Introducing... Our February Cover Star: Amber Heard Talks Johnny Depp, Hollywood & Being A Stepmum

Catch Heard in The Danish Girl as of the 1st of January

Appearing in the blockbuster Magic Mike sequel alongside Channing Tatum and co, and with a starring role in the much-anticipated The Danish Girl (which is released January 1st) - oh and not to mention getting married to longterm partner Johnny Depp - to say 2015 was a busy year for our February cover star Amber Heard would probably be classified as quite the understatement.

Photo Credit: Boe Marion / Marie Claire

Looking nothing short of show-stopping on this month's cover of Marie Claire, Amber - who appears in a pink tuxedo blazer, leaving her bronde hair loose around her shoulders save for a wash of copper eyeshadow across her lids - opens up about her marriage to Depp, sexism in Hollywood and becoming a stepmum.

Photo Credit: Boe Marion / Marie Claire

The 29-year-old actress, who originally hails from Texas, also speaks candidly about the constant scrutiny of her marriage: 'I try not to react to the horrible misrepresentation of our lives, but it is strange, and hard,' adding that being a stepmum to teenagers Lily-Rose and Jack Depp, makes her incredibly happy. 'It's an honour and the greatest, most surprising gift I have ever received in my life. I feel new flavours that I didn't know existed. New colours that I didn't know existed have been added to my life. I'm so happy.'

Photo Credit: Boe Marion / Marie Claire

Heard also discusses gay rights in the interview, saying 'so much needs to change,' adding: 'No matter what people want to label me as, I still fight for equality, and I think popular opinion will catch up. I think it already has, actually. I think our generation sees themselves as part of a larger global community, and therefore, it's harder to enact basic tribalistic prejudices based on ignorance and hate.'

The Rum Diary star also touches on the double standards many others have spoken about in Hollywood too, saying: 'If I were a man, I'd be allowed to play roles that were compelling and drove an audience to an emotional response,' and she speaks openly about how her own upbringing has instilled a strong work ethic in her.

'You respect what it takes to earn it [money], and it also gives you a certain resilience, because it minimizes this false notion that that's what matters,' she says. 'I know that to not be true, and I know I'm fine without it. That's why maybe I'm so independent. I never expect anyone to give me anything - the notion of someone supporting me would be absurd to me.'

The February issue of Marie Claire is on sale now.