Christina Applegate, 54, has opened up about a passionate teenage infatuation with Johnny Depp in her memoir You With the Sad Eyes. The actress uncovered diary entries written during her adolescence that reveal how she was deeply enamored with Depp from the age of 15, after meeting him through mutual friends during their time on the series 21 Jump Street in 1987.
At that time, Depp, who was eight years older, became part of Applegate’s social circle as she frequently visited the Vancouver set where the show was filmed. The diaries capture the complexity of a young crush, full of excitement, longing, and moments of disappointment.
Diary Insights into a Teenage Crush
Applegate’s old notes describe recurring dreams about Depp, although she struggled to remember the details upon waking. One entry expressed frustration over not being able to alter Depp’s view of her, while another sustained hope that he might someday see her differently. Despite their age gap and the platonic nature of their relationship, these writings vividly illustrate the intense emotions typical of youthful admiration.
Johnny Depp’s Respectful Conduct
Throughout their interactions, Depp maintained a respectful distance and never crossed personal boundaries, a fact Applegate highlights positively. She recalled how Depp treated her like “one of the guys,” which allowed their friendship to thrive naturally and comfortably. This respectful behavior helped Applegate observe him closely while avoiding any awkwardness, preserving the integrity of their connection.

Emotional Fluctuations in Her Writings
The diaries reveal rapid mood swings reflecting Applegate’s shifting feelings toward Depp—from infatuation to moments of realism about the impossibility of a deeper relationship. She wrote about the importance of accepting Depp as he truly was without trying to change him, yet her desire to form a closer emotional bond persisted despite the challenges.
Reflecting on Hollywood Youth and Early Career
Applegate used her diaries to revisit her early days in Hollywood, especially her experiences on 21 Jump Street, which served as the backdrop for meeting Depp and forming long-lasting friendships. The actress explained how reviewing these records provided valuable insight into her emotions at that formative time, with her memoir including direct excerpts to convey the honesty of her adolescent confessions.
Additional Personal Revelations in the Memoir
Beyond her feelings for Depp, Applegate shared stories such as attending the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards, where she invited Brad Pitt as a companion but eventually left with Sebastian Bach of Skid Row. At that point, Pitt was not yet widely known, and Applegate described her choice as impulsive, influenced by an attraction to Bach’s appearance.
The memoir also addresses important aspects of Applegate’s life, including motherhood of her 15-year-old daughter and various health struggles she has faced. This blend of lighthearted anecdotes and deeper reflections offers a balanced look at her personal and professional journey.
“he never crossed boundaries, which reinforces the positive view she has of the interaction.” ? Christina Applegate
“one of the guys” ? Christina Applegate
“21 Jump Street marked the meeting and opened doors to lasting friendship.” ? Christina Applegate
“Ela convidou Brad Pitt como companhia, mas acabou saindo do evento com o músico Sebastian Bach, do Skid Row.” ? Christina Applegate
