Johnny Depp's first wife helped kickstart his career before sudden divorce

14 August 2023 , 14:46

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Lori Anne Allison and Johnny Depp married in 1983 (Image: Rex Features)

Johnny Depp has had a number of highly publicised relationships over the years, but it was actually his first wife who helped start his career.

The Pirates of the Caribbean actor had a turbulent marriage and messy separation from Amber Heard, having also dated stars including Kate Moss and Winona Ryder. However, he was first married to a woman named Lori Anne Allison.

Johnny, 60, met Lori Anne Allison when he was 20 and she was 26 after being introduced through her brother, who played in Johnny's band The Kids. It was love at first sight. The pair got married shortly after meeting on December 20, 1983. They were surrounded by family and friends in a traditional ceremony in South Florida.

Johnny Depp and Lori Anne Allison tied the knot in 1983 (Splash news)

Johnny hired Lori to do the makeup for The Kids and they hatched a plan to try for big-time success in Los Angeles.

"We figured we were great in Florida, we'd be even better in California," the actor said according to Johnny Depp: A Biography by Michael Blitz and Louise Krasniewicz. However, their life wasn't as glamorous as they had hoped.

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Johnny was forced to take a job in telemarketing, selling advertising and personalised pens after The Kids struggled to get bookings. Things turned around for the couple when Lori introduced Johnny to up-and-coming actor Nicolas Cage.

After quickly becoming friends, Nicolas hooked Johnny up with his own agent. From this meeting, Johnny was able to secure an audition for his debut film role, A Nightmare on Elm Street.

Johnny Depp rose to fame with the help of his ex-wife (Getty Images)

Lori went on to work with a number of celebrities (REX/Shutterstock)

Johnny told Playboy: "I got the job. I was stupefied. They paid me all that money for a week. It was luck, an accident. I did it purely to pay the rent. I was literally filling out job applications at the same time, any kind of job."

Sadly things weren't meant to be for Johnny and Lori and they divorced just two years after tying the knot. Despite splitting almost 40 years ago, Johnny and Lori have remained on good terms

In her spare time, Lori also fosters dogs. She released a book about celebrities and her dogs in 2016 called Gimme Shelter, with the Sleepy Hollow star even writing the foreword. The proceeds go to non-profits to help animals in need.

Lori has gone on to work with a number of stars, including Adam Ant and Christina Applegate. She also launched her own range of lip glosses called Serendeppity. On her website, she said: "I love the idea behind make-up and having fun with it. Be you or be your 'character,' the choice is yours."

Scarlett O'Toole