Johnny Depp Fist-Pumps & Cheers for Verdict At Every Stop in U.K.

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DAPS FOR DEPP
MEGA

Pretty ironic, but Johnny Depp's got to be feeling like a conquering hero in England ... where he's been celebrated everywhere he's been since the verdict.

Johnny was waving to cheering crowds Thursday morning outside his hotel in Newcastle, and it looks like security had to shield him from all of the fans as he made his way inside.

Make no mistake, he's feeling like a big winner over his ex-wife Amber Heard -- he even pumped his fist as he turned to walk into the hotel lobby.

This is the kinda public response he's been getting since right after Wednesday's verdict. He was similarly celebrated as he left a pub.

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What's interesting about this is less than 2 years ago, Depp suffered a pretty devastating legal loss in England when a judge ruled against him in a libel lawsuit against a U.K. tabloid that called him a "wife-beater."

Cut to today, after an American jury overwhelmingly believed Johnny did NOT physically abuse Amber -- and now he's feeling tons of British love.

To the victor go the spoils, as they say.

LeBron James LeBillionaire!!! ... Joins 3 Comma Club

LeBron James just became the first active NBA player to have not 1, not 2, not 3, but 9 zeroes in his net worth -- the Lakers superstar is officially a billionaire.

The 37-year-old 4-time champ reached the milestone after making a whopping $121.2 million in 2021, according to Forbes ... joining Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant as the only other hoopers to rake in that kinda coin.

Bron has made more than $387 million on the court, but the majority of his money has come from the business side.

As the outlet points out, James and Maverick Carter's SpringHill Entertainment is worth around $300 million, his stake in Fenway Sports Group is worth $90 million and his 10% share of the Blaze Pizza brand has blown up to a whopping $30 million.

Oh yeah, and the dude has a LIFETIME contract with Nike ... which Mav previously hinted was a billion-dollar deal for decades to come.

That's not even scratching the surface of LeBron's success off the court ... but the accomplishment is truly something -- Jordan reportedly didn't become a billionaire until 2014.

LeBron -- who had a tough childhood with his mother, Gloria, after she gave birth to him at just 16 years old -- previously spoke about his desire to make a billion in his lifetime ... so it's gotta feel good to be the King.

Congrats!!

Johnny Depp Social Media Support Measured in Billions!!! ... Left Amber in the Dust

Johnny Depp's monumental win was based on the conclusions of 7 jurors ... but BILLIONS of others may have influenced that decision.

Pretty much everyone, including Amber Heard's lawyer, concedes it was impossible for jurors to turn a blind eye to the flurry of activity on TikTok and other social media platforms chronicling the trial.

Now get this ... the #JusticeforJohnny had more than 19 BILLION views on TikTok. By contrast, #JusticeforAmberHeard had a relatively meager 81 million views.

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No doubt, jurors did NOT believe Amber Heard and her claims of domestic violence against Johnny, and the social media support for their conclusions undeniably made them feel comfortable about embracing their conclusions.

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After the verdict, Johnny and Amber posted their reactions, and again ... it was lopsided. Johnny received more than 16 million likes, while Amber's support was a relative anemic 300,000.

BTW ... Johnny has 22.7M Instagram followers, to Amber's 5M.

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UNFAIR TREATMENT
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This trial marked a sea change in media coverage of trials. Social media was undeniably more powerful, influential and omnipresent than traditional media. No contest.

'Top Gun' Star Miles Teller Feels Need For Speed At MLB Game ... Throws Perfect 1st Pitch Fastball!!!

Take notes, 50 Cent, Dr. Fauci and Steve Aoki ... Miles Teller showed exactly how a first pitch should be done on Wednesday -- throwing a perfect strike before the Phillies game!

The "Top Gun: Maverick" star was at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia for the Phils' "Top Gun" night ... and the team allowed him to toe the rubber for the game's ceremonial first pitch.

And, Teller didn't disappoint while on the mound -- ripping a fastball right down the middle to Phillies legend Ryan Howard!!!

Of course, the throw shouldn't surprise many ... 35-year-old Teller is a huge baseball guy -- and has previously said he might have picked a pro career on the diamond over an acting one if given the choice back in high school.

