Amber Heard’s recent birthday photo on social media sparked a whirlwind of online chatter, from comments on her appearance to praise for her recent changes, including her relocation to Europe.
Amber Heard, who has relocated to Madrid, Spain, celebrated her 38th birthday with a touch of elegance, sharing a photo on Instagram, with the caption, “Champagne kind of birthday.”
This post marked a rare public appearance for Heard, who was stylishly dressed in a gold outfit, seated against a backdrop of extensive wine displays. The image elicited a range of reactions online.
Amber Heard seen leaving her new home on May 11, 2023, in Madrid, Spain | Source: Getty Images
The post was shared on Facebook and one user remarked, “Those cheek implants though,” while another commented on her relocation, “She upgraded by moving to Europe, good for her.” A third admirer noted, “Well, she looks better than she did at trial.”
Discussion about Heard’s age also surfaced. A surprised netizen commented, “She’s 38?!?!” Another wrote, “I thought she was more like 48!” Another echoed a similar sentiment, “She looks like 45 or so.” Someone else reiterated, “She’s only 38?”
Beyond the virtual exchanges, Heard’s birthday celebration included receiving a gift and being serenaded by a mariachi band. Amid the occasion, some social media users urged others to stop criticizing Heard, highlighting her efforts to move past previous controversies.
A netizen defended Heard, stating, “Leave her alone.” Another noted that Heard has “literally changed” herself, adding, “Can we just let her live her life?”
One user remarked, “Imagine having to leave your country to start over and still being made fun of. I wish her the best, some people stories are worse it’s just not aired for millions to see.”
Heard has settled in Madrid with her daughter, Oonagh Paige, after initially residing in Mallorca. According to a friend of the actress in May 2023, she said the actress was “happy there, raising her daughter away from all the noise.”
The friend also noted that while Heard is not eager to return to the Hollywood scene immediately, “she will probably come back when the time is right for the right project.” Heard’s last known films were “In the Fire” and “Aquaman 2.”
As Heard has moved on with her life in Spain, her ex-husband Johnny Depp has also moved on. Sources previously stated that Depp feels “lucky” to see his ex-wife doing better a year after their trial.
Heard and Depp faced off in a widely publicized defamation trial in 2022, which resulted in Depp being awarded $15 million in damages, although Heard also won $2 million from her counter-claim. The duo tied the knot in 2015, but Heard filed for divorce the following year, which was finalized in 2017.
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard attending the Broadway Opening Night Performance of "Cabaret" on April 24, 2014, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard attending the Broadway Opening Night Performance of “Cabaret” on April 24, 2014, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
While it remains uncertain when Heard will resume her acting career, Depp has already made a stylish return to the entertainment scene in London, England. At the premiere of “Jeanne du Barry,” he debuted a short haircut, after “looking unhealthy” for a while.
Johnny Depp arrives for the U.K. premiere of "Jeanne Du Barry," at Curzon Mayfair, London. | Source: Getty Images
Johnny Depp arrives for the U.K. premiere of “Jeanne Du Barry,” at Curzon Mayfair, London. | Source: Getty Images
Depp’s new look sparked a flurry of reactions on social media. A fan noted, “He has been looking unhealthy for awhile. I’m glad he’s past that now.” Another reacted, “He looks so much better with short hair. It makes him much younger.”
Johnny Depp attends the "Jeanne du Barry" U.K. Premiere at The Curzon Mayfair on April 15, 2024, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
Johnny Depp attends the “Jeanne du Barry” U.K. Premiere at The Curzon Mayfair on April 15, 2024, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
The sentiments were further reinforced by others who felt the change was significantly positive. A fan remarked “He looks great, 10 years younger,” while another echoed, “Looking sharp.” One user commented, “About time he cleaned up his act.”
Johnny Depp stands before a crowd at the "Jeanne du Barry" premiere in London, England. | Source: Facebook/extra
Johnny Depp stands before a crowd at the “Jeanne du Barry” premiere in London, England. | Source: Facebook/extra
The film marks one of Depp’s major film comebacks. His new hairstyle has sparked fan discussions, some linking it to the aftermath of their publicized legal battle.
