Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp and his tattoos

Johnny Depp, the charismatic actor behind the iconic Captain Jack Sparrow in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" film series, is not only renowned for his exceptional acting talent but also for his extensive and captivating tattoo collection. Depp's body art tells a story as intricate and enigmatic as the characters he portrays on the silver screen. In this article, we journeyed through the world of Johnny Depp's tattoos, exploring their meanings and the intriguing tales they weave.

How many tattoos does Johnny Depp have?

Johnny Depp has more than 30 tattoos. However, it's important to note that the number may have changed since then, as he may have added more tattoos or altered existing ones. Johnny Depp's tattoos are not only a form of self-expression but also hold personal significance, each telling a unique story about his life and experiences.

Johnny Depp tattoo full collection

JJ 13 tattoo

On the inner side of his left arm's elbow, Johnny Depp proudly displays a tattoo depicting a man's portrait alongside the characters "JJ" on one side and the numeral "13" on the opposite. This tattoo is a heartfelt tribute to his former bodyguard, Jerry Judge, who shared a deep bond with Depp until his passing in 2019.

Anchor & Fish tattoo

Nautical-themed tattoos adorn Depp's right arm. The anchor and fish imagery reflects his connection to the sea, perhaps influenced by his iconic portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow. These maritime symbols encapsulate Depp's love for the ocean.

Sun setting over the sea tattoo

Replacing a previous pinup woman design on his right arm, the "Sun Setting Over The Sea" tattoo depicts a serene sunset over the ocean. This transformation may symbolise a farewell to his beloved "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise as he bids adieu to the role that made him a household name.

Skeleton key tattoo

A tattoo that he shares with Damien Echols it tells a story of friendship and connection. Despite being miles apart, Johnny and Damien exchanged photographs documenting their journey as they both got the key inked. This tattoo serves as a tangible bond between the two friends.

Snake tattoo

Near his right wrist, Johnny Depp bears a tattoo representing his Native American heritage. The snake design carries personal significance and perhaps deeper spiritual connections related to his ancestry.

Comanche shield tattoo

Another tattoo honouring his Native American roots, the "Comanche Shield" inked on his right leg showcases Depp's pride in his heritage. Native American symbolism often features prominently in his tattoo collection.

"Man Is A Giddy Thing" tattoo

This tattoo, featuring a faceless man in a suit on Depp's left arm, carries a quote from William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing." It reflects his affinity for literature and adds a touch of literary sophistication to his ink collection.

Crow tattoo

A crow design on his right hand adds an air of mystery to his collection. While its exact meaning remains a secret known only to Depp, it undoubtedly contributes to the enigmatic aura surrounding him.

Little guitarist tattoo

A heartwarming addition to his collection, Depp's "Little Guitarist" tattoo was reportedly drawn by his son, Jack. It serves as a cherished reminder of the bond between father and son.

ZigZag tattoo

Found on his left hand, the "ZigZag" tattoo adds an element of unpredictability to his inked portfolio. Its significance, like many of his tattoos, remains a personal mystery.

"SLIM" / "SCAM" tattoo

Initially, "SLIM" adorned the knuckles of Depp's right hand, a pet name for his ex-wife, Amber Heard. Following their divorce, the tattoo underwent alterations, transforming into "SCUM" and later "SCAM" with an Anarchy symbol. It reflects his evolving perspective on a complex chapter in his life.

"Salvo Ogum" tattoo

Tattooed on his left forearm, this design features the words "Salve Ogum" over an image of a skull wearing a crown. It likely holds personal significance, though specific details are not widely known.

Rook tattoo

On his left wrist, Johnny Depp has a tattoo of a rook, which is a bird commonly associated with the old-timey card game known as Rook. This tattoo is believed to pay tribute to his grandfather, who was fond of playing the game.

Dots tattoo

Johnny Depp has a series of dots tattooed on his left ankle, and the significance of this particular design remains undisclosed.

"No Reason" tattoo

Tattooed on his right inner wrist, this enigmatic tattoo is one of two shared with Marilyn Manson. It's a conversation starter as it invites questions about its meaning, to which both Depp and Manson have humorously responded, "No reason."

His mother's portrait tattoo

On his left forearm, Johnny has a black and white portrait of his mother, Betty Sue. The tattoo serves as a heartfelt tribute to his mother, who worked as a waitress at the Holiday Inn in Kentucky.

The Gonzo fist tattoo

This tattoo pays homage to Johnny Depp's close friendship with the late writer Hunter S. Thompson. It features the iconic six-fingered fist holding a peyote button, a symbol synonymous with Thompson's writing and legacy.

Crossbones tattoo

Located on his right arm, Johnny has a tattoo depicting a skull and crossbones, a classic and often symbolic tattoo choice.