Teller told local media after the throw that he used some advice from Phillies star Nick Castellanos to complete the toss -- explaining the outfielder told him, "let it eat."

Seems the first pitch was good luck for the Phillies, 'cause they went on to win the game over the SF Giants, 6-5.

Sue Bird's TOGETHXR Sues The Rock's XFL ... Change Your Logo!!!

Sue Bird's TOGETHXR company has made good on its threats ... its now filed a lawsuit against The Rock's XFL over the league's rebranded logo less than a month after initially claiming it was way too similar to theirs.

The lawsuit, obtained by TMZ Sports, was filed on Wednesday -- nearly four weeks after Bird and her fiancée, Megan Rapinoe, threatened to get lawyers involved following the XFL's creation of a new "X" logo.

In the lawsuit, TOGETHXR -- a media org. co-founded by Bird, Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim and Simone Manuel -- says the football league's logo, which was debuted on April 6, looks and feels "confusingly similar to TOGETHXR's brand and logo."

They included in the docs a side-by-side of the logos ... and said they made "repeated attempts" to contact the XFL and its legal team over it all.

But, in the docs, attorneys for TOGETHXR said the XFL has "failed to acknowledge that it has tread on TOGETHXR's rights" -- and now, they want a court to step in and force the league to stop using the X logo ... plus damages.

Bird and Rapinoe initially brought up their gripe with the logo on April 7 ... with the two star athletes sending loud-and-clear messages to Dwayne Johnson on social media.

"Welp. This is awkward," Rapinoe said in a tweet. "Only thing @TheRock and @XFL2023 are gonna be cookin up is a response to the Cease and Desist and an ENTIRE new brand ID. @togethxr got this on [lock] boys."

The Rock, who's not being sued individually, has yet to respond to the claims ... but was pumped over the logo when the league first announced it, saying, "X represents the INTERSECTION OF DREAMS & OPPORTUNITY. To all our XFL players, coaches, fans; You bring the dreams - we'll bring the opportunity. Now LFG!"

Bam Margera Skate Park Fall Caught On Video ... Shouts Out in Pain!!!

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BROKEN BAM
TMZ.com

Bam Margera's fall at a skate park -- which has his wrist currently in a cast -- was painfully and very clearly captured on video newly obtained by TMZ ... and just watching the wipeout is gonna make ya go ... ouch!!!

Bam's tumble went down at the Hobbit Skate Park in Delray Beach, FL ... as you can see, the trick he tried to land didn't work out as planned, slamming him to the ground, right wrist first.

The "Jackass" star tells us it was a trick he hadn't tried in over a year, and it ended with his arm bending backward and bones nearly breaking his skin.

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As we reported, Bam just completed 1 year of alcohol and drug treatment, so he's biting the bullet and refusing all painkillers as he recovers from the broken wrist.

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BEFORE THE FALL
TMZ.com

Bam says he was in an AA meeting across the street from the skate park and hopped on his board during a 30-minute break ... and the rest, as they say, is disastrous history.

Johnny Depp Wins Defamation Lawsuit Amber Wins Defamation Countersuit

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RULING IN FAVOR OF DEPP
UPDATE

4:52 PM PT -- By the way ... Tuesday, Fox Network will air a TMZ documentary on the trial -- "Johnny vs. Amber: From Love to Hate," which chronicles how they met, how the relationship deteriorated, the trial and their future. It's on Fox Network Tuesday at 9 PM ET.

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1:44 PM PT -- Depp's legal team just left the courthouse to thunderous applause, even though their client wasn't there ... it's clear to see where the crowd's loyalty stood.

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FAN FAVORITES
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12:23 PM PT -- The jury just found unanimously in favor of Johnny Depp on his lawsuit, that Amber Heard calling him a sexual abuser was defamation. The jury further found Heard's accusations in the Washington Post were malicious. The jury awarded Depp $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages.

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Now here's the thing ... Amber won her defamation countersuit and was awarded $2 million. The defamation was based on Johnny's lawyer accusing Amber and her friends of concocting a story for the cops under the direction of her lawyer and publicist.

