The defamation trial between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard has put both actors' private lives on full display for the public to behold. One of the notable names that have been included in the heated conversation is Stranger Things star Winona Ryder, who dated Depp from 1989 to 1993.
At the time of this writing, Depp and Heard are in court over a defamation case the Pirates of the Caribbean star filed against his ex-wife, Heard. Despite having grown apart from Depp over the years, Stranger Things star Ryder still defended him, using examples from their past relationship to uphold his character.
Speaking to Time Magazine, she explained that he was never abusive toward her when they were dating and that she only knows him as a really good, loving, and caring guy who is very protective of the people that he loves. Ryder also made sure to state that she was not calling anyone (i.e. Heard) a liar and that she was simply speaking from experience. She admitted that it has been difficult and upsetting for her to wrap her head around the allegations being thrown at Depp, especially since her four-year relationship with him was one of the biggest ones she's ever had in her life.
Depp and Ryder were considered one of Hollywood's power couples back in the '80s, and rightfully so. The two stars, known famously for their joint appearance in Edward Scissorhands, actually met at the Great Balls of Fire! premiere in June 1989. It was obvious that they had genuine chemistry with one another right from the get-go, even though Depp was 25 and Ryder was only 17 at the time. Depp proposed to Ryder shortly after their first encounter, and they were engaged to each other for the following three years. However, things did not end up working out between them, and they ultimately did not go through with the marriage.
The split was amicable, and both Depp and Ryder remained close friends for many years, that is until Heard entered the picture. Ryder made it known that she did not approve of the relationship because Depp had apparently been seeing Heard on the side while he was still in a relationship with another woman, Vanessa Paradis. Some reports even suggest that Ryder personally chose not to work with Depp on any films for a period of time because of the situation.
Stranger Things season 4 debuts on Netflix on May 27, 2022.
Source: Time Magazine