Johnny Depp Reflects on Fatherhood and the Challenges of Fame

Hollywood star Johnny Depp is opening up about his experiences with fatherhood and the bittersweet feelings of “empty-nest syndrome.” The 62-year-old actor, who shares Lily-Rose, 25, and Jack, 22, with ex-partner Vanessa Paradis, admits he misses the days when his children were young enough to call him “Papa” and is amazed at how quickly they’ve grown.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Depp reflected, “Years get away from us, don’t they?… I’m of the empty-nest syndrome.” When asked if he missed having his kids around, he responded with a hint of nostalgia: “Oh man, my kids growing up in the south of France in their youth? I was Papa. I cannot tell you how much I loved being Papa. Then, suddenly, Papa was out the window. I was Dad. But Papa was awesome and I’m getting old enough for Papa to possibly come back. Some m************ going to have to call me Papa.”

Currently living in London, Depp revealed that France is the place he truly considers home. “I don’t spend much time in the US,” he said. “There is the joint in the Bahamas or here. But home. Truly, the first time I felt I had a home was the place in the south of France where Vanessa and I raised the kiddies. That’s the only place that ever felt like home.”

Despite Lily-Rose’s success as an actress, Depp joked he would never want her to follow directly in his footsteps. When asked for advice for her, he said, “Kids ask me, ‘I want to be an actor, what’s your advice?’ And I say, ‘Don’t be!’ I know what’s coming for them. I was chucked on that road and the only advice I can give is, ‘Don’t allow anyone to make you something you are not.’ They’ll want you to be a poster boy and it’s tempting, a lot of money. And if that’s the path you want? Go for it. But don’t let anybody choose for you.”

Depp also shared that he’s never felt entirely comfortable with fame, often avoiding going out with friends to prevent unwanted attention. “I just rarely go out,” he admitted. “If friends invite me for Mexican food, I say, ‘Dude, that’s sweet of you but I will ruin your night.’ My presence will bring attention, and Jesus, I’ve had almost 40 years of fame but I’m still not used to it. And I’m glad I’m not.”