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HUGS ALL AROUND
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The judge reduced the $5 million punitive damage award for Johnny, because Virginia law caps punitive damages in these cases at $350,000.

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Net result -- Amber owes Johnny $8,350,000.

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12:06 PM PT -- It appears the jury has ruled in favor of either Amber, Johnny or both on their defamation claims because the judge just instructed the jury to go back and determine damages. We await the verdict and will continue the live stream.

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AWAITING THE VERDICT

The Johnny Depp-Amber Heard case is about to reach the finish line with a decisive winner, or maybe two potential losers -- and TMZ is streaming the announcement at 12 PM PT.

The jury reached its verdict Wednesday in Fairfax, VA -- where they've been deliberating for the past few days after a month-plus long trial ... with lots of twists and turns, but more importantly -- a mountain's worth of evidence and testimony.

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FINAL STATEMENTS

They heard closing arguments on Friday, which saw attorneys for Depp and Heard plead their cases one last time in dramatic fashion. Camille Vasquez and co. told jurors to use their common sense, as did AH's lead lawyer, Ben Rottenborn -- albeit with a different spin.

Rottenborn said a decision against Amber will have devastating effects on DV victims -- sending a message to those who choose to speak their truths, but don't have the most convincing documentation of their trauma ... a category in which Amber seemed to fall.

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THINK OF THE VICTIMS

Indeed ... while both Johnny and Amber had ample audio recordings of one another amid explosive fights -- it would appear only Johnny explicitly caught AH admitting to hitting him.

Of course, Johnny wasn't left looking like an angel by any means -- the infamous kitchen rampage tape was played in court, which shows him throwing a fit and slamming cabinets ... all while pouring himself a "mega pint" of wine, and finally catching Amber recording him.

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VIDEO SHOWN IN COURT

There were also vile texts Johnny sent about Amber, which were shown to the jury as well. Plus, Johnny's history of substance abuse was put under the microscope ... something he owned up to. And, then there are Amber's alleged injury photos, of which there were several.

Amber also got some of her friends to testify on her behalf, claiming they saw the alleged injuries after the fact ... and would often rush to console her after a blowout fight with JD.

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DENYING THE PUSH

Speaking of one of those fights, a memorable moment -- and a total W for Team Johnny -- came when his ex, Kate Moss, took the stand virtually to bat down a rumor that Amber invoked when she was testifying about an alleged staircase tussle, where she said she thought Johnny would throw her sister down ... like he'd allegedly done to KM.

That turned out to be total BS though, as Kate herself said there was no truth to that story -- and it seemed to hurt Amber's credibility, as did other testimony ... a la the ACLU "pledge."

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CRUEL AND GROTESQUE

There was also the matter of feces that was addressed early and often ... which made for a ton of meme fodder and jokes online, and almost always at the expense of Amber. As you know, Johnny seems to believe either she and/or a friend left it behind in their bed.

But, Amber herself denied it under oath -- blaming one of their teacup Yorkies, who she said had bowel issues ever since eating some of Johnny's weed. The jury is still out on that one.

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LEAVE ME ALONE!!!

All the same, it's clear this trial and all the public backlash against Amber took its toll on her -- she cried throughout this trial, but was especially passionate toward the end ... saying she just wanted to get on with her life, and that she's been left virtually broken from all this.

Now, this matter is going to be settled once and for all in the form of a jury. Even if Amber wins, some feel like she'll be more hurt than Johnny going forward. Time will tell.

Johnny Depp I've Got My Life Back!!! After Defamation Case Win

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4:57 PM PT -- Johnny's looking every bit the victor, and getting lots of love from the public. Just as the verdicts were announced, he was at a pub in the English town of Newcastle Upon Tyne with guitarist Jeff Beck and others.

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On the way out, fans cheered and high five'd him like a conquering hero.

Johnny Depp has a new lease on life after being awarded more than $10 million in his defamation case against Amber Heard ... telling the world he's "truly humbled" by the jury's decision.

In a lengthy statement following his win Wednesday, Depp says, "Six years ago, my life, the life of my children, the lives of those closest to me, and also, the lives of the people who for many, many years have supported and believed in me were forever changed. All in the blink of an eye."

