Johnny Depp has separated from his partner of 14 years, French singer and actress Vanessa Paradis.

The Hollywood actor had previously denied newspaper reports this year that the pair were to split.

The 49-year-old began dating Paradis, 39, in 1998 after he broke up with supermodel Kate Moss.

"Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis have amicably separated. Please respect their privacy and the privacy of their children," said Depp's publicist.

Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis have amicably separated. Please respect their privacy and the privacy of their children Robin Baum Johnny Depp's publicist

Depp met Paradis while he was filming Roman Polanski's 1999 film The Ninth Gate.

The couple have two children, Lily-Rose, 13, and nine-year-old Jack.

They have homes in France, Los Angeles and on a private island in the Caribbean.

The couple never married, although Depp has been married once before, to Lori Anne Allison between 1983 and 1985.

He also had a high-profile relationship with actress Winona Ryder in the early 1990s.

Johnny Depp rose to fame in the 1980s in the Fox television series 21 Jump Street.

That led to films including Donnie Brasco, Chocolat and the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

The actor is also known for his collaborations with director Tim Burton in movies like Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow and Alice In Wonderland.