Check Out a Young Johnny Depp Early in His Career

These young Johnny Depp photos showcase the ups and downs of the actor's career in the spotlight.

John Christopher Depp II, better known as Johnny Depp, was born June 9, 1963, in Owensboro, Kentucky. The American actor, musician and producer started his acting career in the horror film, “A Nightmare on Elm Street” in 1984 but became especially popular in the TV series, “21 Jump Street” in the late 1980s.

He has since appeared in dozens of movies, earning him a Golden Globe Award and three Academy Awards nominations. His time in the spotlight hasn’t always been easy, especially as he’s battled drug and alcohol abuse issues for most of his life.

But how did he get to where he is today? Here’s a look at a young Johnny Depp early on in his career before the age of 35.

Depp Started in Music

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Believe it or not, Depp started his artistic career as a musician when his mother gave him a guitar at the age of 12.

In fact, he dropped out of high school at 16 with dreams of becoming a rock musician and moved to Los Angeles, California, with his band when he was 20 years old. An introduction to actor Nicolas Cage is what encouraged him to pursue acting (although he does still play music to this day).

Teen Idol Status With ’21 Jump Street’

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Although he didn’t necessarily have a desire to be an actor, he kept getting minor roles in movies.

His boyish good looks helped him reach teen-idol status with “21 Jump Street.” From there, his career really took off, paving the way for megastar success.

Meeting the President

Young Johnny Depp meeting with President Ronald Reagan

While not particularly political, Depp is seen here shaking hands with President Ronald Reagan at the White House in Washington, D.C., on June 12, 1988 — yet another example of how quickly his celebrity status was growing.

Sherilyn Fenn and Johnny Depp Circa 1985

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It’s no surprise that Depp has had several relationships throughout his life.

One of the three famous actresses he proposed to in the late 1980s to early ’90s was actress Sherilyn Fenn, who starred in “Twin Peaks.”

‘Edward Scissorhands’ Premiere in 1990

Johnny Depp Fan Page / Facebook

After Fenn, he was seen around town with actress Winona Ryder from whom he infamously got the tattoo “Winona Forever,” which he later changed to “wino forever” after the two split.

Here, the couple is seen attending the “Edward Scissorhands” premiere in 1990.

‘Cry-Baby’ Gains Cult Classic Status

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Also released in 1990 was “Cry-Baby,” a musical comedy that was directed by John Waters.

While it was not a box office success, the film has since gained cult classic status.

1992 Cannes Film Festival

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As Depp continued his acting career, he was thrown more into the Hollywood spotlight and that included appearances at several film festivals.

Here, Depp looks extra cool in sunglasses as he attends the 1992 Cannes Film Festival in France.

Arrested in 1994

Andrew Lichtenstein / AP Photo

Depp is no stranger to law enforcement. Here, he’s being escorted out of the 19th Precinct in New York following his arrest on Sept. 13, 1994.

He was accused of breaking up furnishings in his room at the posh Mark Hotel on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. His girlfriend, supermodel Kate Moss was with him, police said. He was charged with criminal mischief.

Working With Tim Burton

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Throughout his career, Depp has particularly enjoyed working alongside director Tim Burton.

His first role with Burton was in “Edward Scissorhands,” but his second role in “Ed Wood” was the one that really proved he was an established actor, according to critics.

1995 Movie Premiere With Kate Moss

Rhonda Birdorf / AP Photo

Another movie that cemented his career in the 1990s was “Don Juan DeMarco,” in which he starred opposite Marlon Brando. Here, he’s seen at the premiere with his then-girlfriend, supermodel Kate Moss in Beverly Hills, California, on April 3, 1995.

After several more successful films, Depp starred in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” films, which made him so successful that he can now command $20 million per film.