Joanna Page Shares Embarrassing On-Set Moment with Johnny Depp

Joanna Page recalls a mortifying moment on the set of From Hell with Johnny Depp, her impressions of Depp, and reflections on balancing acting with motherhood.

Joanna Page Recalls Awkward Encounter with Johnny Depp

Although it occurred 25 years ago, Joanna Page, known for her role in Gavin and Stacey, remains affected by an embarrassing incident on set with Johnny Depp.

The 48-year-old actress spoke with Fearne Cotton on the Happy Place podcast, reflecting on her experiences working in Hollywood films and the challenges of balancing a demanding career with parenthood.

Memorable Scene in From Hell

Page recounted a particularly unforgettable moment while filming the 2001 movie From Hell, which is based on the Jack the Ripper murders. She portrayed Ann Cook, a prostitute in the film.

In one scene, Page was wearing a bald cap and white contact lenses to depict a character who had undergone a lobotomy. While squatting on the floor to get into character, she unexpectedly passed gas in front of Depp, who played lead investigator Fredrick Abberline.

"Suddenly I farted and it was a silent but deadly because it didn't make a noise [and Depp said], 'oh my god who's farted'."

Feeling mortified, Page did not admit to the incident immediately. Instead, she looked around and asked,

"oh, who's done that?"

She later reflected that she should have simply owned up, saying,

"I should have just gone - me! I'm acting like I've had a lobotomy, sorry guys, I've just farted."

Page at the TV Choice Wards. She's smiling at the camera and is wearing large sparkly earrings, a black sparkly top and black blazer jacket. Her dark blonde hair is cut in a bob. — Page played the character Ann Cook in the 2001 horror film From Hell

First Impressions of Johnny Depp

Page suggested that her hesitation to admit the incident may have stemmed from being overwhelmed by Depp’s appearance when they first met. She described being "shocked" by his good looks.

"He was so good looking I just couldn't talk to him,"

she told Cotton.

"I just remember thinking he's got hair like Jennifer Aniston - this hazelnut colour hair with these beautiful blonde streaks. He was really sweet and really lovely."

Reflections on Love Actually and Career Balance

Page also spoke about her role in the 2003 romantic comedy Love Actually. She admitted to having watched the film only once before revisiting it at Christmas in 2024.