Johnny Depp let Eric Dane live ‘rent-free in his home’ before death

Johnny Depp let Eric Dane live ‘rent-free in one of his LA homes’ as he tried to ease his financial worries in the months before his death. 

The Grey’s Anatomy star passed away on Thursday at the age of 53, 10 months after he publicly shared his diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 

He met Johnny through mutual friends years ago, and the Pirates Of The Caribbean star kindly allowed Eric to live in one of his homes amid his health woes.

A source has told of how Johnny wished to help out so he didn’t have to worry about another thing as he battled the disease. 

They said: ‘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.’

The source added to the New York Post newspaper’s Page Six column: ‘Johnny wanted to do what he could to ease the financial burden.’ 

Daily Mail has contacted Johnny Depp’s representative for comment. 

The actor’s death was announced on Thursday, less than a year after he revealed that he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

‘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 his final interview, Eric, described amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – the disease that tragically claimed his life at 53 on Thursday – as ‘something so horrible.’

Dane continued to put on a brave face during difficult times, appearing on a virtual panel in December of 2025 for I AM ALS and Synapticure on Giving Tuesday.

He spoke about a role that he had on a Brilliant Minds episode the previously month, portraying a firefighter and 9/11 hero named Matthew, who had a difficult time disclosing his ALS diagnosis to relatives.

Dane said he was ‘grateful’ for the role – in which he acted opposite Mädchen Amick, who played his wife – as it was a ‘cathartic’ experience to portray living with ALS.

Dane said it had been ‘very encouraging’ that his spirit remained ‘buoyant … in the face of something so horrible.’

He said of his life two months ago: ‘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.’

Dane said he ‘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.’

Dane said the role was a piece of the tireless advocacy he put forth in what would ultimately be his final days, as he spread awareness about the condition in hopes of bolstering more research toward a cure.

‘I make sure that people are aware of what ALS is and what it’s about, and more importantly, what we can do to combat it and improve the landscape,’ he said.

‘Because it’s so rocky and littered with hurdles and bureaucracy and all this other nonsense that we’re trying to sift through so we can get to a place where we go, start working on solution.’   

Symptoms often progress rapidly and are difficult to detect in the early stages.

Dane first noticed weakness in his right hand in early 2024, assuming he’d simply ‘been texting too much or my hand was fatigued’.

After months of testing and multiple specialist visits, he received the official diagnosis in April. By June, he had lost use of his right arm.

While life expectancy for ALS patients typically ranges from three to five years, Dane’s decline has been swift and painful.

Through it all, his ex-wife and longtime confidante, Beverly Hills, 90210 actress Rebecca Gayheart, has remained one of his strongest sources of support.

The couple’s story began in 2003 when Gayheart, then fresh from a long-term relationship with producer Brett Ratner and starring in Nip/Tuck, met Dane, who was still climbing the Hollywood ladder after small roles in Saved by the Bell, The Wonder Years, and Roseanne.

They shares two daughters, Billie, 15, and Georgia, 13.

By 2018, his marriage to Gayheart had run its course, and she filed for divorce after 14 years together.

When Dane received his ALS diagnosis, Gayheart reportedly halted the divorce process and recommitted to being by his side.

‘We are best of friends. We are really close. We are great co-parents,’ she told E! on the eve of his announcement. ‘We really figured out the formula to staying a family… I think our kids are benefiting greatly from it and we are as well.’

On Thursday, The ALS Network posted a tribute to Dane ‘whose courage in the face of ALS inspired millions.’

‘After publicly sharing his diagnosis, Eric used his voice to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and shine a global spotlight on the urgent need for treatments and cures,’ a representative wrote via Instagram.

‘We were honored to collaborate with him and name him our 2025 Advocate of the Year. His strength, honesty, and compassion helped the world better understand what families facing ALS endure every day.

‘The ALS Network extends heartfelt condolences to his loved ones and to all who were touched by his advocacy. His impact on the ALS community will not be forgotten.’