Johnny Depp, Amber Heard
Johnny Depp and Amber Heard at the European premiere of "The Rum Diary," in London, November 2011. Reuters

Johnny Depp spent 14 years with French actress and model Vanessa Paradis, but despite their long union, they never got married. Following Depp’s recent engagement to his girlfriend of one year, actress Amber Heard, longtime fans of the 50-year-old “Pirates of the Caribbean” actor are now asking: Why did he propose to one and not the other?

After a long relationship that resulted in two children (Lily Rose, 14, and Jack, 11), Depp split from Paradis, 41, in 2012. The actor, who claimed after their breakup that he never felt the need to wed the French native, soon after began dating his formerly rumored love and “The Rum Diary” co-star, actress Amber Heard, 27. The pair are reportedly now engaged to be married. So what caused Depp to pop the question?

According to a report from People, Depp felt compatible with Heard. “She’s a great match for him and his individuality,” a source told the magazine Monday, adding, “She’s a free spirit.”

Johnny Depp, Vanessa Paradis
Johnny Depp with his former girlfriend Vanessa Paradis at the 76th annual Academy Awards in 2004. Reuters

While Heard may have been just what the Oscar-nominated actor wanted, Depp previously revealed to Extra in 2010 that he felt it unnecessary to marry in order to get a “piece of paper,” but would consider taking the plunge if his former flame desired to do so. “If Vanessa wanted to get hitched, why not," Depp said. "But the thing is, I'd be so scared of ruining her last name. She's got such a good last name."

Depp and Heard first sparked engagement rumors last week after the “Drive Angry” actress was seen sporting a diamond ring on her engagement finger while dining with a friend in Los Angeles. “Despite a good effort to keep her left hand covered, an eagle-eyed paparazzo got a birds-eye view,” said a E! News report.

While the pair has yet to officially speak out about their impending nuptials, a source close to the couple confirmed the couple's engagement to People Saturday. “Of course they couldn’t be happier to be engaged and excited to share the rest of their lives together,” said the insider, who claims the actress had only revealed the big news to “close friends.”