While Johnny Depp is now known for a variety of film roles, he initially gained notoriety as Officer Tom Hanson in the TV series 21 Jump Street. The 1987-1991 series followed two undercover police officers who could pass as high school students. Their youthful appearance allowed them to disguise themselves and investigate crimes at places where teenagers gathered, like high schools and colleges, and it later turned into a film franchise.

Despite the show launching his acting career, Depp wasn't a fan of the increased attention he received due to his role on 21 Jump Street. Even if he did earn a salary of around $45,000 per episode (via Johnny Depp: A Biography), he was looking for a way out of the series early on. Depp finally left in 1990 -- after multiple attempts to get fired. Why would he want to leave what was one of the more popular shows on TV?

RELATED: Can Pirates of the Caribbean Survive Without Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow?

Who Was Officer Tom Hanson on 21 Jump Street?

Johnny Depp 21 Jump Street pic

Despite struggling at both high school and the police academy, Tom Hanson fulfilled his dreams of becoming a police officer. Tom was inspired to join the force after his father -- also an officer -- was killed in the line of duty. He wanted to seek justice for his father's death and help those in need.If his father's death wasn't enough trauma for Tom, the young officer witnessed his girlfriend Amy Pearson's death in Season 2, Episode 16, "Orpheus 3.3," when an armed individual robbed a convenience store and shot her.

Tom's time in the Jump Street program didn't go smoothly. If it wasn't his reckless behavior that would have caused him to be demoted to filing staff, it was his sergeant Judy Hoffs, who clearly didn't care for him. Tom's struggles almost led to him abandoning the force during his run on 21 Jump Street. He continued to get less assignments in Season 3, and mysteriously vanished without a trace at the end of Season 4.

RELATED: Jim Carrey Was Considered for Two Major Johnny Depp Roles

Why Johnny Depp Left 21 Jump Street

21 Jump Street series cast

Despite the show's success, Johnny Depp became disinterested in 21 Jump Street by the time Season 3 began. The actor compared the season to an "action-packed can of soup" in a 1989 interview with The Insider. Depp was incredibly adamant about exiting 21 Jump Street to branch out creatively following a meeting with director Tim Burton, whom he later collaborated with on Edward Scissorhands after Tom Cruise left the production. Depp was so insistent on leaving that he attempted to get himself fired multiple times. According to The Telegraph, Depp trashed his trailer so he could be let go.

Depp did reprise his role as Tom Hanson in the eponymous 2012 film adaptation -- wearing a disguise that Brie Larson didn't even recognize him in. Depp appeared alongside his 21 Jump Street co-star Peter DeLuise, whose character Doug Penhall had his backstory retconned. The movie did solved the mystery of why Tom disappeared in the series; it was revealed he had transferred to the DEA. The actor did not return for the sequel 22 Jump Street, which led to an abandoned crossover idea. At least fans of the TV series finally got an idea of what happened to Tom after so many years.