also made a brief foray into music, collaborating with his then-girlfriend Winona Ryder to form the rock band P. with a few albums.
Honestly, though, the 90s were a great time for Johnny Depp fans. He truly emerged as a movie star. His incredible performances made him a household name and his films are still beloved by fans today.
Edward Scissorhands - 1990
First on the list of best 1990s Johnny Depp movies is Edward Scissorhands. This beloved film was released in 1990 and quickly became a classic.
Depp perfectly portrayed a sad yet kind-hearted artificial being who was rejected by society. His performance was captivating and heartbreaking, making it one of Depp's best roles to date.
After watching Edward Scissorhands, you knew that fantasy movies were going to be a common genre for Johnny!
Benny & Joon - 1993
Another great 90s Depp movie is Benny & Joon. This 1993 romantic comedy sees Depp playing an eccentric man who has been appointed to look after his mentally ill sister, Joon, by her brother Benny.
Depp's performance was both hilarious and charming, making it a fan favorite.
What's Eating Gilbert Grape - 1993
What's Eating Gilbert Grape is a 1993 drama film starring Johnny Depp, Juliette Lewis, Darlene Cates and Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie tells the story of Gilbert Grape, a young man living in a small town in Iowa with his mother and two sisters. Gilbert is struggling to take care of his family after his father's death.
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape is a classic drama that everyone should watch. It is a great story about learning to take responsibility for yourself and your family and finding hope in the darkest of times.
Johnny Depp and Juliette Lewis both give brilliant performances in this timeless film. If you haven't seen it yet, you should definitely check it out.
Ed Wood - 1994
Ed Wood is a classic 1994 biographical comedy-drama film directed by Tim Burton and starring Johnny Depp in the title role. The movie follows the life and career of Ed Wood, a critically-acclaimed filmmaker and actor, who is considered one of the most influential cult filmmakers of all time.
This was the only film that Johnny Depp did in 1994.
Ed Wood is a classic film featuring Johnny Depp as the titular character and Martin Landau as his supportive friend Bela Lugosi. With its inventive production design, colorful characters, and unpredictable storyline, the film has become a cult classic and a must-see for fans of independent cinema.
The movie also serves as an important tribute to the life and career of Ed Wood, a pioneering cult filmmaker. While Johnny Depp has never won an Oscar, he did win Actor of the Year for this film.
Donnie Brasco - 1997
This 1997 crime drama features Depp as Joe Pistone, an undercover FBI agent who infiltrates the mafia. His performance was intense and powerful, as he had to balance his undercover role with his real-life identity.
It was an unforgettable performance from Depp and showed why he was one of the greatest actors of the decade.
The Ninth Gate - 1999
The Ninth Gate, starring Johnny Depp as Dean Corso, is a thrilling mystery-thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Released in 1999, the movie follows Dean Corso, a rare-book dealer who is hired by wealthy collector Boris Balkan to authenticate a manuscript, which is rumored to contain a devilish secret.
Overall, The Ninth Gate is an enthralling mystery-thriller that has earned its spot in the hearts of many film lovers. It has masterful storytelling, gripping performances, and a unique atmosphere.
Sleepy Hollow - 1999
The horror movie ‘Sleepy Hollow’, released in 1999, is another popular 90s Johnny Depp movie.
Directed by Tim Burton, it sees Depp as an investigating police constable in a small town plagued by a mysterious headless horseman. It has become a horror classic, and Depp's performance was praised by critics.
What Did Johhny Depp do in the 90s?
"Johnny Depp" by ATempletonPhoto.com is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
What was Johnny Depp known for in the 90s? Besides putting out great films, he definitely had a little bit of a wild side to him. in fact, if you were the owner of a hotel, you did not want Johnny Depp around.
He was known to trash hotel rooms back in the day.
But, what was Johnny Depp like off-screen during this era? Let's take a look at his personal life in the 90s.
Depp was married to actress Lori Anne Allison from 1983 to 1985. During their short marriage, the couple adopted a Chihuahua called Boo, who Depp still credits as being his first-ever pet.
After their divorce, Depp went on to date some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Winona Ryder and Kate Moss. His relationship with Ryder was particularly iconic, and the pair was dubbed "Winona Forever."
Depp also had a turbulent relationship with his father, and the two were estranged for much of the 90s. After a brief reconciliation in 1998, the two sadly separated again, and Depp's father passed away in 2013.
On a brighter note, the 90s saw Depp's rise to fame, financial success, and the start of his career as a music producer.
He was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone and was the subject of several documentaries, including the Emmy-nominated film The Brave.
He also produced several albums, including the highly successful 1999 album Pee-Wee's Big Adventure. Overall, the 90s were an eventful decade for Johnny Depp.
While his personal life wasn't always easy, his career was on the rise, and he established himself as an icon of the era. His determination to break boundaries as an actor and musician made him one of the most beloved stars of the 90s.
What is Considered Johnny Depp's Best Movie?
"File:Jack Sparrow - Johnny Depp (Madame Tussauds).JPG" by Ashley Rehnblom from Scottsdale, AZ, USA is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
If there was one movie that stands out as being Johnny Depp’s best, it would have to be his performance in “Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl.”
Depp’s portrayal of the iconic and outrageous Captain Jack Sparrow was such a hit with audiences that it spawned five sequels, and it was Depp’s performance that truly brought the character to life.
His perfect comedic timing, his ability to transform between the dashing and the deranged, and his commitment to the role made this movie one of the most beloved of all time.
Although, and this is a personal note - I did love his portrayal of Whitey Bulger in Black Mass. Not worthy of being his "best film ever," but certainly a knockout!
What has Happened to Johnny Depp since the 90s?
But it was his performance as the swashbuckling pirate Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean that truly made Johnny Depp famous.
The role earned him his first Academy Award nomination, and the Pirates franchise has grossed billions of dollars in box office revenue and won several awards.
Since then, Johnny Depp has gone on to appear in a plethora of critically acclaimed films, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Alice in Wonderland, and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
He's also continued to work with director Tim Burton in films such as Dark Shadows, Corpse Bride, and Alice Through the Looking Glass.
Johnny Depp's fame has only grown over the years, and his name is now synonymous with quality acting. He's continued to take on a variety of roles and continues to entertain audiences around the world.
So, when did Johnny Depp become famous? While he killed it in the 90s and early 2000s, It's safe to say that his rise to fame began in the early 80s and has been growing ever since.