Johnny Depp’s Most Unusual Dislike: The One Thing That ‘Sickens’ Him About Hollywood!

Johnny Depp’s career has spanned decades and encompassed multiple artistic fields, from his legendary roles in films like Edward Scissorhands and the Pirates of the Caribbean series to his passion for music, where he’s collaborated with the likes of Oasis and Marilyn Manson. But one thing Depp has made unequivocally clear is his distaste for actors who use their fame to launch music careers.

In interviews dating back to 2015, Depp openly criticized the trend of movie stars attempting to capitalize on their celebrity status to find success in the music industry. Speaking at the Berlin premiere of Mortdecai in January of that year, Depp told reporters: “That whole idea for me is a sickening thing, it’s always just made me sick. I hate the idea, ‘Come see me play the guitar because you’ve seen me in 12 movies.’ It shouldn’t be that way. You want the people who are listening to the music to only be interested in the music.”

His comments, published in outlets like TIME and Billboard, reveal a consistent viewpoint. Depp emphasized that music should stand on its own merit rather than be supported by fame from another medium. He expressed disdain for the notion that anyone with a successful acting career could simply “start a band and capitalize on [their] work in other areas.”

Despite his own deep love for music and decades of guitar playing, Depp has steadfastly avoided trading on his Hollywood status to promote his musical endeavors. “But you won’t be hearing The Johnny Depp Band. That won’t ever exist,” he stated in another interview, underscoring his belief that authenticity should always trump celebrity crossover.

This stance is particularly intriguing because Depp himself embodies a dual artistic identity. However, he maintains a strict separation between his acting career and his musical interests, ensuring that his work in both fields feels genuine rather than opportunistic.

In an entertainment landscape where the lines between film and music often blur, Depp’s viewpoint highlights a tension between celebrity and artistry. While some actors—such as Jared Leto or Scarlett Johansson—have managed to navigate both worlds, Depp’s aversion to this trend signals his commitment to preserving the integrity of the music industry. For him, it’s not about hating music or even actors as musicians—it’s about respecting the art form and keeping it free from the influence of celebrity marketing.