The Life and Career of Hollywood Icon Johnny Depp

Sherilyn Fenn entered Depp’s life when he was still unknown to most. They met while working on a student film in the mid-1980s, and their chemistry was fast. She was a classically trained actress; he was a musician-turned-budding actor with a disarming edge.

They dated for a couple of years and were even briefly engaged. Although they eventually went their separate ways, Fenn would later speak fondly of Depp, calling him her “first love.” It wasn’t flashy or tabloid-heavy, but their romance marked an early attempt at stability while his career—and identity—were still quietly taking shape.