Johnny Depp (62) and Winona Ryder’s (54) Tragic Romance: Hollywood’s Most Heartbreaking Love Story
Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder’s love story began in 1989, and it quickly became one of Hollywood’s most famous romances. Depp, 26, first laid eyes on Ryder, 18, at a film premiere, and he later described it as love at first sight. Their connection deepened when they starred together in Tim Burton’s Edward Scissorhands, a role that would bring them both fame and a spotlight on their blossoming relationship.
Their first date was simple, held at a friend’s house, but it revealed a lot about their bond. Ryder noticed Depp’s quiet nature, and he was completely captivated. He famously told the press, “I love her more than anything in the whole world.” Depp even got a tattoo that read “Winona Forever,” a symbol of his devotion that became a pop culture icon before he later changed it to “Wino Forever” after their breakup.
When Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder saw each other for the first time after breaking up pic.twitter.com/bZMZFtf60e
— Modern History 𝕏 (@modernhistory) February 19, 2026
Depp and Ryder were engaged for several years, appearing on magazine covers and becoming tabloid favorites. But by 1993, they split. Depp later admitted that the media’s constant attention, which he called a “curiosity monster,” made it impossible to keep their relationship private.
Ryder was also deeply affected; she was only 19 at the time and described Depp as her “first everything.” She even shared that her heartbreak once led to a dangerous moment where she fell asleep with a lit cigarette and woke up to the flames. Friends say she was diagnosed with anticipatory nostalgia, a deep sadness linked to losing something meaningful.
Even after their split, Depp and Ryder stayed on friendly terms for years. But things shifted when Depp dated Amber Heard. A source told the Daily Mail that Ryder disapproved of him leaving his long-term partner, Vanessa Paradis, for a younger woman. Despite this, Ryder publicly supported Depp during his court trials. She stated, “He was never, never that way towards me. Never abusive at all towards me.”
Today, both actors remain active in their careers. Ryder recently wrapped the final season of Stranger Things and appeared in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Depp has focused on directing, working on his movie Modi and a new Tim Burton documentary featuring both him and Ryder. Their early work together, however, left a lasting impact. Director Tim Burton said it seemed like Winona took Johnny’s soul after their breakup, and that Depp was never quite the same on his next film sets.
From Depp’s legendary roles in Pirates of the Caribbean to Ryder’s iconic performances in Heathers and Little Women, both actors shaped Hollywood in the 1990s. Their relationship, though brief, remains a touchstone of Hollywood romance and heartbreak, remembered by fans decades later.
Johnny Depp and Winona Ryder’s story shows how intense young love can be, especially under the pressure of fame. Even today, it’s clear why fans are still fascinated by their romance. What do you think about their legendary relationship? Share your thoughts in the comments.
