Johnny Depp helped Eric Dane live rent-free during final months of ALS battle

Johnny Depp offered support to late actor Eric Dane in the months leading up to his death, allowing him to live “basically rent-free” in one of his homes.

The Grey’s Anatomy star, who passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at age 53, had publicly shared his ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) diagnosis 10 months earlier. Dane, who had battled the disease with courage, had become close to Depp through mutual friends years ago.

A source told the New York Post’s Page Six column, “Eric had one less thing to worry about. 

He was living basically rent-free in one of the homes Johnny owns above the Sunset Strip. He told Eric to pay whatever he could or couldn’t for rent. Johnny wanted to do what he could to ease the financial burden.”

Dane is survived by his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14. His family shared a statement following his passing.

“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. 

He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, who were the center of his world.

Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. 

Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”

In his final public appearance at an I AM ALS virtual panel in December 2025, Dane reflected candidly on living with ALS. By June 2025, he had lost the use of his right arm and hand. 

Speaking about his first role following his diagnosis in the drama Brilliant Minds, in which he portrayed an ALS patient, he admitted,

“I have no reason to be in a good spirit at any time, on any given day. I don’t think anybody would blame me if I went upstairs in my bedroom, crawled under the sheets, and spent the next two weeks crying. And I was a little bit pleasantly surprised when I realized that I wasn’t built like that, because I thought for sure that was gonna be me.”