Advertisement

Johnny Depp: Lily-Rose's kidney failure was darkest period of my life

Johnny Depp has revealed the "darkest period" of his life occurred when his daughter was in hospital with kidney failure.

The Hollywood actor's daughter Lily-Rose, 16 - who he has with ex Vanessa Paradis - was treated for the condition, which was caused by E.coli poisoning while her father was filming at London's Pinewood Studios, for nine days at the capital's Great Ormond Street Hospital in 2007.

Speaking to comedian Graham Norton on Friday's (27.11.15) episode of 'The Graham Norton Show', he said: "When my daughter was ill in Great Ormond Street, it was the darkest period of my life. I'd always done these visits but after that experience the visits became more and more important."

The 'Black Mass' star - who also has 13-year-old son Jack - returned to the hospital a few months ago where he dressed up as his 'Pirates of the Caribbean' character Captain Jack Sparrow to entertain the ill patients and their carers which "meant the world" to him.

He added: "The kids are so courageous but to be able to bring a smile or a giggle to the parents means everything in the world to me. For me it's a gift. They give me the gift."

Speaking at the time of his daughter's ordeal, Depp said it was "hell" for the family but it was "magic" that she recovered with the support of the staff at the hospital.

He previously said: "It was the most frightening thing we have ever been through. It was hell for all of us.

"But the magic is that she pulled through beautifully. She was amazing - a strong, strong kid. Great Ormond Street was terrific; such a great hospital."