Fans love and admire Hollywood’s most talented actor, Johnny Depp. But not many people know that the actor had a terrible childhood. That’s because his mother, Betty Sue Palmer, was not exactly the kind of mom any child would ask for.
Betty Sue was very abusive towards her kids. She was not a devotee or loving mother. During the ongoing defamation trial between Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard, we learned a lot about mother Betty Sue Palmer.
Keep reading to know more about her.
Check out our other article on Belmont Cameli Career, Early Life, Net Worth, Lifestyle, and More.
Who is Betty Sue Palmer?
Betty Sue Palmer is Johnny Depp’s abusive mother. She was born in May 1935 in Floyd County. As she had a low-income family, her childhood was tough.
It is revealed that Betty’s mother was also abusive toward her. She would regularly beat her and treat her badly.
When Betty was just seven years old, she was molested by her stepfather. The abuse continued till she turned twelve. Finally, after two years, she ran away from the house.
Betty Sue Palmer and John Christopher Depp
As Betty had a troubled childhood, she found love and comfort in the arms of John Christopher Depp. They both met when Betty was just 16 years old. Four years later, they got married.
John Christopher was a civil engineer. In comparison, Betty Sue Depp was a waitress, beautician, and hostess during the early days of her career.
Betty got pregnant with her first child at a young age. But her childhood traumas didn’t allow her to bond with her kids. When Betty became a mother, most of the time, she was busy working and partying.
A few years later, in 1985, the couple got divorced because they had many clashes in their marriage. Later, she married Robert Palmer.
Johnny Depp’s Mother
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Betty has four children, Daniel Depp, Debbie Depp, Christi Dembrowski, and Johnny Depp. Unfortunately, none of the kids felt close to her because she would beat them.
When Johnny Depp’s mother died in 2016 after prolonged sickness, Johnny said she was the meanest person he had ever met in his life. But despite all the abuse, Johnny always admired his mother.
In fact, Johnny Depp’s mother encouraged him to become a successful actor. When he was 12 years old, she gifted him a guitar. But Johnny got so involved with the guitar that he dropped out of school four years later.
After Betty Sue Palmer separated from John Christopher Depp, she suffered greatly. Johnny revealed that he once saw her overdose on pills to kill herself.
Betty Sue Palmer’s unstable behavior made it difficult for Johnny Depp to focus on his childhood. He thought it was his responsibility to keep an eye on his mother.
How Was the Relationship Between Betty Sue Palmer and Johnny Depp?
Although Johnny didn’t like his mother much, he shared a close bond with her. He purchased a farm for her mother. But no matter what he did, mom Betty Sue Palmer remained abusive.
She had never provided her kids a stable environment when John Christopher Depp was not around. Johnny Depp’s mother once threw a glass ashtray at him. She even threw the phone at him, beat him, and called him names.
But he accepted the fact that mother Betty Sue Palmer was a part of his life. So, when she was hospitalized, he intended to spend the most time with her in the hospital.
He believes that his mother had a troubled childhood of her own. Betty’s past had made it difficult for her to be a responsible mother. Johnny Depp says forgiving her mother will not bring her back, but it will allow him to live a peaceful life.
Betty Sue Palmer’s Son Johnny Depp
Johnny Depp was Betty Sue Palmer and John Christopher Depp’s youngest and most successful son.
His wonderful acting skill helped him receive numerous honors and awards. Betty’s son was nominated thrice for Academy Awards and twice for BAFTAs.
He entered the entertainment world with his debut film, A Nightmare on Elm Street. By 1990, Johnny Depp had started acting in independent films, portraying eccentric characters.
Some of these famous movies include Benny and Joon, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape, Donnie Brasco, Dead Man, and more.
Betty’s son’s career rose to commercial prominence in 2000 with Captain Jack Sparrow’s character. He received critical acclaim with the movie Finding Neverland.
A couple of years later, he also started producing his movies. But his career declined when his ex-wife, Amber Heard, accused him of being an abusive partner. Later, Johnny Depp sued Amber with a defamation lawsuit, which he won.
What are Betty Sue Palmer’s Other Kids Doing?
Betty Sue Palmer’s other son, Daniel Depp, is a successful book author. He has also been a journalist and teacher.
He is not into the film industry like his brother. But, for so many years, Daniel had taught middle school kids in California.
Christi Dembrowski, Betty’s daughter, had worked as Johnny’s assistant in many films. She has also managed her brother, Johnny’s career. She even supported him during a defamation lawsuit against Amber Heard.
Betty Sue Palmer’s other daughter, Debbie Depp, has kept herself away from the media and news. So, not much information is available about her.
Conclusion
Betty Sue Palmer is famous for being Johnny Depp’s mother. But she was abusive towards all of her children. She found it difficult to bond with her kids, mainly because she had a tough childhood of her own.
At a young age, Betty was molested by her stepfather. It continued for a few years until Betty ran away from her home. Her mother was also abusive towards her.
Betty Sue Palmer married John Christopher Depp at a young age and was blessed with four kids. Then, in the year 2016, she died after prolonged sickness.
That’s all about Betty Sue Palmer.
