Johnny Depp quietly stepped up for a friend in need before his devastating death. According to Page Six, the “Pirates of the Caribbean” star opened the doors of one of his Los Angeles homes to ailing pal Eric Dane — with a pay-what-you-can arrangement following the “Grey’s Anatomy” star’s diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
“Eric [had] one less thing to worry about,” the insider tells the publication. 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.”
Depp and Dane met through mutual friends years ago. The source explains that as Dane struggled with the debilitating disease, “Johnny wanted to do what he could to ease the financial burden.”
Dane lost his battle with ALS on Thursday at 53 years old. “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 center of his world,” the family announced in a statement.
“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 continued. “He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always.”
© SAUL LOEBALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive nervous system disorder that causes loss of muscle control. It often requires extensive care, home modifications, and full-time assistance as it advances. Financial strain is a reality for many families navigating the illness. For Dane, that burden was quietly lightened.
Eric Dane’s Brave Fight With ALS
The “Grey’s Anatomy” alum revealed his diagnosis publicly in April 2025. By June, the disease had already progressed dramatically. “My left side is functioning, my right side has completely stopped working,” the “Euphoria” star said in an interview with Diane Sawyer on “Good Morning America.” “I feel like maybe a couple more months and I won’t have my left hand either. It’s sobering.”
Despite the rapid progression, Dane leaned into advocacy. He joined the board of Target ALS, a nonprofit focused on accelerating research for treatments and a cure. His determination to raise awareness turned personal pain into public purpose.
© Getty ImagesIn November, he portrayed a firefighter battling ALS in an episode of “Brilliant Minds,” blending art and reality in a performance that resonated deeply. By January, however, he was forced to cancel his appearance at the ALS Network’s Champions for Cures and Care Gala, citing “the physical realities of ALS” and not being “well enough to attend.”
The Legacy He Leaves Behind
ALS has claimed the lives of several high-profile figures, including baseball legend Lou Gehrig, theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, and singer Roberta Flack. The disease remains incurable, with treatments focused primarily on slowing progression and managing symptoms.
Dane’s family confirmed he passed surrounded by those closest to him, including his wife and daughters, Billie and Georgia.
© FilmMagicHis advocacy work, however, continues beyond his lifetime. ALS research funding has expanded significantly in recent years, driven in part by public awareness campaigns and celebrity involvement. Dane’s voice added urgency to that mission during his final months.
Eric Dane’s life and career spanned television hits, film roles, and advocacy work that will outlast the red carpets. His final chapter was marked by courage, honesty, and a community that showed up for him when it mattered most.
Read the full article here
