Johnny Depp & Winona Ryder's 'Fierce' Love Was Severely Impacted By Public's 'Curiosity Monster'

May 30, 2022

Johnny Depp, born John Christopher Depp II, is known for his iconic acting abilities and his dynamic portrayal of eccentric characters. Depp made his acting debut in 1984 when he starred as Glen Lantz in the horror film "A Nightmare on Elm Street." Following the success of the film, Depp's big break came in 1987, when he portrayed Officer Tom Hanson on the television series "21 Jump Street" (1987–1990). The series was a huge success, turning the young actor into Hollywood's newest heartthrob and launching his highly-accomplished career. According to Rolling Stones, some of the Golden-Globe winning actor's best roles include "Edward Scissorhands," "Sleepy Hollow," and "Alice in Wonderland."

Depp was not only making headlines for his acting abilities but also for his countless Hollywood romances. Before his rocky relationship with Amber Heard, the "Pirates of the Caribbean" actor was only of Hollywood's most eligible bachelors. According to US Magazine, Depp dated many of Hollywood's A-list celebrities, such as Jennifer Grey, Kate Mose, and Vanessa Paradis. But one of his most noteworthy relationships was his whirlwind romance with Winona Ryder. 

Winona Ryder made her film debut in 1986 when she played "Rina" in the film Lucas. According to Empire online, Ryder's big break came in 1988, when she portrayed "Lydia Deetz" in Tim Burton's Beetlejuice. Throughout her career, Ryder has established herself as a powerful performer through her diverse and challenging catalog of roles. According to Movie Web, some of Ryder's greatest roles of all time include "Little Women," "Heathers," and "Bram Stoker's Dracula."

Depp and Ryder met in 1989, as both actors began their rise to fame. Depp recalled the chance meeting in an interview with Rolling Stones and said it was love at first sight.

According to People, Winona Ryder and Johnny Depp dated for three years and got engaged five months after their first date. Depp declared his love for his then-fiance by getting "Winona Forever" tattooed on his bicep. In an interview with Rolling Stones, the actor explained how his previous relationships did not compare to his relationship with Ryder.

"My previous relationships weren't as heavy as people think they were," He told the outlet. "But there's never been anything throughout my 27 years that is comparable to the feeling I have with Winona. You can think something is the real thing, but it's different when you really feel it. The truth is very powerful – believe me, this 'Winona Forever' tattoo is not something I took lightly."

Ryder's feelings for Depp were just as strong. In an interview with Cinema, Ryder referred to him as her first love. 

"I had my first real relationship with Johnny (Depp)," she told the outlet. "A fiercely deep love that I don't know that I'll ever..The first love is like that isn't it? I don't know today. It was a real wild time back then."

During an interview with Australia Tonight, after their breakup, Depp was asked if he had plans to get the tattoo covered. 

"No, no, of course not," he told the outlet. "I think for me, these tattoos are a journal. As opposed to writing it on a piece of paper, I just took the initiative and put it on my skin. So I wear my journal. But even though we're not together anymore, it doesn't take away from the honesty of when I got the tattoo."

Even though the couple was madly in love, in 1993, the pair broke up. Following their breakup, Depp opened up to the Los Angeles Times and reflected how the media's involvement in their relationship contributed to its demise.

"It's very hard to have a personal life in this town," Depp said. "My relationship with Winona, it was my mistake to be as open as we were, but I thought if we were honest it would destroy that curiosity monster. Instead, it fed it, gave people license to feel they were part of it."

The end of their engagement was a heartbreaking time for both actors. In an interview with Elle UK, Ryder described herself after her breakup with Depp as "completely lost." Additionally, in an interview with Cinema, Ryder revealed that her heartbreak led her into a deep depression. 

"I was very depressed after breaking off my engagement with Johnny ten years ago," Ryder told the outlet. "I was embarrassingly dramatic at the time, but you have to remember I was only 19 years old."

"A doctor diagnosed me with anticipatory nostalgia - whatever that is - and gave me sleeping pills. I attempted being an alcoholic for two weeks; spending a lot of time in my hotel room; drinking screwdrivers from the mini-bar; smoking cigarettes and listening to Tom Waits."

The "Black Swan" actress said her wake-up call came after falling asleep with a lit cigarette. Despite the end of their engagement, their friendship has continued. In an interview with Time Magazine, the "Little Women" actress described Depp "as a really good, loving, caring guy who is very, very protective of the people that he loves."

Do you remember your worst breakup? How did you recover from the experience? Let us know, and pass this article on to friends, family members, and fellow Johnny Depp fans!