Amber Heard and Johnny Depp watch as the jury leaves the courtroom at the end of the day at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse on May 16, 2022, in Fairfax, Virginia. | Source: Getty Images
Amber Heard and Johnny Depp watch as the jury leaves the courtroom at the end of the day at the Fairfax County Circuit Courthouse on May 16, 2022, in Fairfax, Virginia. | Source: Getty Images
A critic commented, “He looks like he hasn’t washed his hair since the trial,” while one unconvinced netizen said, “He’s not aged well but I guess his lifestyle shows that. He was so good-looking, shame.”
A screenshot Johnny Depp attending the "Jeanne du Barry" premiere in London, England. | Source: Facebook/extra
A screenshot Johnny Depp attending the “Jeanne du Barry” premiere in London, England. | Source: Facebook/extra
Meanwhile, another offered a mix of critique and support, stating, “Hey, he’s got back to his base normal. After living that mess of a woman. Give him a break.” Meanwhile, many still expressed optimism about Depp’s comeback.
Johnny Depp signing autographs at the premiere of "Jean Du Barry" in London, England. | Source: YouTube/extratv
Johnny Depp signing autographs at the premiere of “Jean Du Barry” in London, England. | Source: YouTube/extratv
A fan commended the actor, “Good for him, happy for him.” Another praised him, “Looking very dapper, I hope this film does really well and it looks very interesting so looking forward to going to see it soon.”
The actor’s recent transformation was for his role as King Louis XV in “Jeanne du Barry.” Despite his initial reluctance to star in the film, he felt fortunate to play the French royal. Depp said, “I feel very lucky to have been [offered the role] – strangely, oddly, perversely lucky.”
Johnny Depp as King Louis XV in the film "Jeanne Du Barry." | Source: YouTube/PalaceFilms
Johnny Depp as King Louis XV in the film “Jeanne Du Barry.” | Source: YouTube/PalaceFilms
Depp’s fresh, tousled look for his film debut was far from what he looked like in the past year. A 2022 photograph of Depp has left the internet bewildered. The image—shared by guitarist and artist Micki Free—showcases a version of the actor many fans argue was a far cry from the heartthrob status he once held.
Johnny Depp and Micki Free posing for a picture posted on November 5, 2022 | Source: Instagram/official_micki_free
Johnny Depp and Micki Free posing for a picture posted on November 5, 2022 | Source: Instagram/official_micki_free
The post on Free’s Instagram displays candid shots of Depp and Free at The Palms in Las Vegas. Depp dons a black tee, jeans, numerous accessories, and a brimmed hat, with loosely styled hair and perhaps a hint of mascara.
Johnny Depp and Micki Free posing for a picture posted on November 5, 2022 | Source: Instagram/official_micki_free
Johnny Depp and Micki Free posing for a picture posted on November 5, 2022 | Source: Instagram/official_micki_free
Free’s attire mirrored this flamboyance with a vibrant ensemble of a red vest, floral red jacket, and a matching brimmed hat. Hinting at the profound ties the duo shares, Free’s caption read, “Me and cousin Johnny at The Palms in Las Vegas last night!!! HAVE MERCY!”
Johnny Depp and Micki Free posing for a picture posted on November 5, 2022 | Source: Instagram/official_micki_free
Johnny Depp and Micki Free posing for a picture posted on November 5, 2022 | Source: Instagram/official_micki_free
The reaction to Depp’s appearance in the Instagram post varied widely, with many expressing disbelief. “Doesn’t even look like the same person! Wow!” exclaimed one user, while another commented, “Can’t be! 😱,” and someone else conveyed the level of shock, citing, “Oh my goodness!”
An unconvinced social media user stated, “That doesn’t even look close to Johnny. Is that the original one?????” Another expressed, “No way!!” and someone else pondered, “Is it really [him]? Omg. That’s sad.”