"Les Fleurs du Mal" tattoo

This tattoo, which translates to "The Flowers of Evil," features a giant skeletal figure with outstretched arms morphing into a blooming plant. It's a literary reference to Charles Baudelaire's famous poetry collection "Les Fleurs du Mal" and is shared with Marilyn Manson.

"Brothers" tattoo

Johnny Depp shares a deep bond with Damien Echols, one of the West Memphis Three, and he has a tattoo symbolising their friendship on his chest. The tattoo holds personal significance to Depp.

"Wind Over Heaven" tattoo

The black bars on Johnny Depp's outer right arm are believed to be inspired by the I Ching, a Chinese divination text. This particular design is thought to mean "Wind Over Heaven," symbolising the idea that forcing one's way through life brings misfortune and that obstacles should be overcome with grace and gentleness.

"Death Is Certain" tattoo

Johnny Depp reportedly has a tattoo of a skull and crossbones on his right leg with the words "death is certain" nearby. This tattoo carries a strong message about the inevitability of mortality.

Ouroboros tattoo

On the outside of Johnny's right arm, he has a tattoo of an ouroboros, a symbol representing a serpent or dragon consuming its own tail. This symbolises eternity, cyclical renewal, and the interconnectedness of life and death.

The Number 3 tattoo

Johnny Depp has a fascination with the number 3 and has it tattooed on his left hand and left arm. He has referred to this number as "magical" to him.

Question mark tattoo

On his right leg, Johnny has a tattoo of a question mark over an X, resembling a pirate's treasure map. The design adds to the mystique of his tattoo collection.

"Silence Exile Cunning": Tattooed on his arm, this phrase is a reference to James Joyce's novel "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man" and serves as a powerful declaration in Depp's life.

Three hearts tattoo

A row of three hearts on Johnny's left arm serves as a tribute to his ex-wife, Vanessa Paradis, and their two children, Jack Depp and Lily-Rose Depp. Despite their separation in 2012, the tattoo remains a symbol of family.

His grandfather's portrait tattoo

Johnny Depp has a tattoo of a sailor on his right forearm, which represents his grandfather, who reportedly fought in World War II and shared a close bond with the actor.

Cherokee tribe tattoo

Johnny's first tattoo, "Cherokee Tribe," on his upper right arm honours his Native American heritage, as his great-grandmother was Cherokee. It signifies his pride in his roots.

"Betty Sue" tattoo

A heart with "Betty Sue" written across it on his left arm is a tribute to his mother, Betty Sue, who passed away in 2016. The tattoo predates her passing and was done by tattoo artist Johnathan Shaw in 1988.

"Lily-Rose" tattoo

Tattooed on his chest is the name of his daughter, Lily-Rose Depp, born to him and Vanessa Paradis. The tattoo is a heartfelt declaration of his love for his child.

"WINO FOREVER" tattoo

One of Johnny's most famous cover-up tattoos, this originally read "Winona Forever" in reference to his ex-girlfriend Winona Ryder. After their breakup, Johnny altered it to "Wino Forever," symbolising his sense of humour and evolution.

Suprematism triangle tattoo

Tattooed on his left shoulder, this design is an adaptation of a painting by Russian artist Ilya Chashnik. It reflects Depp's appreciation for art and artistic expression.

'The Brave' tattoo

On his right forearm, Johnny Depp has a tattoo featuring a stitched mouth man with a question mark over its head. This logo is related to the 1997 independent neo-western film "The Brave," which Depp co-wrote and directed.

Jack Sparrow tattoo

Johnny Depp's sparrow tattoo on his right arm is reminiscent of the one his character, Jack Sparrow, has in the fil series "Pirates of the Caribbean". In his version, the sparrow is flying towards him, symbolising his love for his son, Jack, born in 2002.

Three rectangles tattoo

Located on the index finger of his right hand, these three rectangles are a simple yet distinctive tattoo choice that Johnny once mentioned he used to doodle when on the telephone.

Does Johnny Depp still have Winona's tattoo?

Johnny Depp still had the altered "Wino Forever" tattoo on his right arm. He originally had the tattoo "Winona Forever" in reference to his then-girlfriend Winona Ryder. However, after their breakup, he modified it to "Wino Forever" as a play on words.

Rather than attempting to erase the past, Depp chose to adapt and transform the tattoo into a symbol of personal growth, embracing the unexpected turns that life can take.

Conclusion

Johnny Depp's tattoos are far more than mere body art – they are a visual journal, a testament to his heritage, love, loss, humour, and creativity. Like the characters he portrays, each tattoo tells a unique story and adds another layer to the complex persona of this remarkable actor. Johnny Depp's tattoos are not just ink on skin; they are a living testament to the fascinating journey of a Hollywood legend.

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