He continues, "False, very serious and criminal allegations were levied at me via the media, which triggered an endless barrage of hateful content, although no charges were ever brought against me ... And six years later, the jury gave me my life back. I am truly humbled."

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RULING IN FAVOR OF DEPP

As we reported, a jury found Heard's op-ed titled, "I spoke up against sexual violence — and faced our culture’s wrath" defamed the actor, and awarded him $10.35M in damages. Heard was awarded $2M in compensatory damages of her own.

Depp's statement continues, "My decision to pursue this case, knowing very well the height of the legal hurdles that I would be facing and the inevitable, worldwide spectacle into my life, was only made after considerable thought."

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THINK OF THE VICTIMS

He says, "From the very beginning, the goal of bringing this case was to reveal the truth, regardless of the outcome. Speaking the truth was something that I owed to my children and to all those who have remained steadfast in their support of me. I feel at peace knowing I have finally accomplished that."

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LEAVE ME ALONE!!!

Depp also gives love to his fans, many of whom were outside the court, saying, "I am, and have been, overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and the colossal support and kindness from around the world. I hope that my quest to have the truth be told will have helped others, men or women, who have found themselves in my situation, and that those supporting them never give up. I also hope that the position will now return to innocent until proven guilty, both within the courts and in the media."

Offering thanks to those involved in the case, "I wish to acknowledge the noble work of the Judge, the jurors, the court staff and the Sheriffs who have sacrificed their own time to get to this point, and to my diligent and unwavering legal team who did an extraordinary job in helping me to share the truth."

Finally, he says, "The best is yet to come and a new chapter has finally begun. Veritas numquam perit. Truth never perishes."

Depp vs. Heard Jury Reaches Verdict

The jury has come to a conclusion on who's telling the truth and who's lying in Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard, and they will read their verdict at 3 PM Eastern time.

This was day 3 of deliberations, and the jury informed the judge just minutes ago they have reached a verdict.

As you know, they will decide both Johnny's claim that Amber allegedly defamed him, and Amber's countersuit alleging basically the same thing.

Although Johnny is suing for $50 million and Amber double that, vindication could be even more important to both of them.

Amber will be in court for the reading of the verdict. Johnny will not. A source close to Johnny tells TMZ, "Due to previously scheduled work commitments made before the trial, Mr. Depp will not be physically present for today's 3 PM verdict and will be watching from the United Kingdom."

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JOHNNY AND JEFF JAM OUT
SplashNews.com

A rep for Amber is bashing Depp's decision, telling us, "Your presence shows where your priorities are. Johnny Depp plays guitar in the UK while Amber Heard waits for a verdict in Virginia. Depp is taking his snickering and lack of seriousness on tour."

As we reported, Johnny has been doing concerts for the last 3 days in the U.K. with Jeff Beck. He presumably will do more concerts there before returning to the U.S.

TMZ will live stream the verdict.

Amber Heard Petition to Boot Her Off 'Aquaman 2' Reaching All-Time Record!!!

Bad news for Amber Heard -- even before the jury's verdict -- millions upon millions of 'Aquaman' fans have already decided they want her cut from the sequel, and they're signing a petition in near-record numbers.

As it stands, the petition has more than 4.4 million signatures ... well on its way to hitting 4.5M signatures, which would make it one of the most signed in Change.org's history.

The online document claims the Johnny Depp vs. Heard trial has exposed her as a domestic abuser, making her unfit to be on screen in the Jason Mamoa-led sequel.

As you know, it was reported Heard's character, Mera, only has about 10 minutes of screen time in "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom," but it looks like 4.4 million people think that's 10 minutes too much.

Of course, the Change.org petition carries no actual weight -- Amber has a contract, and will almost certainly remain in the film -- but studios might pay attention to the backlash when it comes to future Amber-related casting decisions.

Meanwhile, the jury deciding Amber's legal fate asked the judge Tuesday for guidance on how to handle Johnny's defamation claims -- in particular, the headline of Heard's Washington Post op-ed.

