Johnny Depp reportedly struggled to cope when his relationship faltered as it caused his family to "fracture".

The actor and Vanessa Paradis confirmed they are no longer together in June, although there is speculation they actually split in 2010.

They have daughter Lily-Rose, 13, and son Jack, ten, together and have done their best to keep the break-up civil for the sake of the youngsters.

"They'd have blazing fights. Vanessa would take her frustrations out on him," a friend told Us Weekly.

"It broke Johnny's heart that the family he loves so much was becoming fractured."

Vanessa was reportedly the person who encouraged Johnny to appear in blockbusters such as the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. However, as Johnny's career began to eclipse hers she is rumoured to have become frustrated.

"[She] started to feel like she'd sacrificed her career for his," the pal added.

"Nothing Johnny did was ever good enough for Vanessa. When he was working, she wasn't happy. And when he wasn't working, he was called a slob for not doing enough for the kids and her family."

Johnny is rumoured to be enjoying a new romance with Amber Heard.