Johnny Depp: The Stories Behind His Tattoos

“To me, it’s like some journal — they all represent different times in my life,” Johnny Depp expressed in an interview with The Washington Post in 1995. This statement encapsulates the essence of his numerous tattoos, each one acting as a chapter in his personal history. From his first tattoo at the age of 17 to the elaborate artworks that now cover his body, Depp's ink narrates his life journey, revealing pivotal moments, personal tributes, and significant relationships.

Tattoos have long been a form of self-expression, and for Depp, they serve as a visual diary. Each piece tells a story, reminding him of where he's been and the people he's loved. As we delve into the world of Johnny Depp's tattoos, we uncover not just the art, but the profound meanings that lie beneath the ink.

Cherokee Tribe

On his upper right arm is Johnny’s first tattoo, which is the statement “Cherokee Tribe,” inked when he was just 17 years old. This tattoo honors his Native American heritage, as his great-grandmother was Cherokee. It signifies not just a connection to his ancestry, but also a deep respect for his roots.

“Betty Sue”

On Johnny’s left arm, he has a heart with “Betty Sue” written across it. This tattoo is a tribute to his mother, whose name was Betty Sue. She passed away on May 20, 2016, after a long illness, but the tattoo was done long before her death, in 1988, by tattoo artist Johnathan Shaw. It symbolizes the love and bond he shared with her throughout his life.

“Lily-Rose”

Johnny’s chest bears the name of his firstborn child, daughter Lily-Rose Depp, whom he shares with Vanessa Paradis. Depp has expressed how becoming a father transformed his perspective on life, stating, “My daughter made me understand... why I should live.” This tattoo represents his love and commitment to his family.

“WINO FOREVER”

One of his most famous tattoos is “WINO FOREVER,” originally inked as a tribute to his ex-girlfriend Winona Ryder. After their breakup, he modified it to read “SCUM.” This tattoo reflects the ups and downs of his romantic life, showcasing how tattoos can change meaning over time.

Suprematism Triangle

Johnny has a “suprematism triangle” tattooed on his left shoulder, inspired by a 1925 painting by Russian artist Ilya Chashnik. This tattoo represents his appreciation for art and creativity, and it connects him to various artistic movements throughout history.

‘The Brave’

On his right forearm, Depp has a design featuring a stitched mouth man with a question mark overhead, which is the logo of the film The Brave, a project he co-wrote and directed. This tattoo not only represents his work in film but also serves as a reminder of his artistic aspirations.

Jack Sparrow Tattoo

The sparrow tattoo on his right arm mirrors the one worn by his character Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Depp's sparrow is flying towards him, symbolizing his love for his son, Jack, born in 2002. It signifies a bond between father and son, suggesting that he always wants his child close.

Three Rectangles

Among the many tattoos, Depp also has three rectangles on the index finger of his right hand. He shared that he used to doodle these shapes while on the phone, making it a personal and lighthearted reminder of his everyday life.

The Number 3

Depp has a fascination with the number 3, which he considers “magical.” This is evident in his tattoos, as he has the design on both his left hand and arm, highlighting his personal beliefs and superstitions.

Question Mark Tattoo

On his right leg, there’s a question mark tattooed over an X, symbolizing the adventurous spirit of a pirate's treasure map. This tattoo showcases Depp's playful side and his affinity for storytelling.

“Silence Exile Cunning”

One of Depp's tattoos reads “Silence, Exile, Cunning,” a reference to James Joyce’s novel, A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. This ink reflects Depp's introspective nature and his connection to literary themes that resonate with his life experiences.

Three Hearts

Johnny has three hearts tattooed on his left arm, signifying his love for his ex-wife, Vanessa Paradis, and their two children. This tattoo serves as a tribute to his family and their importance in his life.

His Grandfather’s Portrait

On his right forearm, Depp has a tattoo of a sailor that represents his grandfather, who served in WWII. This tattoo signifies the close relationship he had with his grandfather, honoring the legacy of family and service.

His Mother’s Portrait

On his left forearm, Depp has another portrait tattoo of his mother, Betty Sue. This ink serves as a lasting memory of her, capturing a moment from her life when she worked as a waitress in Kentucky.

The Gonzo Fist

In honor of his friend, Hunter S. Thompson, Depp has a tattoo of the Gonzo fist holding a peyote button. This design symbolizes their friendship and Depp's commitment to honoring the legacy of Thompson's literary work.

Crossbones

On his right arm, there is a classic skull and crossbones tattoo, reflecting Depp's affinity for pirate culture and adventure. This tattoo complements his roles in film and connects to the themes of freedom and rebellion.

“Salvo Ogum”

On his left forearm, Depp has the words “Salve Ogum” alongside a design of a skull wearing a crown. This tattoo highlights his interest in spirituality and cultural references that resonate with his personal beliefs.

Rook

Depp has a tattoo of a rook, a bird that plays the game Rook, on his left wrist as a tribute to his grandfather. This tattoo symbolizes family connections and the importance of shared experiences.

Dots

Reportedly, Depp has a series of dots tattooed on his left ankle, which adds a whimsical touch to his extensive collection of ink. These simple designs often carry significant meaning in the context of his life.

“No Reason”

Depp's “No Reason” tattoo on his right inner wrist is a secret shared with Marilyn Manson, emphasizing their close friendship. It represents the unexplainable connections we form with others, sometimes without needing to verbalize them.

“Les Fleurs du Mal”

This tattoo, which features the skeletal figure of a giant skeleton entwined in a blooming plant, reflects Depp's artistic side and his collaboration with Manson on their body art.

“Brothers”

In a tribute to his friendship with Damien Echols, who was wrongfully imprisoned, Depp has a tattoo symbolizing their bond. This represents the importance of loyalty and standing by friends through thick and thin.

Skeleton Key

The skeleton key tattoo on Depp's left wrist further emphasizes his connection with Echols. They both got this tattoo while separated by long distances, showcasing their friendship and shared experiences.

Crow

Depp’s crow tattoo on his right hand is another representation of his