Deliberations continue today at the Fairfax County Courthouse in Virginia.

Kate Moss Hits Up Royal Albert Hall ... To Catch Live Johnny Depp Gig👀

Kate Moss will do more than just beam in virtually for Johnny Depp -- she'll even show up for him in the flesh ... so long as he's in her town, that is.

The supermodel and former girlfriend of the actor -- who's in the middle of waiting for a verdict with his other ex, Amber Heard, here in the States -- paid a visit to London's Royal Albert Hall Tuesday night ... where she watched JD shred on his guitar with Jeff Beck.

There were rumblings earlier in the week that Johnny had invited KM to catch one of his gigs while he was across the pond -- and wouldn't you know it ... she took him up on it!

You can see Kate heading out after the show Tuesday in photos obtained by DM -- where she seemed to be by herself with just a bodyguard in tow ... no sign of Johnny or really anyone else around her as the night wrapped up. Still, it's fascinating to see her out here.

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DENYING THE PUSH

Of course, Kate testified on Johnny's behalf last week during rebuttals -- this after Amber had invoked Kate's name the week prior when describing a fight she had with JD in 2015.

Johnny's team later got Amber to admit she only said that based on a rumor she'd apparently heard -- one in which JD supposedly pushed Kate down some stairs while they were dating in the '90s -- but KM herself shut that down and then some with her video deposition.

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FLASHBACKS TO KATE

Not only did she deny that ever happened ... she actually made Johnny sound fantastic by saying he came to her aid and cared for her after she'd injured herself at the time.

It was pretty incredible that Kate was willing to do this for Johnny after all these years -- in fact, her doing so actually sparked online re-shipping between the two from fans online ... who wanted to see them back together, and who felt there was still something there.

We thought that sounded silly when it'd bubbled up on the bird app -- but after this, we're not so sure ... maybe there is actually an old flame that could be rekindled at this point.

That, or they're just on really, really good terms ... which is possible too.

Dolph Lundgren Speaks Highly of Amber Heard ... Great on Set of 'Aquaman 2'

Amber Heard might be a terror behind closed doors -- at least according to Johnny Depp -- but she's an absolute pleasure in her professional life ... so says Dolph Lundgren.

The Swedish actor, famous for playing Drago in "Rocky IV," dished about his experience working with Amber for a second go-round as they filmed 'Aquaman 2' ... with both stars reprising their roles from the OG. That would be King Nereus and Mera, respectively.

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A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH

During a Memorial Day giveaway for Redline Steel ... Dolph told CEO, Colin Wayne, that Amber was easy to work with and super nice on set. Despite all the public backlash she's faced during the trial, DL had nothing bad to say about Amber.

He even mentioned her new baby, who apparently was around during production ... and charmed the cast and crew.

Of course, the fact AH was nice to Dolph during filming doesn't really negate what's been revealed in this case -- namely, that she's been in some nasty fights with Johnny.

At any rate, Dolph's experience is she's a pro on and off camera. Still, that doesn't appear to have been enough to secure her a larger role in the film -- it's been confirmed now that Amber's barely going to be in 'AM2.'

Marilyn Monroe Own A Personal Piece In 96th BDay Auction

Marylin Monroe has been dead for almost 60 years, but fans are still as desperate to own a piece of her history, a reality for people with deep pockets -- thanks to an upcoming auction.

Wednesday, June 1st, the day that would have marked Monroe's 96th birthday, Julien's and TCM announces to TMZ a Marilyn collection as part of their upcoming Hollywood Legends auction.

Fans will be able to get their hands on everything from Monroe's handwritten notes and famous photographs, to costumes worn during movie roles and moments from her career.

Among the items -- Marilyn's beige heels, gold-tone earrings with crystal beads, and her bedazzled gown with headpiece she wore during the 1954 musical "After You Get What You Want You Don't Want It." The outfit is expected to sell for $80K-100K.

There's also a pair of sequin leotard costumes Marilyn and Jane Russell wore in the 1953 movie "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" which are expected to fetch $100k.

As for the personal stuff, there's a handwritten note from 1955 about her acting classes that's estimated at $3K-$5K. There's also her personally owned AFTRA card with receipt of overdue payments and penalties.

