Johnny Depp reportedly helped ease Eric Dane’s financial worries in the months leading up to his death by allowing him to stay in one of his homes. The Grey’s Anatomy star, who died on Thursday at age 53 following a battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), had known the Pirates of the Caribbean actor for years through mutual friends. According to a source, Depp stepped in to help as Dane navigated mounting health challenges.
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 publicly revealed his ALS diagnosis in April 2025. The progressive neurodegenerative disease attacks nerve cells and causes loss of muscle control. By June 2025, he had lost the use of his right arm and hand.
His family confirmed his passing in a statement: “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, Billie and Georgia, who were the centre 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.”
The statement went on, “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 spoke candidly about living with the disease, describing it as “so horrible.”
Reflecting on his first onscreen role following his diagnosis in the drama Brilliant Minds, he said, “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 realised that I wasn’t built like that, because I thought for sure that was gonna be me.”
Dane is survived by his daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 14, whom he shared with actress Rebecca Gayheart.
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Eric Dane dies at 53 following battle with ALS
