Johnny Depp Admits He's 'Shy' And Prefers Tranquil Life In The English Countryside

Mar 27, 2023

Johnny Depp has been a household name since the late '80s and early '90s when his illustrious acting career took off. He's well known for his many collaborations with director Tim Burton, including "Edward Scissorhands," "Sleepy Hollow," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Alice in Wonderland," among others. Depp is widely regarded as one of the world's most famous movie stars and was listed as the highest-paid actor by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2012. 

Depp's personal life early in his career was widely reported on in the press, as he famously dated Winona Ryder, Kate Moss and later, French model Vanessa Paradis, with whom he has two children. But it was his most recent relationship and second marriage to actress Amber Heard that became widely publicized after the former couple was embroiled in a bitter defamation trial. Depp won the infamous trial against Heard and ever since, has kept a fairly low profile.

In 2022 the actor and musician — who's made music since before he was an actor — released an album and toured with late rocker Jeff Beck. However, he is yet to make a return to the big screen.

Since then, the actor has shown up in a few low-key places including his hometown Owensboro, Kentucky, as well as the Hemswell Antique Centres in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, UK. In a new interview with Somerset Life magazine, Depp revealed he lives part-time in Somerset, UK, and is drawn to the place due to its sense of calm and history. Read on to learn more about Depp's new life in the UK.

Many celebrities avoid exposure in public and prefer to stay out of sight whenever possible. They are seen on screen or in performance venues regularly, but we rarely get a glimpse into their personal lives. Depp is a prime example of a celebrity who prefers to stay out of the spotlight in his day-to-day life. 

However, Depp made a surprise visit to an antique shop in the English countryside that ended up in the press. According to BBC, Depp arrived ​​at Hemswell Antiques Centre in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, in a helicopter on March 4, 2023. The owner of the store, Rob Miller, was only told that a special guest would arrive at their store but kept quiet to his staff about who the secret guest was. 

Speaking more to BBC, Miller detailed Depp’s visit to their store.  

“He just bought a lot of very quirky items. A desk chair, four guitars, paint sets, easels, a few pictures, posters, just a whole range of things for decorative items for his own personal property,” he recalled. 

Among the items that Depp picked up from the antique store were vintage vases and guitars. Miller also said that he overheard Depp talking about Beck to one of his colleagues at the store. 

Well, now we know where all of the items Depp bought are headed – to his countryside manor in Somerset, where the actor has spent much of his time lately.

In a feature in the April 2023 edition of Somerset Life, Depp opened up about his love of the English countryside.

"Somerset is famous all over the world," the actor said. "I think it is a really nice part of Britain and that is why I have spent a lot of time here."

Depp bought his £13 million (approximately $15.9 million) estate back in 2014, according to the Evening Standard. A three-and-a-half hour ride from London by car, the property has 12 bedrooms and eight bathrooms and is set on 850 acres. Beyond the manor house, it includes farmland, a dairy farm and walled gardens. 

"I just love places with character. I have various houses in various places and they all mean something special to me. I don't have them just to say I own them, I have them for use and because they are a bit special," Depp told Somerset Life.

Somerset is also where the iconic Glastonbury Festival is held each year, which Depp performed at in 2017. The star added "one of the many things" he loves about Britain is "everywhere you go there is history and buildings with great character." Another of Depp's favorite things about the area? The people and their "cool" demeanor.

"British people are cool and will greet you as if you are a neighbor without going over the top. ... I don't mind if people want an autograph or a brief chat but not when I am having some private time with my family."

He added:

"I can go into shops without being surrounded by people wanting selfies. I don't mind that up to a point, but sometimes it gets a little too crowded."

Depp also cited the British sense of humor as "legendary." The actor also opened up about not being "the great extrovert that people think." He explained:

"I am an actor and try to give people what they expect but in truth I am quite a shy person and I like to wander around places and just enjoy being. That is one of the great things about Britain, and especially Somerset. I can just be me — and that's nice"

What do you think about Johnny Depp's tranquil life in the English countryside? Did you expect he'd be as shy as he says he is? Let us know, then pass this on to any fans of his you know!