2016 was a tough year for Johnny Depp which saw him lose his mother and have his marriage to Amber Heard come to a very public and nasty end with allegations he was abusive, but Johnny Depp seemed to have noticed that his fans stayed right by his side, and thanked them for their support after being presented with a People's Choice Award Wednesday night.

After winning the award for Favorite Movie Icon, Depp took to the stage and revealed that he was there solely because he had the fans to thank for supporting him as he went through a difficult year.

"I came here for one reason, and one reason only. I came here for you, the people, who through whatever good times or bad have stood by me and trusted me," he said. "Thank you. You very graciously invited me here once again tonight. I appreciate it. You have no idea how much I appreciate it."

"I was very deeply affected by the kindness of your recognition and your well wishes to me and my family," he continued. "Why it is especially meaningful for me to be here in front of you is to say thank you and tell you that I truly feel the need to thank you. Because in all honesty we all know that none of us, especially me, would npot be standing up here if it wasn't for all of you."

Depp then ended the speech with a tribute to his late mother, looking up and saying, "Give em hell Betty Sue."

2016 was a rough year for Depp, especially in May, which saw him lose his mother on May 20, and Heard filed for divorce just three days later, and also requested a restraining order against the actor, citing domestic abuse.

She eventually retracted those claims later in the year, and the two managed to finally settle the divorce this month, with Depp giving Heard $7 million.

Tags
People's choice awards, Johnny Depp