These sentiments reflect a broader discussion on aging, celebrity culture, and the expectations placed upon public figures to remain unchanged despite the passage of time.
Johnny Depp arriving for the 60th Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy on August 28, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
Johnny Depp arriving for the 60th Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy on August 28, 2003 | Source: Getty Images
One person even took things a step further and posted an old picture of Depp looking suave with short hair and shades and wrote, “Wow…he used to be good-looking and masculine.”
Johnny Depp at the 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California on January 16, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
Johnny Depp at the 62nd Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, California on January 16, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
Although many struggled to recognize Depp in the shared images, it was indeed him. The post highlighted his physical transformation and underscored his connection to the Comanche tribe through familial ties to LaDonna Harris, a direct relative of war chief Quanah Parker.
Johnny Depp spotted on October 4, 1989. | Source: Getty Images
Johnny Depp spotted on October 4, 1989. | Source: Getty Images
In a TikTok video posted online the same year the Instagram post was shared, Free offered a deeper insight into this connection, explicitly explaining, “When Johnny Depp did ‘The Lone Ranger’ in 2012 I think it was, LaDonna adopted Johnny in the Comanche nation […] So that made Johnny my cousin Comanche way because of our sisters.”
Free’s narration on their shared Comanche heritage not only brings to light their familial bond but also Depp’s sincere engagement with the Native American community, This dates back to his induction into the Comanche nation—based in Lawton, Okla—as an honorary member during his work on “The Lone Ranger.”
Johnny Depp at the world premiere of "The Lone Ranger" in Anaheim, California on June 22, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Johnny Depp at the world premiere of “The Lone Ranger” in Anaheim, California on June 22, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Comanche Nation tribal member Harris, now regarding Depp as her son, played a pivotal role in his adoption, highlighting the inclusivity of Comanche traditions. Their acknowledgment solidified his Native American connection, reflecting his commitment to honoring this aspect of his identity.
Johnny Depp at the UK premiere of "The Lone Ranger" in London, England on July 21, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Johnny Depp at the UK premiere of “The Lone Ranger” in London, England on July 21, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Before becoming a member of the Comanche tribe, Depp was a two-time recipient of People’s Sexiest Man Alive title. Naturally, his evolution from holding this title to his current, more subdued persona is a stark reminder of the transient nature of fame and beauty standards.
Johnny Depp at the 76th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California on February 29, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
Johnny Depp at the 76th Annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California on February 29, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
The contrast between his sex symbol status in 2003 (when “Pirates of the Caribbean” came out) and 2009 (25 years after making his movie debut) and the current discourse surrounding his appearance speaks volumes about societal expectations and the inevitability of change.
Johnny Depp at the world premiere of "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" in Anaheim, California on May 19, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
Johnny Depp at the world premiere of “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” in Anaheim, California on May 19, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
Speaking of the inevitability of change, Depp has reportedly embraced a more serene lifestyle in the quiet English countryside. This shift from the fast-paced Hollywood scene to a low-key existence underscores his quest for tranquility and authenticity.
Johnny Depp posing for a portrait during the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on December 2, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Johnny Depp posing for a portrait during the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on December 2, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
“I just love places with character. I have various houses in various places and they all mean something special to me,” Depp shared. “In truth, I’m quite a shy person,” he added, revealing the personal satisfaction he finds in Britain’s reserved culture, particularly Somerset, where he can “just be” himself.
Johnny Depp spotted in Birmingham, England on June 06, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Johnny Depp spotted in Birmingham, England on June 06, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Depp appreciates the English countryside’s charm, noting the local community’s respectful demeanor. “British people are cool and will greet you as if you are a neighbor without going over the top,” he said. This privacy lets him enjoy solitude, away from celebrity life.
Continuing the trend of attracting public attention, Depp’s daughter, Lily-Rose Depp, also captured the public’s curiosity. In December 2023, she was spotted enjoying a night out, filled with public displays of affection, with her girlfriend, Danielle Balbuena, better known as 070 Shake.