The items will be available online and in-person, in Beverly Hills ... starting Friday, July 15, and they'll be up for auction the entire weekend.

Looks like Kim Kardashian won't be the only one with the opportunity to pull off a Marilyn Monroe look!

Jennifer Lopez Shows Off New 'J B' Manicure In Honor Of Ben Affleck

Jennifer Lopez is finding all sorts of ways to show off her love for her soon-to-be husband Ben Affleck … just ask her manicurist.

J Lo just got a set of fresh nails ... which included the initials "J" and "B" on her ring finger and a heart on her middle finger … courtesy of celebrity manicurist, Tom Bachik.

And, if it wasn't already obvious, Tom let folks on social media know exactly what it stands for in his caption. He wrote, "If you know… then you know 🏹 Jen and Ben forever #couplegoals for the boss @jlo #nailsbytombachik".

Of course, J Lo's huge green diamond ring was the perfect touch to the nail art in the photos.

As we've told you, J Lo announced that she and Ben got engaged (again) back in April --  nearly 20 years after he first asked Jen for her hand in marriage. We spotted that she had been wearing her massive diamond on her ring finger a little before ... and lo and behold!

The longtime lovers first got engaged in 2002, but called it quits in 2004, before they got married. They ended up rekindling about a year ago and the rest is history.

Surely, they have a lot on their plate as they hunt for a house to blend their families together ... and get ready to say "I do".

But first ... a fresh mani to honor her fiancé is top on the priority list 💅

Ham in 'The Sandlot' 'Memba Him?!

American actor Patrick Renna was just 14 years old when he was cast as Hamilton Porter aka 'Ham' -- the catcher (and s'mores connoisseur) for his tight-knit-neighborhood baseball team -- in the 1993 film "The Sandlot."

Renna shared the big screen with Mike Vitar as the team leader Benny 'The Jet' Rodriguez, Tom Guiry as Scott Smalls, Chauncey Leopardi as Michael 'Squints' Palledorous and Marty York as Alan 'Yeah-Yeah' McClennan.

PR can also be spotted in other epic '90s roles like the soccer goalie in "The Big Green" and the young cone-loving brother in the Pauly Shore movie "Son in Law."

Guess what he looks like today at 43 years old!

Depp vs. Heard Jury Asks Clarifying Question ... 10 Hours of Deliberations

We're officially one full day into deliberations for Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard, and so far -- the jury has already asked for clarification on one issue ... and it has to do with Amber.

The jury came back wanting some guidance on how to handle Johnny's defamation claims.  You'll recall he's suing over three statements in particular that were featured in AH's op-ed -- and the jurors wanna know whether they're supposed to look at the headline in isolation, or as part of the entire op-ed.

The headline they're referring to is the one that appeared in the digital version of the 2018 WaPo piece ... "I spoke up against sexual violence — and faced our culture’s wrath. That has to change."

The jury's query to the court -- "Does question number three -- "The statement is false" -- pertain to the headline ... or does it pertain to the content of the statement and everything written in the op-ed?"

The answer from Judge Penney Azcarate was to look at the headline in isolation as its own statement and to decide if it, by itself, is defamatory, without considering the full context of the op-ed. Now that they got their answer, the jury continues to deliberate ... so far, they're about 10 hours deep, total.

FWIW, the other two allegedly defamatory statements have to do with Amber calling herself a "public figure representing domestic abuse" and saying she had the "rare vantage point of seeing, in real time, how institutions protect men accused of abuse."

It's interesting the jury came back with this ... it seems to harken back to something Amber's attorney, Ben Rottenborn, argued in closing -- namely, even if the jury doesn't buy all of Amber's claims ... her statements in the op-ed are still technically true on their face. He says she did, in fact, speak up and she did, in fact, become a public figure representing DV.

Rottenborn also invoked the First Amendment in his closing argument -- saying Amber had every right to speak on her own personal experience.

Oh, and while JD and AH weren't in court today -- their attorneys certainly were. Handling business for their clients, obviously. Even in deliberations, they're as busy as ever.