In the dazzling and often tumultuous world of Hollywood, some stories shine brightly for a moment before gracefully retreating from the spotlight. Many know the name Johnny Depp, an icon of modern cinema, but fewer are familiar with the story of his very first wife, Lori Anne Allison. More than just a footnote in a superstar’s biography, she is a talented artist, a savvy entrepreneur, and the woman who inadvertently set Depp on his path to stardom. This is the story of Lori Anne Allison and what she is doing today.
Quick Bio of Lori Anne Allison
| Fact | Detail |
| Full Name | Lori Anne Allison |
| Born | September 6, 1957 |
| Age | 68 (as of October 2025) |
| Profession | Makeup Artist, Entrepreneur, Author |
| Known For | Being the first wife of Johnny Depp |
| Former Spouse | Johnny Depp |
| Marriage Dates | 1983 – 1985 |
| Business Venture | Serendeppity (Lip Gloss Line) |
| Notable Book | Gimme Shelter (2016) |
| Key Film Credit | Cyber Bandits (1995) |
| Key TV Credit | The Ultimate Lie (1996) |
| Current Residence | Los Angeles, California |
A Glimpse into Her Early Life and Aspirations
Born on September 6, 1957, Lori Anne Allison grew up with a deep passion for music. Her early dream wasn’t to be in front of a camera but behind a soundboard, shaping the music of emerging artists as a record producer. This love for the music scene in South Florida during the early 1980s would lead her to cross paths with a young, ambitious guitarist who was part of a band called ‘The Kids’.
That guitarist was, of course, a 20-year-old Johnny Depp. Allison, who was the sister of the band’s bassist, quickly formed a connection with him. Their shared dreams and youthful energy culminated in a walk down the aisle.
The Whirlwind Marriage of Lori Anne Allison and Johnny Depp
On December 20, 1983, a 25-year-old Lori Anne Allison married Johnny Depp in a simple ceremony in their hometown. Filled with hope, the newlyweds packed their bags and moved to Los Angeles, determined to make their mark on the music industry. They were a team, navigating the challenges of a new city while chasing a notoriously difficult dream.
However, life had a different plan in store. Their marriage was passionate but brief, lasting only two years. The couple officially divorced in 1985, citing the classic Hollywood reason of “irreconcilable differences.” While the romance ended, a foundation of mutual respect remained, something that would become evident decades later.
The Introduction That Changed Hollywood History
What happened between Lori Anne Allison and Johnny Depp is less about a dramatic fallout and more about two young people growing apart. But the most significant event to come from their time together was a simple introduction. Allison introduced her husband to a friend, a then-up-and-coming actor named Nicolas Cage.
Cage saw a unique charisma in Depp and was the first person to suggest he try acting. He even helped Depp get an agent. This single piece of advice, born from a connection made through Lori Anne Allison, led Depp to audition for his first major role in the 1984 horror classic, A Nightmare on Elm Street. This pivotal moment launched one of the most famous acting careers in history.
A New Chapter: The Rise of a Makeup Artist
While Depp’s star began to rise, Lori Anne Allison faced a personal and professional crossroads. A hearing impairment unfortunately derailed her dream of becoming a record producer. Instead of being defeated, she pivoted, turning to another lifelong passion: makeup artistry. From a young age, she had a talent for it, and she decided to turn that skill into a professional career.
She quickly established herself as a skilled and sought-after makeup artist in the film and television industry. Her creative vision and steady hand made her a favorite among actors and directors. This new path allowed Lori Anne Allison to remain in the creative world she loved, but this time, it was entirely on her own terms.
Lori Anne Allison: Movies, TV Shows, and Celebrity Clients
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, the filmography of Lori Anne Allison grew steadily. She worked as a key makeup artist on several feature films and television productions.
Some of her notable credits include the TV movie The Ultimate Lie (1996) and the film Cyber Bandits (1995). She was also the makeup artist for the TV series Supreme Court of Comedy (2008). Beyond her on-screen credits, she worked with famous personalities like Adam Ant and Christina Applegate, building a reputation for her professionalism and artistic talent.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Serendeppity and a Passion for Pets
As the years went on, Lori Anne Allison continued to evolve. In 2015, she channeled her expertise as a makeup artist and her business sense into a new venture, launching her own line of lip glosses called Serendeppity. The brand is a reflection of her personality, featuring shades with clever names inspired by her favorite movies and Hollywood stars.
