jdepp-rollingstone.jpgLone Ranger Johnny Depp is single and struggling.

The actor opened up to Rolling Stone about his “bumpy” split from Vanessa Paradis -- his partner of 14 years and the mother of his two children.

    Relationships are very difficult. Especially in the racket that I'm in because you're constantly away or they're away and so it's hard. It wasn't easy on her. It wasn't easy on me. It wasn't easy on the kids.


The actor, who stars as Tonto in the upcoming film The Lone Ranger, which hits theaters on July 3, said his ex will always play a significant role in his life because of their kids Lily-Rose and Jack.

    It doesn't stop the fact that you care for that person, and they're the mother of your kids. You'll always know each other, and you're always gonna be in each other's lives because of those kids. You might as well make the best of it.


Johnny said he's successfully broken his old habits of turning to alcohol to drown out his sorrows. He reportedly drank heavily after breaking his engagements with exes Kate Moss and Winona Ryder.

    In terms of the breakup, I definitely wasn't going to rely on the drink to ease things or cushion the blow or cushion the situation. 'Cause that could have been fatal. I felt it was my duty to be real clear throughout that. I had something pretty serious to focus on, really, which was making sure that my kids were gonna be cool.


The couple has been honest about the breakup with their 14 and 11-year-old, which Johnny said has helped them cope with the situation.

    They've been incredibly understanding, incredibly strong throughout the whole ordeal. And it's hard on every side. You know, Vanessa's side, certainly not easy. My side, not easy. The kids are the most complicated. The thing is, kiddies come first. You can't shield them, because then you'd be lying. So you can at least be honest with your kids, and you say the absolute truth to your child -- that was very important to not pussyfoot around.