In an act of quiet generosity, actor Johnny Depp provided late actor Eric Dane with a place to stay in one of his Los Angeles properties, allowing him to live rent-free while navigating financial and health struggles, a report claimed. The Grey’s Anatomy actor died on Thursday at 53, following a ten-month battle with ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a neurodegenerative disease that gradually paralyses muscles.
Depp and Dane had become close through mutual acquaintances years prior, leading the Pirates of the Caribbean star to offer his home as a sanctuary during Dane’s final months. Depp wished to help out so he didn’t have to worry about another thing as he battled the disease, as reported by Page Six, while quoting a source.
“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,” the report said.
“Johnny wanted to do what he could to ease the financial burden,” the report added. The news about Dane’s death broke on Thursday, coming less than twelve months after he first went public with his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosis. The actor had been battling the condition, frequently referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, since revealing the illness to his fans last year.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” his family said in a statement to People on Thursday.
“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world,” they continued.
“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,” their statement concluded.
In June 2025, the actor appeared on Good Morning America, where he talked about dealing with just ‘one functioning arm’. On the show, he said, “My left side is functioning, my right side has completely stopped working. I feel like maybe a couple more months and I won’t have my left hand either. It’s sobering.”
Eric Dane was popular among fans as McSteamy, aka Mark Sloan on Grey’s Anatomy. He joined midway in the second season of Shonda Rhimes’s Grey’s Anatomy and became one of the main characters.