Her passions extend beyond beauty. A devoted animal lover, Allison authored a book in 2016 titled Gimme Shelter. The book is a beautiful collection of celebrity portraits with their beloved pets, created to raise money for animal rescue organizations. In a touching gesture of their enduring friendship, Johnny Depp wrote the foreword for her book.
Answering Common Questions: Age, Height, and Net Worth
Fans and followers often have questions about the personal details of Lori Anne Allison. As of 2025, she is 67 years old. While sources vary, her height is generally listed as being around 5 feet (1.52 meters).
One of the most frequently asked questions is about the Lori Anne Allison net worth. While an exact figure is not public information, her decades-long successful career as a go-to makeup artist in Hollywood, combined with her entrepreneurial ventures, suggests she has earned a comfortable and independent living. She has built her own success far from the shadow of her famous ex-husband.
Debunking the Rumors: Stranger Things and Other Myths
In the age of the internet, misinformation can spread quickly. One persistent but incorrect rumor is a connection between Lori Anne Allison and the hit Netflix show Stranger Things. This is a case of mistaken identity; she has no involvement with the series as a makeup artist or in any other capacity. Her professional work is well-documented and does not include this particular project.
The Lori Anne Allison of Today: 2020-2025
So, what is Lori Anne Allison doing now? In recent years, especially from 2020 to 2025, she has maintained a decidedly private life. She focuses on running her businesses, creating art, and enjoying a quiet life in Los Angeles. She does not actively seek media attention and prefers to stay out of the public eye.
However, she did make a rare public statement during Depp’s highly publicized legal battles in 2022. Speaking to media outlets, she expressed her support for him, recalling the gentle person she knew and stating that he was never violent with her during their relationship. Her words provided a different perspective during a contentious time. The career of Lori Anne Allison has always been her main focus.
A Friendship That Lasted
The story of Lori Anne Allison and Johnny Depp is remarkable not for its brief romance, but for the respectful and supportive friendship that has endured for nearly four decades since their divorce. From Depp writing the foreword to her book to her defending his character, it’s clear there is a lasting bond built on shared history and mutual respect.
This stands in stark contrast to the often messy and public divorces that are common in Hollywood. Their ability to maintain a positive connection speaks volumes about both of their characters. It is a quiet testament to the person Lori Anne Allison is.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Who is Lori Anne Allison?
Lori Anne Allison is an American makeup artist, entrepreneur, and author. She is also widely known as the first wife of actor Johnny Depp, to whom she was married from 1983 to 1985. - How did Lori Anne Allison help Johnny Depp’s career?
She introduced Depp, who was then an aspiring musician, to actor Nicolas Cage. Cage saw Depp’s potential and encouraged him to pursue acting, helping him get his first agent and leading to his role in A Nightmare on Elm Street. - What does Lori Anne Allison do now?
As of 2025, Lori Anne Allison runs her own line of lip glosses called Serendeppity and maintains a private life in Los Angeles, focusing on her creative and business pursuits. - Are Lori Anne Allison and Johnny Depp still friends?
Yes, they have remained on amicable terms. Depp wrote the foreword for her 2016 book, Gimme Shelter, and she has publicly defended his character. - What is “Gimme Shelter”?
Gimme Shelter is a book created by Lori Anne Allison that features portraits of celebrities with their pets. It was a charitable project with proceeds going to animal rescue organizations.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Lori Anne Allison is far more than just “Johnny Depp’s first wife.” She is a woman of talent and resilience who built her own successful career after her initial dreams were altered by fate. As a makeup artist, she brought characters to life on screen, and as an entrepreneur, she created products that reflect her unique style.
Today, Lori Anne Allison lives life on her own terms, a private individual who has navigated the periphery of extreme fame with grace and dignity. Her story is a powerful reminder that everyone has their own path to follow, and sometimes, the most influential chapters of our lives are the ones we write for ourselves, long after the world has stopped watching. The legacy of Lori Anne Allison is one of creativity, independence, and quiet strength.
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