David Campbell
Updated 24 Apr 2026, 9:34am
First published 24 Apr 2026, 8:58am
Four years after settling an explosive $50 million (AUD $70 million) defamation case with ex-husband Johnny Depp, Amber Heard is living a very different life away from fame and the US.
The former star, who turned 40 earlier this month, has quietly built a life for herself in Spain where she even changed her name and learned the local language to avoid the spotlight.
Heard’s initial home after fleeing scrutiny in the US was a property she rented in Mallorca under then name of Martha Jane Cannary, the real name of legendary cowgirl Calamity Jane.
She later moved to Madrid with now ex-girlfriend Bianca Butti before fully integrating into Spanish life when she reportedly purchased a €1.5 million (AUD $2.46 million) home in the northern district of Chamartin.
Happier times: Johnny Depp and Amber Heard in Venice in 2015. Picture: Getty
The five-bedroom property was built in the 1960s but renovated before Heard took ownership. It includes three bathrooms, three bathrooms and a garden.
The neighbourhood includes other famous faces like sports stars and politicians also trying to stay out of the public spotlight.
Heard’s daughter, Oonagh, is believed to attend a local school that teaches in both English and Spanish and the actress herself has become fluent in the local language.
Amber Heard is living her new life in Spain with her three children. Picture: Instagram
A neighbour told the Daily Mail Heard generally kept to herself.
“She lives here and I often see her walking her daughter to school in the mornings. She wears a cap and sunglasses and normal clothes and keeps a low profile,” the neighbour said.
“She lives here in peace, this is a neighbourhood filled with famous people, including football players, but no one bothers each other, I think that’s why she likes it – she has completely integrated into the community.
Amber Heard during the much-publicised defamation trial. Picture: AFP
“No one here really knows who she is, they don’t recognise her in the street like they would in America. When I saw all the commotion around her I had to ask my friend who she was and she explained she was Johnny Depp’s ex.”
Neighbours said Heard is often seen visiting a local American supermarket after picking her daughter up from school and likes to go running at El Retiro park in the capital.
“She comes here a lot in the afternoon with her little girl, my colleague has served them many times,” a supermarket employee told the Mail.
“I assume she likes to buy things that remind her of home, we have all kinds of stuff from the USA here.”
Heard’s unassuming Spanish life is a long cry from the ritzy life in Hollywood she abandoned following the defamation case against Depp.
Amber Heard has embraced the Spanish lifestyle. Picture: Instagram
The couple’s divorce began in 2016 after Heard accused Depp of being abusive throughout their short relationship, accusations that landed her in court three years later when Depp sued for defamation.
The six-week televised battle ultimately ended with Depp being awarded millions in damages and Heard not working in the film industry since.
“After a great deal of deliberation I have made a very difficult decision to settle the defamation case brought against me by my ex-husband in Virginia,” Heard said at the time.
“It’s important for me to say that I never chose this. I defended my truth and in doing so my life as I knew it was destroyed.”
Since relocating to Spain, Heard as welcomed two more children into her family last year – twins Agnes and Ocean.
Help us improve your reading experience
Got a minute? Your feedback will help us build a better experience for you.
Help us improve this page
English (US) · 