Johnny Depp, the man known for some iconic roles like Capt. Jack Sparrow, Willy Wonka, and, Edward Scissorhands, is a man of high values. That’s why, his first big purchase wasn’t for himself.

Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow in Dead Men’s Chest | Credits: Walt Disney Pictures

Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was Johnny Depp’s career. Having humble beginnings, the veteran actor found his way into Hollywood after several years. After having enough money, the first major purchase he made was to buy a house for his mother!

Johnny Depp’s First Major Purchase Wasn’t a Luxury!

Depp is the youngest of four children born to John Cristopher Depp and Betty Sue Palmer. Their beginnings weren’t so rich and so, money was a rare commodity for the Depp family back in the day.

Johnny Depp in 21 Jump Street | Credits: Fox

Depp and his mother shared a convoluted relationship since his mother wasn’t always there for him. Despite all the events that took place during the actor’s childhood, she was still his mother, after all.

So in an interview with Rolling Stone, Johnny Depp revealed that the first major purchase he made after acquiring enough money was to buy a house. Not for himself, but it was a gift to his mother!

My mom was born in a f*cking holler in eastern Kentucky. Her poor f*cking a** was on phenobarbital at 12.

For a little context, phenobarbital is used in anti-seizure management, treatment for insomnia, or, addressing alcohol withdrawal. So whatever it was, it wasn’t good for Depp’s mother to be taking phenobarbital at 12.

That’s why, Johnny Depp went ahead and bought a house for his mother when he acquired enough money. The second purchase that he made was a 1940 Harley-Davidson (which he still owns, by the way). However, his relationship with his mother wasn’t always on great terms.

Depp’s House Was a Ghost Town

As the interview continued, the Edward Scissorhands actor further delved into the relationship he shared with his mother. According to the actor, it wasn’t always on the best of terms as situations created unpredictable behaviors in people.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard in The Rum Diary | Credits: GK Films

Johnny Depp revealed that there were “irrational beatings” in the house and that he didn’t know what would come his way. Sometimes it would be an ashtray, other times a phone.

Yeah, there were irrational beatings. Maybe it’s an ashtray coming your way. Maybe you’re gonna get clunked with the phone. It was a ghost house – no one talked. 

He continued,

Betty Sue, I worshiped her. She could be a real b*tch on wheels.

Despite these acts of aggression, Depp stayed true to his morals as he bought a home for his mother when he had got enough. The actor hasn’t looked back since and he doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon.

On the professional side of things, Johnny Depp was seen in the 2023 French film Jeanne du Barry in which he portrayed the role of Louis XV. The film received a rating of 6.7/10 on IMDB and a meager 49% on Rotten Tomatoes. Jeanne du Barry is available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.