Did Joanna Page Just Embarrass Herself in Front of Johnny Depp?

Joanna Page, renowned for her role in the beloved series Gavin and Stacey, had a captivating off-screen encounter with Johnny Depp during the filming of the horror film From Hell. Their evening meal together took a surprising turn, showcasing both the allure and the awkwardness of Hollywood interactions.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Joanna Page had a memorable encounter with Johnny Depp during the filming of From Hell.
• Despite her initial infatuation, an embarrassing moment occurred during a scene.
• The film was a box office success but received mixed reviews.
• Page has recently opened up about more serious issues in her memoir, including inappropriate behaviour from a TV host.
• Her experiences highlight the complexities of celebrity culture and personal interactions in the film industry.

The Enigmatic Encounter

In 2001, Joanna Page found herself on the set of From Hell, a film that delves into the infamous tale of Jack the Ripper. Starring alongside Johnny Depp, Page's admiration for the actor quickly became apparent. She described Depp as "stunning" and recalled how his presence left her mesmerised. “I don’t usually go for pretty boys, but I remember him walking across the set towards me in this black wig, and I’ve never seen anybody look more beautiful,” she shared in a recent interview.

A Night to Remember

Following a day of filming, the cast and crew enjoyed an evening meal together. Despite her admiration for Depp, Page found herself ignoring him throughout dinner. She later recounted, “He was too good-looking. So I ignored him all night.” However, the night took an unexpected turn when Depp offered her a lift back to their hotel. This moment led to a somewhat romantic goodbye, with Depp kissing her on either side of her lips, leaving Page in a "trance."

The Awkward Moment

Not all was smooth sailing after this enchanting encounter. The next day, while filming a challenging scene where Page portrayed a prostitute who had undergone a lobotomy, a rather embarrassing incident occurred. In a moment of unintentional comedy, Page accidentally "bottom burped" in front of Depp. The actress recalled how Depp reacted with surprise, asking, “Oh my God, who’s just farted?” Instead of owning up to it, she pretended to look around, avoiding the embarrassment. “I should have just gone, ‘It was me; I was getting into character’,” she mused.

From Hell: The Film’s Reception

From Hell, while a box office success, grossing approximately £55.3 million against a budget of £26 million, received a mixed reception from critics. Some praised it for being “gripping and stylish,” while others deemed it “average” and lacking the horror that many had anticipated. This divergence in reviews highlights the subjective nature of film appreciation and the challenges faced by adaptations of historical events.

Joanna Page’s New Revelations

In addition to her nostalgic anecdotes about Depp, Page has recently opened up about a more serious incident in her life. In her forthcoming memoir, Lush!, she recounts being “groped” by a television host during a filming session. Page indicated that she was warned about the man's behaviour prior to their meeting, a troubling insight into the realities of the entertainment industry.

Facing Inappropriate Behaviour

During her interview with The Times, Page detailed how the host began to touch her inappropriately while filming a scene. Her reaction was swift and assertive: “What do you think you’re bloody doing? Keep your f***ing hands to yourself.” She likened the experience to “being mauled by the lions” at Bristol Zoo, a stark analogy that underscores the discomfort of unwanted advances in a professional setting. She noted that such experiences were not uncommon, with a female producer previously warning her about the individual in question. Unfortunately, the identity of this TV host remains undisclosed due to legal reasons.

The Broader Context of Celebrity Culture

Joanna Page's experiences reflect broader issues within the entertainment industry, where encounters with prominent figures can be both thrilling and fraught with tension. The juxtaposition of her charming interactions with Depp against the backdrop of inappropriate behaviour from another industry figure paints a complex picture of celebrity culture.

What’s Next for Joanna Page?

As Page continues to navigate her career, her forthcoming memoir is anticipated to shed further light on both her personal and professional experiences. The revelations about her time in the industry, including both the highs and lows, offer valuable insights into the life of a public figure. The complexities of fame, admiration, and the challenges that accompany them are themes that resonate with many.

As we reflect on Joanna Page's journey, one must ponder the impact of these experiences on her life and career. How do we address the delicate balance between admiration and objectification in the realm of celebrity? The conversation around respect, boundaries, and consent in the entertainment industry remains ever-important. #JoannaPage #JohnnyDepp #FromHell

FAQs

What is From Hell about?

From Hell is a horror/crime film that explores the story of Jack the Ripper, focusing on the unsolved murders that occurred in Victorian London.

What was Joanna Page's role in From Hell?

Joanna Page played a prostitute who had undergone a lobotomy, a character that was central to the film's exploration of the Ripper's victims.

What did Joanna Page reveal about her experience with Johnny Depp?

Joanna Page described a romantic encounter with Johnny Depp during filming, which included a kiss. However, she later experienced an embarrassing moment on set.

What serious incident did Joanna Page discuss in her memoir?

In her memoir, Joanna Page recounts an experience of being groped by a TV host, highlighting issues of inappropriate behaviour within the industry.

How did From Hell perform at the box office?

From Hell grossed approximately £55.3 million, performing well against its budget of £26 million, though it received mixed reviews from critics.